Whistler Multicultural Society
Building Equitable Community
Whistler Multicultural Society's (WMS) vision is that newcomers and immigrants are resilient and are thriving. Our programs build cross-cultural interaction and connections, develop awareness and understanding of our local diversity, and seek to grow equity and inclusion. We aim to build the voice and profile of newcomers and immigrants in our local society, and to develop community inclusion initiatives.
May 2024.... events and dates to mark..
May is Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, and now, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.
This month is also a reminder for all of us to come together to combat anti-Asian racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Check out the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society and the May festival.
In May, at our Multicultural Community Kitchen, we'll be enjoying Filipino food to honour Asian Heritage Month. Learn more and sign up here.
Red Dress Day
May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) in Canada. Also known as Red Dress Day.
This day began with a work by artists, Jaime Black, in response to more than 1000 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. The red dresses act as a visual reminder of all of the missing women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. The day is about building awareness of the ongoing harm and honouring those we have lost and their families. You can mark the day by:
Wearing red and posting it to social media. Use hashtags such as: #MMIWG, #MMIWG2S, #RedDressDay, #WhyWeWearRed, and #NoMoreStolenSisters
Hang a red dress in your window or your yard.
International Cultural Diversity Day
Protecting the diversity of cultural expressions is more important than ever. 89% of all current conflicts in the world are occurring in countries with low intercultural dialogue, so building effective cooperation and sustainable peace, and strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority.
According to UNESCO data, the cultural and creative sector accounts for more than 48 million jobs globally –almost half of which are held by women – representing 6.2% of all existing employment and 3.1% of global GDP.
The day, celebrated on May 21, provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and its importance in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms across the world.
Working for newcomers, immigrants, and diversity across the Sea to Sky