Level: Secondary1 LET’S ACT TO ELIMINATE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination  

Level: Secondary1 Definition of discrimination by the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse: « Discrimination occurs when an individual or a group of individuals is treated differently on account of personal characteristics. Discrimination may occur through distinction, exclusion or preference. It can be practiced by an individual or by an organization. Discrimination creates inequalities between individuals and prevents the individual or group of individuals subjected to discrimination from fully exercising their rights. There are several forms of discrimination: direct, indirect, and systemic. All forms of discrimination are prohibited under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms , and, therefore, prohibited in Québec.” Source Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, Discrimination: prohibited practices, [online], http://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/droits-de-la-personne/pratiques/Pages/discrimination.aspx [page visited 13/02/2017].

Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or Level: Secondary1 Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or

Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or Level: Secondary1 Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21 was proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966 by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa. “Apartheid” was a racist policy applied in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. This policy was aimed at separating black people from white people. For example, Blacks were not allowed to use the same beaches, restrooms, schools or hospitals as the Whites. The term “apartheid” means separation in the Afrikaans language, derived from the Dutch language and used in South Africa. [Translation] Source: Sophie Guerrier, “Le massacre de Sharpeville à l'origine de la journée du 21 mars contre le racisme”, Le Figaro, [online], http://www.lefigaro.fr/histoire/archives/2015/03/20/26010-20150320ARTFIG00331-le-massacre-de-sharpeville-a-l-origine-de-la-journee-du-21-mars-contre-le-racisme.php [page visited 10/02/2017].

Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or Level: Secondary1 Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Since 1966, annual demonstrations were initiated in many places across Canada to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Since 2001 in Val-d’Or, there has been an action week against racial discrimination and a walk to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Each year, groups or individuals are invited to sign the Declaration of Friendship between Peoples. In doing so, they commit to take action to promote openness, tolerance and solidarity.

Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or Level: Secondary1 Actions AGAINST RACIAL discrimination AND THE EXAMPLE OF Val-d’Or Gabriel-Commanda Walk In 2002, the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre decided to name the local walk for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination after Gabriel-Commanda to honour this great Anicinabe. Gabriel Commanda (1891-1967) was an Algonquin trapper and guide, born in River Desert near Kitigan Zibi (Maniwaki). In 1912, he settled on the shore of the Bourlamaque River, close to the future town of Val-d’Or. After serving in World War I (1914-1918), he returned to Abitibi. His deep knowledge of the natural environment was a major asset that would lead to the discovery of rich gold veins, notably the Lamaque mine in 1923. He was instrumental in the foundation, growth and prosperity of Val-d’Or. He is therefore one of its most important pioneers. Gabriel Commanda built the trail connecting Lamaque Mine to the spring that now bears his name, the Gabriel Spring; this trail was used to plan the construction of 3rd Avenue, which is still the town’s main artery. In 2008, the Town of Val-d’Or decided to honour Gabriel Commanda by naming a street Gabriel-Commanda Road. Gabriel Commanda has become a symbol of harmonious relations between peoples and of Aboriginal people’s contribution to the life of the Val-d’Or community.

Gabriel Commanda (1891-1967) Level: Secondary1 Photo from:Denys Chabot et al., Histoire de Val-d'Or. Des origines à 1995, Val-d'Or, Société d'histoire de Val-d'Or, 1995, p. 10.

“Love is when differences no longer separate us.” Level: Secondary1 “Love is when differences no longer separate us.” - Jacques de Bourbon Busset Writer and member of the Académie française Source: Le Figaro, [online], http://evene.lefigaro.fr/citation/amour-difference-separe-19984.php [page visited 10/02/2017].

Level: Secondary1 Source : United nations, Let’s Fight Racism!, [online], http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/ [page visited 09/02/2017].

Level: Secondary1 Source : United nations, Let’s Fight Racism!, [online], http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/ [page visited 09/02/2017].

Level: Secondary1 Source : United nations, Let’s Fight Racism!, [online], http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/ [page visited 09/02/2017].

Level: Secondary1

Level: Secondary1