Posted by M. Pohorily on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 10:03:37 PM

Manitoba News Release
............................................................

May 28, 2008

MAPLES MARCHERS MET AT LEGISLATIVE BUILDING BY MINISTER OF
EDUCATION, CITIZENSHIP AND YOUTH

Students from Maples Collegiate in Seven Oaks School Division
were congratulated at the Legislative Building today by
Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson as the
unity marchers arrived to reinforce the message that racism and
discrimination not be tolerated in society.

"This year marks the collegiate's 13th annual unity march to
raise awareness about important issues such as tolerance and
understanding between cultures," Bjornson said. "These young
Manitobans are showing citizenship, education and democracy in
action by having a positive voice in the democratic process."

Students from many cultural backgrounds in grades 9 through 12
are involved in organizing the annual event, with as many as 70
youth carrying the anti-racism message forward each year. Senior
members of the group invite Grade 9 students to join the group at
the beginning of school in the fall. This ensures a core group
of committed organizers remains when the eldest students
graduate.

Teachers and students taking part in the event walked for two to
three hours before reaching their destination.

"The unity march is led by and for students who are sharing what
they believe with politicians, administrators, civil servants,
community and businesses leaders, and the public at large,"
Bjornson said. "I commend each of the students taking part in
the unity march and I'm proud to know they will take an active
role in leading the province into a successful, peaceful and
harmonious future."

The Maples Unity Group received the Manitoba Human Rights
Commission's Human Rights Youth Award in 2005 and teacher Chuck
Duboff received the commission's Commitment Award in 2006.

See the Winnipeg Free Press video by following the link:  Maples March.