WT: Edmonton

The lack of understanding and appreciation of diversity may lead to violent acts and hate crimes, that are on the rise both in urban areas, and also in smaller rural communities.  In Edmonton, hate (based on intolerance) leading to violence is exemplified by the firebombing of the Beth Israel Synagogue and the Beth Shalom Synagogue in 2000, and by recent attacks on Islamic Centres in the city.

Why Edmonton?

The importance of building bridges of understanding is especially important in Canada, and particularly in Edmonton. Recent studies have shown that more than 18 % of Canadians were born in other parts of the world, and that minorities are becoming majorities within several Canadian cities. One scholar noted that these changing demographics will, “make race relations a key issue in the future.” (National Post, January 22, 2003) Edmonton, too has a significant minority population, and has been described as one of the most diverse of Canadian cities, with minority communities from across the globe. In 2001, visible minorities made up 15% of Edmonton’s population, and this percentage is continuing to grow. Edmonton ranks fifth among Canadian cities, based on the percentage of visible minorities (2001 Census: Analysis Series).

The religious make up of Edmonton is also quite diverse. The census figures list significant populations in 11 differing categories. The actual religious spectrum of Edmonton is much more complex. The Edmonton Interfaith Centre includes members representing 14 different faiths. The numbers of Muslims, Christians and Jews (based on the 2001 census) – the populations that will initially form the focus of the Walking Together program are respectively 19,575, 649,205 and 3,980. In the future the program will be extended to include aboriginal populations and eastern religions like Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, which also have significant populations in Edmonton and Canada. These developments will add a uniquely Canadian aspect to the program.

As demonstrated by the census figures, diversity is an important issue from Halifax to Vancouver Island. Walking Together will be an important model for communities across Canada. After the successful pilot here in Edmonton and the widening of the program to include a greater diversity of communities as found in Canada, we will publicise the program across the country, use our trained coalition members and facilitators to help other communities to implement the program.

OUR PROGRAM

The Edmonton Walking Together Intergenerational program is aimed at 4th through 6th grade children and their parents.  Six programs are planned over the next year and a half.  The first of these began on March 7th.  The Walking Together program is currently open to Jewish, Muslim and Christian Participants. 

However, The Edmonton Walking Together program aims to reflect the diverse makeup of the city.  Modules incorporating Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Unitarianism and some of the religious traditions of the First Nations will be added over the course of 2004.  This will allow the Walking Together program to reach out to people from a much wider range of faiths.

The Edmonton Interfaith Centre For Education and Action

Walking Together is sponsored by The Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action. The Centre is composed of representatives from fourteen faiths. It has a long history of developing effective programming for young people and adults to build bridges of interfaith and intercultural understanding. Most recently the Centre sponsored two very successful interfaith dialogues, and developed a booklet for school teachers on implementing diversity within their classrooms. Lay and clergy members of the Interfaith Centre will be actively involved in all program stages, including the development, implementation and evaluation.

Walking Together Canada is sponsored by the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Action and Education.  It was made possible by a generous grant from Canadian Heritage. 

Contact Information

Telephone:

(780) 488-6333

FAX

(780) 488-6259

Postal address

11916 Jasper Avenue

          Edmonton, AB  T5K 0N9

Electronic mail

General Information: rabbikunin@aol.com
Webmaster: rabbikunin@aol.com

Send mail to  rabbidakunin@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 Walking Together Canada
Last modified: 05/07/07

Walking Together Canada