Okanagan College Media Release - Sept. 23, 2008

A panel of representatives from the fields of education, business, media, service agencies and the City of Kelowna will participate in a groundbreaking forum to increase public awareness, understanding and dialogue about cultural diversity, multiculturalism and racism at a forum hosted by CBC Radio One on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 12 – 2 p.m. at Okanagan College.

The project, The Changing Face of Kelowna – Are we Ready?, is a joint initiative conceptualized by the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan (ISCO) along with partners: the Economic Development Commission (EDC), Okanagan College, UBCO, SD #23 and Kelowna Community Resources (KCR).

The panel discussion will highlight key findings from the working committee’s three-month study, which utilized focus groups to determine areas of strength and weaknesses within the city’s infrastructure and how Kelowna is managing issues related to cultural diversity.

The discussion will be moderated by CBC Radio’s Marion Barschel and will feature Sharon Shepherd, Mayor of Kelowna, Carlos Teixeira, UBC Okanagan, Woody Cross, Economic Development Commission and Joyce Brinkenhoff and Cyril Moore, of ISCO.

“The goal of the forum is to share the findings of our report with the community and to take it one step further,” explained Joyce Brinkenhoff, Co-president of ISCO. “We know there are some things we are doing very well in Kelowna and we know there are some areas that require some attention. By bringing together some of our community’s decision-makers and those with expert knowledge in the areas of diversity and multiculturalism we will be in a position to further this dialogue, engage members of the community and formulate an action plan.”

The first hour of the forum will consist of a panel discussion; the second hour will be comprised of breakout sessions led by additional facilitators. The public’s input and participation is encouraged. Those wishing to attend the forum should arrive at the College’s Pit in the Student Services Building for the noon start.

Funding for The Changing Face of Kelowna - Are we Ready? was provided through a Heritage Canada grant.