Encouraging multiculturalism and challenging racism are the cornerstones of the Embracing Difference, Engaging Symposium taking place in Burnaby this week.

On Oct. 11 and 12, key practitioners and advocates will provide approximately 230 delegates with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, showcase best practices and build provincewide understanding and skills for trainers in the field of anti-racism, diversity and multiculturalism. The symposium is hosted by the B.C. government's EmbraceBC program.

The symposium will offer 25 sessions ranging from workshops to individual and panel presentations covering a wide range of topics, including multiculturalism, community response to hate crimes, building capacity among organizations concerned with racism and First Nations' approach to community engagement.

Quote:

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism -

"Cultural diversity and increased participation and engagement by all cultures are vitally important to create a strong and vibrant social and economic future for British Columbia. Support for this symposium highlights government's commitment to creating a rich multicultural society which nurtures acceptance, understanding and mutual respect for all."

Quick Facts:

• Immigrants account for approximately 27 per cent of B.C.'s population. An additional five per cent of the population is made up of indigenous Aboriginal peoples.

• EmbraceBC was launched in 2009 to provide resources and tools that help British Columbians understand the importance of diversity and increase their level of community engagement around multiculturalism and anti-racism.

• EmbraceBC provides funding opportunities for community-based anti-racism and multiculturalism projects through six program elements: Arts Engagement, Community Dialogues, Inclusive Leadership, Interfaith Bridging, Organizing Against Racism and Hate, and Public Education.

• Since 2009, EmbraceBC has funded over 85 projects, engaging more than 12,000 participants throughout British Columbia and has provided close to $5 million in funding since the program was launched.

• B.C.'s 2012 Multiculturalism Week runs from Nov. 18-24 and includes the Provincial Nesika Awards, which celebrate our cultural diversity and indigenous communities and recognizes the people, organizations and communities whose exceptional work helps bring B.C.'s diverse cultures closer together.

Learn More:

EmbraceBC: http://www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/about.page?WT.svl=LeftNav

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism
250 952-6400