Feature photo: Artwork by Indigenous artist Raven Davis unveiled earlier today at Roots Rideau Centre. More artworks by various Canadian artists are being displayed at Roots locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Roots Rideau Centre announced their Be Nice campaign today, happening in partnership with WE to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary. Through the sales of Nice buttons and pins, as well as other Nice products, Roots aims to raise over $150,000.00 to support the Indigenous Youth Empowerment programming run by WE. Olympic and World kayak champion Adam Van Koeverden kicked off today's launch, with a short statement celebrating niceness in Canadian culture: “For the past 150 years, we’ve been showing the world what it means to be nice through our bravery, our strength, our pride, and our confidence. We encourage all of Canada to continue to be nice, and to celebrate Canada 150 with pride.” Mayor Jim Watson was also present at the launch today and was commended for his contributions to the Ottawa community. He took a moment to recognize the hard work and support given to and by those affected by the flooding in Ontario and Quebec. He also applauded the dedication of several charities and the countless volunteers who rushed in to help those who have lost their homes, as well as to clean up the debris left behind by the flood water.
“Despite the many instances, losing their homes or seeing their home completely ruined, they’ve continued to give back to the community and certainly reaffirm my faith in what a caring and thoughtful and nice society and population we have in the city of Ottawa.” – Mayor Jim Watson
WE is a charitable organization which aims to create change in society and create a sustainable impact. The organization delivers programs such as Sacred Circle and Imagine Canada around the country, which aim to explore and address issues that those in Indigenous communities face, as well as to build new leaders for positive change in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Their programs aim to support diversity and bring about positive Indigenous cultural awareness. Delivered in partnership with community elders and mentors, their programs are held all over Canada, directly within communities, and are focused on empowering Indigenous youth leaders.
In addition to raising donations for WE, Roots is also searching for Canada’s Nicest Person. People across Canada can nominate someone special in their life, who has made a positive impact in Canada this month until May 28th, 2017. You can nominate someone by sharing their photo and story on Instagram, or on the Roots Facebook page using the hashtags #BeNice and #RootsIsCanada. Ten finalists will be announced before Canadians can vote on which individual they think should be recognized on June 5th to June 18th, 2017. Canada’s Nicest Person will be announced by Adam Van Koeverden and will win a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice, and a $500 Roots gift card.
Nice buttons and other related merchandise can be purchased in stores and online. 100% of the money raised goes towards empowering Indigenous youth, and building better communities for the next 150 years to come.
