THUNDER BAY – Marie Wilson is challenging Canadians to take a long, hard look at the 94 calls to action put forth two years ago by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Wilson, one of three commissioners who crisscrossed the country seeking out the stories of residential school survivors and their descendants, said the calls to action outline things that need action in every area of society.
And it’s a way every Canadian can take part in both the healing process and help the country move forward as one.
Wilson, who on Wednesday spoke at Diversity Thunder Bay’s 11th annual breakfast in honour of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said education is still needed at all levels.
She added deliberate partnerships and collaborations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups are also important and necessary tools.
However, she cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Diversity on its own is not a cure-all for inequality,” Wilson told about 500 people in attendance at the annual meeting.
The message to the group delivered by Wilson was to keep on doing what they’re doing. While Thunder Bay isn’t perfect, she said it was clear to her there is a large portion of the community who want to make a change.
“But also to get more aggressive in reaching out to many part of the community that are not yet engaged, that are not yet informed,” Wilson said.
“I think they should become particularly more rigorous that things are being done in collaboration with Indigenous leadership so that it’s not two parallel sets of effort, but it is a concerted effort toward a common purpose.”
Prior to Wilson’s speech, Lakehead University student Farhan Yousaf was presented Diversity Thunder Bay’s Respect Award, given to someone who promotes the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that recognize the importance of human dignity. Yousaf started Cultural Days at the university and is an executive member of the University Service of Canada Student Refugee program.
“I was overwhelmed,” he said. “I’m thankful to the committee for recognizing me for the work. This is not only for me, it’s for all the people doing great work in this community.”
