Nation-20-11

Coming together
Annual Val-d’Or march
underlines the fight
against racism
Story by Akiva Levitas
Photos by Paul Brindamour
Over a 1000 people gathered in
downtown Val-d’Or for the
13th annual Gabriel Commanda
March on March 21. The event is held
every year on the United Nations’
International Day for the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination and brings people
from all walks of life together to fight the
prejudices and racism that is still creating
divisions in our society.
Despite the snow, the atmosphere at
the march was festive and positive. Many
came out in a show of support against
racism in Val-d’Or, including students
from local schools, colleges and universities,
who swelled the ranks of the
marchers to 1,200, according to organizers.
Before starting, marchers were
treated to colourful performances by the
Screaming Eagles, Les Frères d’Armes,
Lil Rhymes and Malik Kistabish.
“We see it more and more every
year that the young people who join in
are more aware and sensitized to not
accepting racism in their society,” said
The two spokespersons for the 13th Gabriel-Commanda Walk, Lisa Gagné (with handdrum) and Marlène Jérôme
A Black, a Native, and few White kids who are showing their colors by taking part in the Walk
organizer Édith Cloutier, the director of
Val-d’Or’s Native Friendship Centre.
“It’s by doing this march every year and
having those young people join in with
group discussions beforehand and they
discuss it in class with their teachers.”
Gabriel Commanda’s legacy of building
bridges with the first non-Native settlers
in the region is an inspiration to
build a better rapport between the
Native and non-Native communities.
Despite his efforts, Commanda faced
www.nationnews.ca April 5, 2013 the Nation 5