High Commissioner at Harmony Brunch

A world where peace is embraced and hate is not tolerated must become a global reality, said South Africa's High Commissioner to Canada in his keynote speech at the 5th Annual Harmony Brunch held in Dartmouth today.

"My country has learned much from its past," said His Excellency André Jaquet. "But there is more to learn, and more to be done in my homeland and across the globe to act in peace, and not in hate."

The Harmony Brunch is held every March 21 to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. After peaceful demonstrators were killed in South Africa 40 years ago on March 21, 1960, the United Nations declared the day should be set aside to remember the harmful effects of racism. Canada was one of the first countries to support the campaign.

In Nova Scotia, the annual brunch offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to address racism in our workplaces, schools and communities, said Mayann Francis, executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

"It is my hope that we will sustain the energy of today throughout the year, to create a better province for all Nova Scotians to call home," she said.

At this year's brunch, participants included the multi-racial Kumba African Percussion Ensemble from Ross Road School.

As well, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society received a Human Rights Award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The Society has worked for the last decade to increase understanding and awareness of Black Loyalist communities in Nova Scotia. Its work was highlighted recently with the announcement of federal and provincial funding to establish Canada's first Black Loyalist heritage tourism site at Birchtown in Shelburne County. Birchtown was North America's first settlement of free blacks.

"It's an honor to receive this award which recognizes the tremendous efforts of our staff and volunteers to raise awareness of this important part of our province's history and culture," said Elizabeth Cromwell, president of the society. Lawrence Bruce, vice-president of the society, accepted the award on behalf of the society.

The year 2000 has been declared the International Year for the Culture of Peace by the United Nations. In his address last September to launch the year, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said: "For there to be peace among nations, there must also be peace within them, among groups and individuals...All of us
young and old, rich and poor, Governments and civil society alike
must do our part...Peace is in our hands. The culture of peace can be ours."

Partners Against Racism, or PAR, organized the 5th annual Harmony Brunch. PAR members include the Atlantic Jewish Council, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Scotiabank, Human Resources Development Canada, the Baha'i community, the Black Educators Association, Public Service Alliance of Canada, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, Halifax Regional Police and Halifax-Dartmouth District Labour Council.