The second annual Tastes of Bradford multicultural event at the Bradford Arts Centre began with a message of welcome from the Chippewas of Georgina Island, and ended with a frank discussion of acceptance, inclusion, and racism.
In between, the centre — which this year partnered with the BWG Diversity Action Group — welcomed families and representatives of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s many cultures to an evening of music, dance by the young Raizes Portuguesas (meaning Portuguese Roots) dance troupe, and food from around the world.
“We just celebrate who we are and get together to eat some food, hear some music, meet our neighbours,” said Rev. Jim Keenan, a director of the Bradford Arts Centre.
Co-chairs of the BWG Diversity Action Group, Coun. Raj Sandhu and Julie Kumar praised an event “that bring us together,” said Sandhu.
Kumar explained that this year, Tastes of Bradford was also celebrating ‘Peace Tree Day’ – and she invited everyone to attach a message of peace to a symbolic tree, which will be on display at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library for the next two months.
She quoted Albert Einstein: “Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”
BWG Mayor Rob Keffer proclaimed Sept. 21 as UN World Peace Day, and Sept. 29 as “Peace Tree Day in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury,” a day devoted to “strengthening the ideals of peace… and equality.”
Raizes Portuguesas director Luisa Coquim introduced the troupe of about 30 children and adults. The kids, largely between the ages of three and eight, learn traditional dances and celebrate “culture and traditions from Portugal… to preserve our identity, and be part of the community,” she said.
After the dancing, the adults performed a skit, dressed as washerwomen — demonstrating a simple time of togetherness for the women of a village.
“Every culture is different and there’s just so much richness in each,” Coquim said. Events like Tastes of Bradford are an opportunity to answer questions “about the way we dress, the food we eat, the way we speak… accepting and respecting each other’s diversity and differences.”
Guests shared traditional foods from north and south India, Syria, Afghanistan, Portugal, Iraq, Mexico and other nations, before hearing guest speaker, Bernie Farber lead an engaging discussion on the opportunities and challenges of a multicultural and diverse country.
He likened the civil discourse that holds the community together in peace and harmony to a carpet: the danger is that at the fringes, extremist groups pull at the threads, and can cause peace to unravel – something that requires vigilance by those who want to improve and maintain social harmony.
Farber’s presentation led to an open discussion, and many questions from people of diverse backgrounds.
In addition to the partnership between the Bradford Arts Centre and Diversity Action Group, the evening was sponsored by Human Endeavour, which provided financial support for Tastes of Bradford.
