Sunday, December 4, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
From the pages of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cycling4Diversity initiative began in 2011 to celebrate “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” on May 21st - a day proclaimed by the United Nations. Our mission is to make a number of stops along the way in different cities to celebrate diversity and build bridges. This will encourage dialogue regarding racism, discrimination and shed some light on underlying issues associated with living among different cultures and races. This initiative is all about teamwork, creating awareness and bridging the divisions. By traveling through the different cities and meeting with students in several schools as well as community organizations and neighbourhoods, we will have the opportunity to learn about other different cultures, which will allow us gain a better understanding for who they are so that we can celebrate our differences. Our vision is to reach out to many people along the way and come together for the good of a common goal.
In 2011, from May 18th-21st a group of cyclists travelled 200 kilometres from Mission, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia.
The cyclists stopped in Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond and Victoria. The cyclists made various stops speaking with students and organizations about cultural diversity, racism, discrimination and inclusivity. In addition, celebrations took place with civic leaders and individuals from the community.
On the morning of the 18th, the ride was launched with the assistance of the District of Mission where a Ginko Biloba tree was planted at Griner Park. One of the most memorable moments of the ride took place when the cyclists visited the Indian Friendship Centre in historical downtown Mission, BC where the team was part of a native drumming ceremony. Also, a bandana was placed on each cyclist.
Another memorable stop was at the Dashmesh Punjabi School located in Matsqui Village. A large group of students along with their teachers were waiting outside and gave a warm welcome to the team upon arrival waving their school flags.
An hour celebration took place at the Abbotsford, BC Canada Safeway where supporters of the community came out to enjoy food and entertainment. Entertainment included Korean drummers and Bhangra dancers and a mob flash.
On the last day of the trek, the riders were welcomed on World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21st at the British Columbia Legislature building by the Acting Mayor of Victoria, Marianne Alto.
The team received support from local governments and the Province of British Columbia. The District of Mission, the City of Burnaby and the City of Victoria all awarded proclamations for their efforts. The Province of British Columbia announced that May 21st 2011 was declared “Cycling for Diversity Day” throughout the province.
The bike used by team leader and founder, Ken Herar was purchased from Wentings Cycle & Mountain Shop located in Mission, BC. The Devinci Oslo Hybrid road bike was raffled off and the recipient who won the bike wanted to give the bike back to the Cycling4Diversity team. Executive Coordinator, Sarina Derksen decided to purchase the bike and make it available on an annual basis for the cyclists to use.
The individuals that participated in this inaugural journey were: Ken Herar and Abbotsford City Councillor Bill McGregor, Alexandria Mitchell, Sukhi Dhami, Abbotsford Deputy Police Chief Rick Lucy, Pat Peron, Chris Singer, Cheryl Tallman and Langley City Councillor Dave Hall. Supporting staff: Sarina Derksen, Rick Rake, Deesh Sekhon, Rina Gill, Sum Dhillon, Shar Dubas, Dwayne De Souza, Sav Dhaliwal, Balwant Sanghera and Susan Archer.
Supporting financial partnerships included: Envision Financial, Van City (Mission Branch) Diane Delves (Quantum Properties), Canada Safeway, Rotary Club of Mission (Sunrise), Khalsa Diwan Society, Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association and Peter Warkentin (Quadra Homes). “By creating awareness, we are making a difference. The colours and cultures of Canada are changing and we should never stop building bridges.” Ken Herar Founder of Cycling4Diversity and Recipient of the Champion of Diversity Award 2007.
“I’m excited to be part of such an important initiative and help in spreading the message of building inclusive communities across our country. Creating awareness and dialogue is crucial in making this happen and we’re doing so by creating relationships and partnering with organizations and numerous individuals within our communities.” Sarina Derksen Cycling4Diversity Executive Coordinator
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Canada has 20 years to fix the growing 'cultural polarization' or face serious uphill challenges.
Electing to engage harmony and inclusion from the start
Now that the elections are over and the signs are coming down, it's time to look towards the future and create positive dialogue regarding the issues in our community.
One of the issues that wasn't discussed during this election was our growing cultural divide.
This divide does not only exist here in Abbotsford and Mission, but throughout several pockets within our country. Local elected officials have an important role and responsibility in demonstrating leadership on this topic.
The main reason why the cultural divide in Canada has continued to grow is because we have allowed it to, and our elected officials have paid very little attention to the matter.
In the next 20 years, if Canadians do not tackle or change the course of action the cultural polarization will continue to spread.
We're at a crucial turning point where we can build bridges and strengthen partnerships within our communities, or face the consequences of growing isolation.
The more isolated communities become, the risk of racism becomes a reality.
Unfortunately in recent years, many ethnic groups have steered away from becoming involved with other cultures other than their own in mainstream activities.
Parents and their children need to encourage each other daily to speak to other people outside of their own ethnic backgrounds and invite them into their homes.
Some of the ways families and people within our communities can be proactive in this change is to join integrated sports teams and leagues, or become involved in local activities.
I had the pleasure of meeting Svitlana Zafiekina at a Diwali function in Mission. She is visiting us for the third time as part of the Canada World Youth volunteer exchange pro-gram. As part of her PhD research, she is studying our diversity model and plans on taking our example back to the Ukraine to share with others.
"Canada is diverse and multicultural, I wanted to learn if diversity was taught here and if so how? It's an exciting program because I'm able to work with different cultures," she said.
This story is a leading example of how we can build relationships with people from different countries and cultures.
Throughout my years as a columnist, I've always strived to strike a fair balance in building a strong, connected and diverse community.
Sometimes I receive negative feedback that may surprise some.
Recently, I was told: "You're against your own ethnic [South Asian] community."
It's extremely disheartening. What I have been is fair and honest in my commentary without favouritism or biases.
- Ken Herar is a freelance columnist. Contact him at: kenherar@gmail.com.
© Copyright (c) Abbotsford Times
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