Videos encourage diversity and understanding in Timmins
A new initiative to illustrate the growing diversity of Timmins includes a series of videos to foster a welcoming and inclusive community.
Two videos were recently released as part of the Timmins Diversity Awareness Project.
“Because community members deserve to feel safe, valued and respected when living in their community, especially when … we know that Timmins requires population growth to keep up with our labour force shortage," said Madison Mizzau of the Timmins Economic Development Corp.
The videos feature local residents sharing stories and experiences, as well as inspiring messages of how everyone can help foster a welcoming and inclusive community for people from all cultural backgrounds.
Noemie Rodrigue is a local entrepreneur who volunteered to take part in the project. She was adopted from Haiti when she was an infant by a local francophone family.
To this day, she is still asked if she's new in town.
“I do enjoy people having a curiosity of like asking me but I am, am kind of stuck to oh well, you know, yeah I’m from here," Rodrigue said.
"You know they have that look and then I have to (say) I’m adopted, you know, and I have to really go into detail and sometimes I’m just in the grocery store.”
The second video features an Indigenous man and there are two more videos to come.
“People tend to connect more on a personal level, when it is shared from an individual," said Mizzau.
"We’ve seen within other communities that have been tackling similar issues that videos tend to do well spreading that message.”
Rodrigue is hoping the videos help people take the emphasis off connecting skin colour with a location.
“The approach less of like, 'oh where are you from?' or, you know, just a little bit more easygoing.”
According to the 2021 census, nearly 15 per cent of the population in Timmins identifies as Indigenous and nearly six per cent of the people living here don't identify English or French as their mother tongue.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.