Mayor Sally Hagman urged Blind River residents to continue to show their support for the anti-racism movement in light of demonstrations across the U.S. and Canada after the death George Floyd during his arrest in Minneapolis almost three weeks ago.
His death has sparked many anti-racist demonstrations under the Black Lives Matter banner and also brought the message that visible minorities are often the targets of violence and racism.
Mayor Hagman made her remarks prior to the start of Monday evening’s video conference council meeting.
“Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed anti-racism demonstrations,” she said. “As residents of Blind River, we are proud of our heritage, our cultural and ethnic diversity, and we know that racism and discrimination have no ownership in our community.”
The mayor also noted that this month several celebrations are being noted including Pride Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada on June 21.
“The Town of Blind River stands for our values and equal respect for all,” the mayor added.
Also being celebrated is Seniors Month and Participaction Month, the mayor said.
The mayor also sent out congratulations to students from nursery school, Kindergarten, Grade 8, Grade 12 and colleges and universities from Blind River and area who will be graduating this week.
“These are milestones in your lives and council applauds your efforts,” she said. “While we can’t all be together, we can celebrate this month in our homes with our loved ones.”