Lethbridge Hate Crime Awareness Day 2014
Location: Southern Alberta Ethnic Association
Award Recipient: Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge (ACL)
The fifth annual Hate Crime Awareness Day was a success in Lethbridge, Alberta. As in the previous years, the event was during the week of the National Victims of Crime Awareness Week sponsored by the Federal Department of Justice. This year’s theme was "Taking Action". On April 9th, 2014 at 11:30 am, approximately 40 members of the public came together at the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association headquarters to honor the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge with the Alberta Hate Crimes Awareness Day celebration and Award. Les Vonkeman started the awareness day by talking about the Alberta Hate Crime Committee and discussed the importance of the committee within the community of Lethbridge.
Bob Campbell, President for the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination then spoke about working towards an inclusive community without hate, discrimination and racism. Roy Pogorzelski, the recently hired Inclusion Consultant with the City of Lethbridge, was slated to be introduced and speak but due to an illness was unable to speak.
Police Chief Tom McKenzie then spoke about the commitment of the Police to the community and how our Community & Diversity Resource Team is available to assist in not only a supporting role but also in an investigating capacity when it comes to hate crime and hate bias incidents. A power point presentation explaining the difference was running in a looping format explaining the differences to the participants.
Les Vonkeman introduced the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and addressed the leadership role the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge has played and continues to play in addressing hate, racism and discrimination for the First Nations population in Lethbridge and the surrounding communities. The 2nd annual award was presented to the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge with Chief Tom McKenzie presenting the award to Jacinda Weiss, CEO of the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge. Jacinda spoke of the organizations commitment to continuing the works and collaborations they were recognized for. Several aboriginal youth in attendance are currently involved with the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and an employment program they have running.
After the award was presented an authentic First Nations meal of (Saskatoon) Berry soup and fry bread was served. The meal was prepared by Veronica Calf Robe and according to the attendees is known as the best cook on the Blood Tribe Reserve. The smaller crowd size enabled good interactions between all of the attendee’s during the meal.
The event was covered by several local radio stations and the Lethbridge Herald.
