Respect, equality and diversity are the three fundamental ideals that support the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society marks the celebration with a pair of events Wednesday (March 21).
The day starts at The Vault Coffee House, 499 Wallace St., at 10 a.m. with a proclamation by Mayor John Ruttan, and a discussion on the importance of ending workplace discrimination and opening doors to employ immigrants.
That’s followed by a screening of Meet Your Neighbours, a three- minute video on the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society by Nanaimo filmmaker Paul Manly.
The film provides insight into the experience, education and determination immigrants bring to the workplace.
The evening event takes place at the society’s office, 101-319 Selby St., at 6 p.m. and features two films on diversity.
The Youth Diversity Project was filmed by a group of young people during last summer’s Vancouver Island Exhibition.
The location was chosen as the videographers saw the exhibition as the best spot to find differing perspectives on diversity.
The goal was to use video as a means of conversation with the community to talk about diversity.
The videographers will be in attendance to answer questions regarding the project.
Defining Diversity, Creating Community weaves the stories of some of the diverse people who live in Powell River, revealing a rich and complex tapestry of cultures, experiences, beliefs and lifestyles.
The concept of diversity is opened up and explored through both the positive and negative experiences of people as they have attempted to find their place in this community.
At the core of these stories is a reflection of how prejudice can be transformed into tolerance, then into acceptance and eventually into a full appreciation and celebration of difference.
A discussion with film producer, Michelle Hignell, follows the screening.
For more information on the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, please go to www.cvims.org, e-mail admin@cvims.org or call 250-753-6911.