Race Unity Day

The annual celebration of Nelson’s cultural diversity is coming up: Race Unity Day, at Victory Square on Sunday March 21, will feature music, dance, art and craft from the many ethnic groups that call Nelson ‘home’.

More than 4000 people are expected to turn up, and Evey McAuliffe, from the Nelson Multicultural Council says the event is a day of feasting and entertainment for all the family.

“We work hard to educate the community about issues relating to race, racism and the benefits of cultural diversity - these are serious messages but you can still have fun while promoting unity in diversity,” Evey says. “Race Unity Day gives people the opportunity to showcase their particular cultural heritage in terms of art, dance, music and food in a relaxed atmosphere where people can mix with groups they may not usually meet.”

The day will also see the airing of the next stage in a major step to make Nelson a safer place for people of all cultures - a reporting system for racist incidents. Last year the groundwork was done by a visiting Irish lawyer, and Evey says it’s now time to get some input from the community on plans for Speak Out Nelson Tasman.

“We’ll have a display of the planned website, and information on how the system will work, so people can give us their feedback on the spot, or take home a form to fill in later,” she said. “The point we really want to get across is that Speak Out is a very positive step for Nelson – by doing something to help people who are the victims of racism in our community we make it safer for everyone.”

Race Unity Day will feature performances from Nelson’s Maori, Japanese, Scottish, Indian, Chinese, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, Chin Burmese and Filipino communities as well as Middle Eastern dance. In addition, Nelson’s Ukelele band will play Kiwiana classics.
There are two special guests from the USA, Native Americans Jim and Gabe Yellowhawk who will perform traditional dance and music of the Lakota Sioux.

There will be a wide range of ethnic food stalls. The event is aiming at zero waste, so people are asked to bring their own food containers, there will be a tap where these can be rinsed and compost bins will be provided for waste.

Race Unity Day is on Sunday 21 March, 11am to 4pm at Victory Square. Gold coin donation.

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