Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month in Saskatoon was kicked of with a ceremony in Council Chambers, followed by a flag raising by dignitaries and members of the community.

Dignitaries and new Canadians joined Mayor Charlie Clark at the flag raising to launch Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month.

The ceremony included greetings from His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark, Chief Human Rights Commissioner Judge David Arnot, Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson, and Reconciliation Saskatoon representative, Neal Kewistep.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says Cultural Diversity and Race Relations month is more important than ever, noting that recent studies have shown hate speech on social media has gone up a whopping 600%.

Mayor Clark pointed out the significance and importance of raising issues around race in this month.

“In our city we have 72 groups that are part of Reconciliation Saskatoon that work together to do better for everyone that lives here,” said Mayor Clark. “We all have to do our part.”  

Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson and former Treaty Commissioner and now Human Rights Commissioner Judge David Arnot applaud the raising of the flag at the ceremony in front of Saskatoon’s City Hall.

A highlight of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations month is the Living in Harmony Recognition Awards. These honours are always presented at a special ceremony on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year, the awards will be presented at the Roxy Theatre on Wednesday, March 21 starting at 1pm. The awards have been in existence since 1998.