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Combatting "isms": what the research shows

Do you see the Sunshine Cost as a welcoming and inclusive place or one where discrimination exists? April Struthers of Alofii Consulting is completing a project on the Sunshine Coast to show and talk about creating a positive force to counter discrim

Do you see the Sunshine Cost as a welcoming and inclusive place or one where discrimination exists?

April Struthers of Alofii Consulting is completing a project on the Sunshine Coast to show and talk about creating a positive force to counter discrimination. Research was conducted in year one and, for the first time, the roots of oppressive experiences of a number of Coast groups were examined. The findings are a mix of the predictable as well as some startling results.

Focus groups showed that discrimination exists; that if you don't experience it, you will deny its existence; and that bullying underlies behaviours which people find threatening. Discrimination ranges from giving status depending on how many years you have lived on the Coast, to overt prejudice based on gender or age.

Struthers will make her presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives in Gibsons.

Come to the presentation of the local findings and learn of action that local groups have taken to raise awareness, to bring the hidden issues out into the open, and to give us all food for thought on these difficult issues.

This presentation is the first of three linked presentations at the museum to inform the community about and discuss local research, see an acclaimed mini film festival, and find out how to produce and mount a low cost high impact small scale film festival about a community issue.

For more information go to: www.sechelt.ca/Live/CommunityPlanning/FacesoftheCoast.aspx.

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