Stereotypes, racist comments, negative headlines in media about various countries, can leave people who have immigrated here viewed through a single lens.
The Multicultural Speaker Series, a partnership of Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society and the City of Nanaimo, aims to widen the lens through which we view other countries and immigrants in Nanaimo, many of whom are our neighbours.
This free speaker series, open to the public, will take place over four Wednesday nights in October, beginning Oct. 2, from 6:30- 8 p.m. at the Nanaimo Hornets rugby clubhouse, 6700 Dover Rd.
Each night two guest speakers from different parts of the world including Iraq, Israel, China, Sudan and Ethiopia will take the stage to share information and experiences about their country of origin.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to better understand our neighbours, develop respectful relationships and reduce discrimination,” said Samantha Letourneau, diversity coordinator at the multicultural society, in a press release.
John Horn, social planner with the City of Nanaimo, said he believes that a successful city must include healthy relationships between all residents.
Please visit www.cvims.org.