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Skeena Diversity believes in the strength and creativity of an inclusive and diverse community.
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news
 

IDEAS: youth arts show opening on Canada DayIDEAS: youth arts show
July 1, 2010: Over 35 people visited the special Canada Day art opening reception to become inspired by the art of Terrace's young artists who are displaying their works at the Skeena Diversity Centre, 4617 Lazelle Ave.

The art show features artists:
Gillian Robertson
Mykee Laird
Meagan Watson
Martin Loggin
Chase Hamilton.

All artists are art students of Caledonia Secondary School (number of them from the graduating class of 2010) off to enter the world with their fresh creative ideas.
Youth Art Show Opening
Thank you to Ms. Amy Warner, Practicum Teacher at Caledonia for organizing the art show which will be on display at the Centre until the end of August.

Visit the opening reception Photo Gallery.

 
upcoming events

Skeena Diversity Centre Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
4617 Lazelle Ave, Terrace
Tel: 250-635-6530

(effective July 10, 2010)

IDEAS: youth arts show
July 1 - August 31
art show by Caledonia Secondary School art students

Movie Night & Discussion
organized in partnership with Terrace Public Library
Saturday, July 17 at 7 pm

Beating the Streets

film by Lorna Thomas, 1998, 48 min.
Beating the Streets traces six years in the lives of Marilyn Brighteyes and Lance Marty, two inner-city Aboriginal teenagers struggling to turn their lives around. And it is the story of Joe Cloutier, the teacher -- and former dropout -- determined to help them.

Do you have a suggestion for a movie you would like to share? Let us know.

Potluck Dinner & Presentation
THEME: First Nations History of the Skeena Valley
Saturday, July 31 at 6 pm
bring a dish to share

Contact us if you would like to share your story, experience or talent.

Potluck Dinner takes place every last Saturday of each month.

Did you just move to Terrace?
New to Terrace
Register yourself and your family with Skeena Diversity to get invited to a special "Welcome Dinner".

Faces of Terrace: New Book Project
Faces of Terrace

Faces of Terrace: Strangers No More book project was launched
Submit a photo and a brief story (up to 100 words) of another person who lives in Terrace, BC.

Submit your photos by August 31, 2010

Assistance is available with photo shoots upon request

Download Project Brochure
Download Entry Form

 
news reports
Join Skeena Stories Group on Facebook

CFTK TV news story on Skeena Stories posted on Facebook
aired on Thu, Sep 11, 2008

Terrace Standard on Skeena Stories
published on Wed, Sep 16, 2008

reports

Tastes of Terrace 2008

Successful and tasty event.
Photo Gallery

AGM 2008 Report available online

AGM slide show

A Dialogue to Develop Community Potential
held on Feb 9, 2008
Community Dialogue Report (pdf)
 

"My Story" Writing Contest - A Huge Success

We received over 50 entries from as young as 6 years old all the way to experienced 73. The stories were just as diversed.


Find out who the winners are and read their stories.



Grade 7 Forum
Team of students from Terrace/Thornhill elementary schools meet to discuss diversity, make new friends and be heard. Grade 7 Forum Report
 
 
 

Skeena Diversity Holds its AGM
June 21, 2010: Skeena Diversity Society (SDS) membership was treated to a exciting evening of Skeena Diversity Board of Directors
information, idea sharing, tasty food and great company. Colleen Austin, Society Chair facilitated the meeting which covered the usual business of approving agenda and minutes, presentation of financial report and election of the Board of Directors for 2010-2011.

Three new members were elected to make a nine member Board which will lead the Society through its exciting community development projects. Read more.


Photo of Skeena Diversity Board of Directors 2010/11

Back row from left: Nirmal Parmar, Ginny Hawkshaw, Arjunna Miyagawa, Audrey Bennett, Colleen Austin. Front row from left: Peggy Gilliard, Shylo Gerritsen with son River, Jane Dickson. Missing from photo Chayo Nyawello.

Skeena Band Shares Their Memories of Cuba
It was a treat for many sense during the May potluck dinner evePotluck Dinner Cuba tripning at the Skeena Diversity Centre. Skeena Band students with their music teacher, the amazing Ms. Brower were the guests that evening. After sharing a meal, the audience were taken on a trip back to Cuba where the students spent an incredible week this May.

The students spent two years fundraising and saving money to be able to make the trip to this intriguing country. Read more.


Community Mapping Project

Community Mapping Survey PackageApril 25: Amongst all the mail and newspapers in your mailbox, you may find a brown envelope  from Skeena Diversity Society this coming week. We urge you not to chuck it but open it. We at Skeena Diversity would like to ask for a few moments of your time to participate in the attached Terrace-wide survey. 

Skeena Diversity Society is mapping the community to better understand who we are – our cultural experiences and backgrounds, skills, talents and interests; ideas and dreams. Read more.

Latin Night Provides Tasty Treats While Helping Families in Latin Night for ChileChile

March 27: What could be better than getting together with friends, meeting new people, enjoying great food, helping an important cause while dancing the night away. That briefly sums up the Latin Night for Chile event that took place on March 27th. Read more

March 21: International Day to Eliminate Racism
March 21 has been declared a day to raise awareness about racism and discrimination around the world. It serves as a commemoration of victims of a peaceful demonstration against apartheid on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa.

The world is different since that time 50 years ago today but we know that racism, prejudice, ignorance and intolerance are still alive preventing us from living in a truly equal respectful society. There are many changes that the systems we live in need to undertake but what can we do as individuals? Let's look within and ask "What can I do to be more respectful? What are my fears and prejudices?".

I find that the best way to overcome these is to meet people that come from different cultures. Those that have had different experiences and speak to those with different points of view. Diversity is a struggle but it makes us and our communities so much richer, creative, colourful and more prosperous. Let's make our vision and thoughts world-embracing!

EmbraceBC website

 

Skeena Diversity Centre Opens Downtown Terrace
Welcome. Bienvenue. Welkom. Bienvenido. Vítejte. Bem-vindo. Willkommen. Maligayang pagdating.
Feb 25, 2010: Skeena Diversity completed renovations of a downtown office space on 4617 Lazelle Ave. Open House Skeena Diversity Centre Feb 2010which will become a new Centre for the community. There is space for meetings, workshops, presentations, celebrations and dialogues.

Members of the Skeena Diversity Society and staff were on hand to welcome people through their doors. The opening went well and few ideas are already in the works for the use of the space. "The purpose of this centre is for us to provide a place where the entire community can collaborate on the important issue of making Terrace more welcoming and inclusive," said Colleen Austin, Skeena Diversity Society Chair. Visit the photo gallery to see few photos of the event.

Open House Skeena Diversity Centre“Our Program is based on linking the four pillars of sustainability: economic viability, social equity, environmental responsibility and cultural vitality to ensure a balanced sustainable future of a community that is inclusive and diverse, a community that is prosperous and creative,” said Saša Loggin, Program Coordinator.

The Centre will be open from Tuesday to Saturday 11 am till 2 pm and during special events in the evenings. Contact us to suggest an event, book the space for a workshop or a gathering of your group.

Skeena Diversity is planning a number of projects and activities such as new book project: "Faces of Terrace: Starngers No More". Find out more.

Skeena Diversity Society Plans to Make Terrace a More Welcoming and Inclusive Community

Jan 7, 2010: CULTURAL ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERSHIP IS STILL OPEN
Dec 16: Skeena Diversity Society has been awarded funds to launch a Demonstration Project as part of the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program. The Project will focus on citizens’ engagement in shaping the future of Terrace.

The Society is currently seeking candidates to form the new WICWP Cultural Advisory Group that will work in collaboration on making Terrace a more welcoming and inclusive community. Read more.

Community Dialogue
Nov 11: UPDATE: Registration remains open as spaces are still available

Saturday, November 14, 2009

9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Arena Banquet Room in Terrace

Event poster | Registration form

Join us at the second Community Dialogue to share your story and experience. We will explore:

  • How are we all connected?
  • How do we build a welcoming and inclusive community together?

The event is free but registration is required. Snacks and lunch will be served.
Space is limited. Register before November 10. Contact us if you have any questions.



Spring Break Youth Program
- March 24-27, 2009

Mar 15, 2009: Connecting youth through the Arts: join us during spring break for a series of four unique sessions:

  • Tue, March 24 noon till 4:30 pm
    Theme: Photo Scavenger Hunt and Self Portraits
    Location: Arena Sportsplex Multipurpose room (new arena second floor)

  • Wed, March 25 noon till 4:30 pm
    Theme: Dance – learn basics of ethnic dances such as breakdancing, bellydancing, Scottish dancing and maybe more. Bring comfortable clothing.
    Location: Health Unit Auditorium, 3214 Kalum St.

  • Thu, March 26 noon till 4:30 pm
    Theme: Culinary Arts and First Nations Arts - Learn to prepare ethnic foods such as sushi at one station; learn from Freda Diesing School of Arts students about First Nations Arts
    Location: Health Unit Auditorium, 3214 Kalum St.

  • Fri, March 27 noon till 4:30 pm
    Theme: Music – learn to drum and turn everyday objects into instruments
    Location: Health Unit Auditorium, 3214 Kalum St.

Each session will be led by local "experts" and youth workers. Young people between the ages of 13 and 18* can register for any day or all four. This is a free event and lunch will be provided.

* Please do contact us if you are a bit younger or older but interested to attend.

'Skeena Stories: Strangers No More' Available for Sale

Dec 21, 2008: Thank you all for coming to the book launch. It has been such a moving event that helped us realize what an important project this book is. We certainly have incredible people living in this community now and in the past.

To all authors: Thank you for your courage sharing your story!!

You are probably wondering how to get your hands on a few copies of this unique book. Here is how:

  • directly from Skeena Diversity Society
    by calling 250-631-2352 or by email: story@skeenadiversity.com.
  • at Misty River Books, 4700 Lazelle Ave., Terrace
  • at George Little House, 3100 Kalum St., Terrace
  • at Gemma's Boutique, 4627 Lakelse Ave, Terrace
  • at House of Sim-Oi-Ghets, Kitsumkalum

The book is selling for $20. We will be happy to mail your order to you if you live outside of Terrace.

Book Launch held on Wed, Dec 17

Dec 4, 2008: After six weeks of intense editing, proof-reading, formatting, designing and last-minute changes, we are very pleased to give you an update: Skeena Stories: Strangers No More has been submitted to the publisher in Victoria.

This paperback book has 300 pages containing nearly one hundred local stories. The Launch Party will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at the Terrace Art Gallery. we are putting together a program of storytelling and celebrating our local authors. Light refreshments will be served. Copies of the book will be available for sale. The book is selling for $20. Peek inside the book.

Contact us if you would like to pre-order your copy today.

Story Deadline Extended to October 15, 2008

Sep 30, 2008: Thank you everyone for submitting your amazing stories as well as interviewing people with stories. We would like to inform you that we are going to be accepting your stories until October 15, 2008.

Read more - we have added answers to some of your questions

Story Tent at the Farmers Market

Sep 13, 2008: The sun was shining, the Farmers Market was packed as usual. Our SkeenaStories & friends set up a tent next to a great group of young musicians. We started handing out bookmarks and talking to people about the project. It was such a great morning!

It certainly appears that most every Terracite has heard about the project. However, some people are not feeling very confident about having any interesting stories to tell. Nonsense! As they say: Everyone has a story to tell!

We are looking for personal stories of arrival, growing up, most memorable events, dreams for our community, etc. It can be a paragraph or full 3,000 words story. Just give it a try, don't be shy!

Read more...

Stories are to be submitted by September 30, 2008*
*email us if you are planning to submit your story but need a little more time

Skeena Stories on Facebook.

CFTK TV news story on Skeena Stories posted on Facebook
aired on Thu, Sep 11, 2008

Part-time Coordinator (Contract Position) Available

Sep 3, 2008: Skeena Diversity Society is seeking a motivated person for a contract position of Coordinator. The successful candidate will have:

  • broad experience in the field of multiculturalism and anti-racism
  • good knowledge of the local region
  • strong interpersonal skills
  • good oral and written communication skills
  • good working knowledge of Word, Excel and computer usage generally
  • ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • ability to multitask
  • provide leadership and coordination to projects as well as participate in implementation
  • ability to relate to youth
  • good listening and facilitating skills
  • a willingness to learn

Current Projects:

Please email your resume with two references to: job@skeenadiversity.com or by mail to P.O. Box 665, Terrace, BC V8G 4B8. by Monday, Sept. 15, 2008.

Skeena Stories 150 launched - What’s Your Story?

June 21, 2008: Skeena Diversity Society is proud to present the Skeena Stories 150 Project. We are collecting stories from past and present residents of Terrace and area from all backgrounds to create a book in celebration of British Columbia’s 150th anniversary.

Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2008. We encourage stories in a variety of styles, including poetry, or song lyrics.  You may also submit artwork or photos that visually tell a local story.

Read more...

This is a project funded by Welcome BC and BC150.

We look forward to your stories.

Annual General Meeting - Wed, May 21 2008
Skeena Diversity Society is hosting its second AGM on Wednesday, May 21st at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Suwilaawks Community School, Clarence Michiel building (follow signs).

2007-08 was a quite a year for the Society - with renewed funding and energy, we engaged in many exciting projects:

  • Community Dialogue on Multiculturalism and Diversity: A Dialogue to Develop Community Potential
  • Grade 7 Forum - youth engagement project
  • Taste of Terrace - ethnic culinary tour of downtown Terrace
  • Anti-Racism Training:
    • Safe Harbour Program
    • Youth Ambassador Program
    • Anti-Racism Response Handbook

Everyone welcome. Opportunity to get involved or to share ideas.

Skeena Diversity is awarded BC150 Mosaic Grant
April 2008 - SDS is one of 33 communities in BC receiving $10,000 for a community project called "Skeena Stories 150" will broaden the community’s understanding and appreciation of the diversity and similarities of its citizens through gathering of more stories.
  • The main focus of “Skeena Stories 150” is given to the active search for stories from a broad spectrum of residents in Terrace and area through the unifying art of storytelling, the wide distribution of the final publication, while creating a network of literacy professionals.
  • We will actively collect stories from local people of diverse backgrounds and life experiences – specific themes such as
    • How I came to be in Terrace
    • Growing up in Terrace and area
    • My Family
    • My Journey
    • The best thing that ever happened to me
    • My dreams for this community.
  • Request stories be submitted in different media – print, audio, video, photography, digital format. The intent of the collection is to encourage diverse responses from a wide population.
  • Publish stories and photos in a book accompanied by a DVD.
  • Host a Book Launch Party and a community gathering of contributors and readers.

Contact us if you would like to be part of this project.

 
 
 
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