MEDIA ADVISORY: Thunder Bay Indigenous and newcomer communities gather for reconciliation, March 22
Thunder Bay hosts final KAIROS Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships event
(Thunder Bay, ON) – KAIROS Canada, in partnership with local organizations, presents Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships for a Just and Inclusive Community in Thunder Bay on March 22 at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Indigenous Chair on Truth and Reconciliation on behalf of Lakehead University, Thunder Bay and Orillia
This reconciliation event, locally known as Reconciliation in Thunder Bay: Moving Forward Together, will bring together Indigenous, immigrant and migrant communities to explore opportunities, challenges and recommendations for building relationships during this time of reconciliation.
KAIROS Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships events also took place in Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Edmonton in February and March. The first event occurred on October 28, 2017 in Fredericton. This series wraps up in Thunder Bay on March 22.
WHAT: Reconciliation in Thunder Bay: Moving Forward Together
Participants will learn about reconciliation efforts in Thunder Bay and join the conversation. Featuring the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, a powerful reconciliation exercise, and keynote speaker, Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Indigenous Chair on Truth and Reconciliation on behalf of Lakehead University, Thunder Bay and Orillia
WHEN: Thursday, March 22 – 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School – Gymnasium, 315 Edward St. N.
SPOKESPEOPLE: Moffat S. Makuto, Executive Director, Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario/Regional Multicultural Youth Council Multicultural Youth Centre
Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant & Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada
KAIROS has partnered with the following organizations to help bring together Indigenous and newcomer communities in Thunder Bay: Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Diversity Thunder Bay, RMYC, and Thunder Bay Public Library.
Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Ontario Government.
“Reconciliation and Canada itself will be strengthened by building relationships of respect and solidarity between Indigenous peoples and newcomers,” says Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant and Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada. “KAIROS’ Friendship events are designed to start important conversations, and foster connections that will lead to lifelong friendships and more inclusive communities.”
About KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
KAIROS is a faith-based social justice organization of ten Canadian churches and religious organizations. It focuses on Indigenous rights, international human rights and ecological justice. We deliberate on issues of common concern, advocate for social change and join with people of faith and goodwill in action for social transformation. Learn more: kairoscanada.org.
Media Contacts:
Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant & Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada
647-236-3798 (mobile), abarahona@kairoscanada.org
