The atmosphere at Confederation College was uncomfortable in 2006.
“There was a lot of instances of homophobia, harassment, bullying, racism and we needed to do something,” said Thomas Russell, the school’s administrator of wellness and diversity.
And so the Respect campaign was born.
Russell was one of the individuals working on the campaign since its conception seven years ago and Thursday morning he received the inaugural Respect Award at the 7th annual Celebration Breakfast for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the Victoria Inn.
While the positive results of the campaign can be seen in research and statistics, there is also a different feeling in the college these days, said Russell.
“The culture has changed to a more inclusive culture. People are able to speak; they’re empowered to speak when someone has crossed a line for them and that’s been our goal all along,” he said.
The campaign has since gone beyond the college and has become a citywide initiative.
Russell said it’s humbling to see a small idea grow so large.
“I still get a little cheap thrill whenever I see someone wearing a (Respect) button out in public … to see something I worked to help create spread so far, it’s very touching. It’s great that someone else can see the value in it,” he said.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno gave the keynote address Thursday at the breakfast and spoke about not only racism, but the other issues First Nations face around treaties, Aboriginal rights and resource development.
Yesno has been involved in different events on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination over the years and said it’s brought a lot of people together from all different areas.
And while there is still work to do, the Grand Chief also said a lot of work has already been done.
“I think we don’t often hear about the efforts that are going on and I think First Nations are engaged in different sectors of our society – academia, business community, the municipal government and First Nations,” said Yesno.
“That’s already going on and if it keeps going on, it will be a good thing not only for Thunder Bay, but Northwestern Ontario and Northeastern Ontario. They have the same issues and First Nations people are going to be part of this community for many different reasons for years to come.”
