On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Southwest Newcomer Centre celebrated Southwest Diversity with pride. 17 Southwest organizations gathered to hear community leaders talk about stopping racism and increasing diversity in the southwest with a presentation they called "Show Racism the Door."

While the southwest has a reputation for not being very diverse, Icasiana de Gala, the Executive Director forNewcomerr Welcome Centre, says it's just the opposite. She says Swift Current is a great place for new immigrants to come.

"Swift Current has always been- as far as we know- very welcoming. I interviewed 30 newcomers... and they words they said about Swift Current were so heartwarming," she said. "They said service, service, service, people here are smiling, ready to help, and these are people who have lived in other parts of Canada."

She says that although Swift Current has been overall welcomming to newcomers, it can never hurt to make sure a new immigrant is feeling welcome, even if it's something as simple as a greeting.

"We're not asking for some philisphical discussion with anyone, just say hello and smile; that would make someone's day," she said. "If [racism] is something that people see, maybe in school.... try to call them on their racism. Every workplace, every communuity, every school in the southwest has a newcommer, someone from another country. Go out and get to know that person."

de Gala says that there are great benefits to having diversity in a community, and as Swift Current grows, so will its diversity.

"it's easiser to embrace someone than punch someone. Show respect, and know that diversity is here right now in our city. Enjoy the benefits of having so many people from different cultures in this city," she said. "If there are people out there who are not yet accepting the fact that we are becomming more diverse every day, come to the Welcome Centre, and we would be happy to give them information and stats.

"In Swift Current alone, we have 60, almost 70 different people of different cultures. In the southwest, it's almost 90 now. It's a beautiful diverse communuty, so let's go out and meet other people from other cultures."