Whitehorse panel talks race and prejudice in Yukon

A panel addressing racism and prejudice this week in Whitehorse didn't just hear concerns, butastory of thanks.

MohammadJavedtold the panel about a period of time in the early 2000s when Muslimsin Whitehorsewerewelcomed to pray in the local United Church.

"They provided a place to worship for five or six years. We were so small in numbers we could not afford our own place," he remembered.

Javed, whoimmigrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2001,said the experience was very moving.

"They were so welcoming we could not believe. We could not have done this back home [in Pakistan]invited people of another religion into our mosque and let them pray. This was really an eye-opener for us."

Javed waspart of a panel of representativesfrom five different religions speaking on racism andprejudice in an eventorganized by theCanadian Race Relations Foundation. The first of six talks to be held in Whitehorse took place on Thursday.

Panelistsansweredquestions about their faiths andalso explored the unexpected ways religions canintersectin a small community.

Stuart Clark, who is chair of the Whitehorse United Church'sSocial Justice Committee said the goal was to help groups "make connections to make an inclusive society."

Growing Filipino-Christian community

Yvonne Clarke, representing Christians with roots in the Philippines,spoke of churches as a hub of support for new Canadians. While the specific religions might be different, she saidtherole of church, mosque or synagogueis often the same.

"I'm really happy I was able to build relationship with people in the church and that wasa really strong support for me for many, many years."

Bonnie Fitzpatrick-Morris, representing the Bah' community, had a message shared byother panelists.

"They are talking about this idea of the nobility of man. Of the oneness of mankind. Of showing love and respect to every single person on earth."

Aboriginal beliefs represented

The panel featured two aboriginal speakers who found solace in different faiths.

Andy Niemanwas abused in residential schooland later spent years as an addict and alcoholic on the streets of Whitehorse.

"God says to honor all people," saidNieman, who wasrepresentingtheProtestant faith. "And that is what has helped me to heal. Because when I honor all people I had to and did forgive the person who abused me sexually in the residential school system. And also to forgive myself for all the hurt that I caused. I love you all and I'm glad to be here today."

Joe Migwans said he also struggled to find sobriety.

He recalled how Alcoholics Anonymous prodded him to search for a 'higher power.' Thislead him to research his traditionalAnishinaabebeliefs.

Not everyone in his family was supportive at first.

"I went to my mom and said 'I am going to start learning the Anishinaabe ways.' She says 'Why can't you just go to church!'

Migwans voiced his support for the idea of an inter-faith panel.

"I connect with people of other faiths. I believe in that," he said.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation says only about half of Canadians have good knowledge of religions other than their own. It believes prejudice is often caused by stereotypes and misunderstanding.