Community Wide Anti-Racism Campaign
The County of Lambton’s Social Planning Department, with the support of the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), launched a community-wide Anti-Racism Campaign on October 2nd, 2017. The Anti-Racism Campaign Launch was a community-wide full day event which took place at the Best Western Plus Guildwood Inn in Sarnia. The event featured keynote speakers Dr. Jasmin Zine and Saleha Khan, who spoke about and led discussion on anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, and best practices and strategies for challenging discrimination.
Moving forward, this campaign will promote diversity and inclusion for all residents of Sarnia-Lambton by challenging all forms of racism, discrimination and prejudice. This will be done through the formation of a citizen led committee which will develop a county wide anti-racism strategy, a bid to join the UN led Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CCMARD), and the Anti-Racism Arts Program, a unique program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, which will use the arts to engage residents of all ages in challenging racism and discrimination. We welcome anyone interested in learning more or joining this initiative to contact Stephanie Ferrera at [email protected] or to visit our Facebook page @SarniaLambtonLIP
Anti-racism Arts Project
Lambton County Receives Funding from the Government of Ontario for the Anti-Racism Arts Project (ARAP):
What is it?
The Anti-Racism Arts Program, a unique program funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Municipal Innovation Fund (MIF), will use multi-media arts to engage Lambton County residents of all ages in challenging racism and discrimination. There are three main aspects of the project:
- Art workshops for those in the community who have experienced and/or want to learn more about racism and discrimination – These workshops will be facilitated by artists along with professionals in the field of trauma. Additionally, education sessions will be held for the general public that will help to define racism and how individuals can identify personal practice and create opportunities for positive change and growth in areas of cultural diversity.
- Secondary Student Art Challenge – This multi-media art challenge invites all students in Grades 7-12 to submit work reflecting on diversity and anti-racism. Prizes will be awarded and the top three contestants will be offered a chance to showcase their art in the community (i.e. County libraries, schools and other public venues). All submissions are due on March 23rd, 2018. For more information, please visit Sarnia-Lambton LIP’s Facebook page (@SarniaLambtonLIP).
- Sustainable Program Facilitation – A committee will be struck to oversee an anti-racism campaign with relevant activities that will ensure that efforts to educate, inform and promote community solidarity will continue long after the funding agreement with MCI has expired. This committee will consist of local leaders and change makers who have a stake in making Lambton a safe, culturally aware and welcoming community for all.
Objective:
« Newcomers are a vital and growing part of Ontario’s communities. They contribute to the social, economic and cultural enrichment of our province. The Province of Ontario and Lambton County are investing in a bright future by supporting programs to help engage, support and integrate newcomers into our province so that they can thrive and excel. »
— Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
The County of Lambton is very grateful for the funding provided by the Government Ontario for the Anti-Racism Arts Project. This project aims to address racism, discrimination and bias that may be experienced by newcomers, immigrants, refugees and racialized communities, while promoting cultural diversity and celebrating the benefits immigration brings to communities like Lambton.
Funded by:
Media Coverage of the Anti-Racism Campaign and Anti-Racism Arts Project
« Newcomer Youth Summit brings together agencies and kids » – Sarnia and Lambton County This week (March 19, 2018)
« Anti-racism campaign offers students a voice » – Sarnia Observer (February 14, 2018)
« Funding for anti-racism arts project » – The Sarnia Journal (February 11, 2018)
« Anti-racism art project funded by Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration » – Sarnia Observer (October 2, 2017)
« Sarnia-Lambton anti-racism campaign » – interview with Windsor Morning on CBC Radio (October 2, 2017)
