Rotarian Patty provided an introduction to DAARN (Dryden Area Anti-Racism Network) a new community organization with its roots in the viewing of the CBC documentary 8TH Fire - http://www.cbc.ca/8thfire/
 
8 TH Fire draws from an Anishinaabe prophecy that declares now is the time for Aboriginal peoples and the settler community to come together and build the '8TH Fire' of justice and harmony.
 
With incidents at McDonald’s and Pinewood school, it was felt by a group of concerned citizens that we needed to do something to improve the relations between residents and First Nations people as well as improve the image of the City as a welcoming community
Patti Vann describes Building Bridges Program
The group incorporated a non-profit corporation with the name DAARN and set out its
 
Vision - To become a community where everyone is valued
Mission - To promote cultural diversity, engage in educational activities and to stand against racism and discrimination to achieve respect and harmony within our region
 
Vann said “Membership is open to anyone who shares our vision, mission and values and who is willing to work in a positive way toward change.”
 
Members have attended workshops and met with local First Nations elders to share ideas and knowledge.
 
To promote their message, they are inviting everyone to a Building Bridges night at the Centre on Friday January 31 at 7 PM to enjoy the singing of Shy-Anne Hovorka, film-maker Michelle Derosier and photographers Adrienne Fox Keesic and Brent Wesley
 
Tickets are $20 and can be obtained from Rtn Patty Vann.