The past two weeks were a busy time for both Youth Parliament of Manitoba as well as our friends, Aboriginal Youth Opportunities.
On February 20th, members of YPM were invited to participate in the weekly gathering of community members on Selkirk Avenue for the anti-violence rally, Meet Me at the Bell Tower.
In an emotional gathering, friends and community members discussed both the challenges facing youth in regards to discrimination and violence, but more importantly the solutions to these problems and the positive work that has been done, and will continue to be done, to support a growing network of engaged and peaceful citizens.
Later in the evening AYO! members joined us for our annual social event, YPM Goes Bowling! at Academy Lanes and Boston Pizza for a night of mingling and fun.
On February 21, YPM was also pleased to join AYO! for the weekly Politix Brainstorm at Neechi Commons. Our discussion ranged from media literacy, the concept of tiered and socially constructed “right-ness”, municipal politics and city planning in the North End.
We also discussed the redevelopment of the Merchant’s Hotel in the North End neighbourhood, an exciting project which seeks to transform the space into a mixed-use building containing housing, education and commercial business.
Also this week, on February 26th, YPM member Deborah Tsao and AYO! leader Michael Champagne co-hosted the Students Together Against Racism Today (START) rally in downtown Winnipeg.
Bringing together 1,000 students from across the city, the student-organized rally had youth march in solidarity in a demonstration to end racism and promote acceptance in our communities. Students celebrated the differences present in our city, province and country and stood united against intolerance and ignorance. Great job, team!