Jorge Salazar and his family fled Columbia when he was 17 years old.
In Columbia, his father was involved in human rights work and became the target of threats from right-wing groups in the South American country that has been ravaged by violent conflict for decades.
They came to Canada as government-sponsored refugees.
Since, Salazar has worked to advance the agenda of social justice around the world.
He is project director for The Inner Activist, an organization that works with people in the social sector who are interested in advancing this agenda.
For the past five years, he has also worked with refugees and immigrants in addition to homeless people and people with disabilities.
On Saturday, Salazar is going to be one of three key speakers at the Ridge Meadows Multicultural Society’s inaugural gala.
Salazar, along with local psychiatrist and president of the Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society Dr. Biju Mathew, and the co-chair of the Fraser Health Mental Health and Substance Use Diversity Committee, Anthony Neptune, will be talking about multiculturalism and diversity.
Salazar believes multiculturalism is about embracing our differences as human beings.
“Multiculturalism has been an opportunity that not every country has taken on,” said Salazar.
“If we are willing to go deep into multiculturalism to be able to recognize difference as something we are able to embrace, that’s very positive. If we go into multiculturalism to go to say we are all the same, I think that will take us on a path that is not so positive.”
Salazar thinks that Canada needs to be bolder and engage in the uncomfortable conversations about how some cultures are valued over others.
Canada’s acceptance of refugees is one example.
“Canada has been great about taking on Syrian refugees. Some people would argue we can do more. We have not been so great in taking on African refugees. It’s a big issue,” he said, adding that accepting more refugees is not only good on the humanitarian front, but it also enriches our country.
“They bring a wealth of culture and many things that make Canada stronger,” said Salazar.
He also wants to talk about the indigenous people of Canada. He says that Canadian multiculturalism was not always inclusive of First Nations peoples.
However, Canada’s commitment to the reconciliation process is a big step in the right direction.
“I think as migrants to Canada, we also have a unique opportunity in Canada to learn about the history of indigenous people.”
He thinks people coming to Canada today will have a chance to establish a different type of relationship.
“I think we as newcomers have an opportunity to engage with indigenous people in a different way with a relationship of respect. Respect for the land, respect for their culture, respect for the journey on how they see the world as well,” he said
“Many of us who come to Canada as refugees were indigenous people where we come from.”
• The inaugural gala of the Ridge Meadows Multicultural Society takes place at 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at St. Luke’s Parish Family Centre Hall, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Road.
Tickets are $50 and include a dinner and dance. There will also be a raffle and door prizes.
For tickets, call 604-945-8406 or 604-786-7187.