Virtual BLM event discussing racism in Alberta this weekend

A Black and Indigenous Lives Matter event is being held for Alberta this weekend.

The virtual event will discuss the movement and the role it has to play in Alberta, with three speakers offering their own perspectives to spark a community discussion.

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The event is being held just one week after the anti-racism rally that was organized for Red Deer last weekend, which saw counter-protesters arrive to spark violence, prompting responses from Red Deer RCMP, Premier Jason Kenney, and NDP Leader Rachel Notley.

Taylor McNallie, an attendee of the Red Deer anti-racism protest, is one of the speakers at Sunday’s virtual event.

Red Deer, AB

“Patriots” came in truck loads to attack people who came to attend an organized event on anti-racism.

Here’s my bf getting punched in the head after serving Pat King a restraining order.

Police did nothing.@RCMPAlberta @RachelNotley @antihateca @YYCantiracist pic.twitter.com/jYwfNCmUac

— Taylor McNallie (@TaylorMadeYYC) September 21, 2020

McNallie is a Calgary-based public speaker, civil rights activist, influencer, and entrepreneur who moved to a small Alberta town in 2001 where she had harsh experiences with racism, the event’s website states.

She launched Rural Alberta Against Racism (RAAR) in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, and has been working to bring discussion of racism to smaller Albertan communities.

The Black and Indigenous Lives Matter event will also see 33-year-old Siksikatsitapi and Dene youth facilitator, educator, author, activist, and actor Gitz Derangé as a speaker.

“Gitz is known for his leadership and participation in the Idle No More movement, one of the largest Indigenous mobilizations in Canadian history,” the event page states.

“His novel, Secret of the Stars, has caught the attention of national and international media such as the CBC and Australia’s Indigenous Radio Station.”

The third speak at the event will be Ms. Kay, whose bio will be revealed at the event.

Attendance is by donation, and the event will run from 3 to 5 pm.

Black and Indigenous Lives Matter Virtual Event

When: Sunday, September 27
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Online
Admission: By donation, register online