This Is Canada: A Young Decision Makers Gathering
Tim Horton Onondaga Farms, St. George, Ontario March 21st - March 25th 2012
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
Join the Students Commission on March 21st for a five-day gathering of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people. They will explore what it really means when we say, This Is Canada. Young people will have the opportunity to learn, share and decide what can be done by young people to address the issues of racism and discrimination in Canada, quite often directed at Aboriginal Peoples, newcomers and low-income families.
Young people will have an opportunity to learn from each other, to share stories, histories and experiences and to develop a series of "do-able" actions that can be taken home with them to help create change. Youth will receive an Anti-Racism Leadership Certificate from the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement, as well as an opportunity to gain volunteer community service hours.
This Is Canada will have youth share and develop knowledge that can be delivered to audiences upon their return home, educating and mobilizing Canadians while creating a shift in perceptions and understanding of youth strengths and the issues they face. The collaboration of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth demonstrates how relationships can be reciprocal and respectful in nature.
Cost for the program is $600, plus travel. However, The Students Commission with the generous support of The Tim Horton Children's Foundation waives all registration, meals and accommodation fees for selected participants who are low-income* or Aboriginal. Travel to and from St. George, Ontario must be covered by participants or organizations sending them.
View a PDF version of this information.
* The Tim Horton Children's Foundation uses the following guidelines to determine if you meet the low-income criteria:
| Total Family Size (adults + children) | Total Household Income |
|---|---|
| 2 people | Less than $28,000 |
| 3 people | Less than $35,000 |
| 4 people | Less than $41,000 |
| 5 people | Less than $47,000 |
| 6 people | Less than $53,000 |
| 7 people plus | Less than $59,000 |