The first Hate Free Muskoka event was held on November 5, 2022 at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge (100 Clearbrook Trail) featuring four leading anti-hate speakers and a panel on Rising Up to the Challenge. Topics included how to be an upstander in our community, the gifts of the Seven Grandfathers, Trans-inclusion, and cultural competency. An afternoon panel entitled "Rising Up to the Challenge" presented by the District of Muskoka's IDEA Advisory Group chair and featured prominent members of the public and private sector.  More information about IDEA can be found here.

Speakers in the morning included:

Bernie Farber (Human Rights Advocate) - Hi talk was a historical journey detailing some of those elements within Canadian society that engage in extremism, bigotry and hatred. The journey ends with methods in which we as citizens can do the right thing and become “Upstanders” in difficult times.

Kelly Brownbill (Indigenous Awareness Educator) - This presentation focuses on the gifts we have as a people and how to utilize them in a modern context. Uplifting and hopeful, it's a broad strokes blueprint for recovering from the past and embracing the future. Equally effective for people of all races and backgrounds, it can be the first brick in a bridge to reform relationships that are in tatters after generations of assimilation policies.

Michelle Emson (Gender Diversity Consultant)- Michelle's presentation will have a particular focus on 2SLGBTQI and specifically Trans inclusion.

Shelly Skinner (Uplift Black) - With a focus on establishing an environment as a leader that allows the serving community to thrive by creating a space that is healthy, brave and courageous, her talk will focus on cultural competency and awareness as the root of all Diversity, Equality and Inclusion work and how everyone has the ability to become a co-conspirator for systemic change regardless of their position in the community.

Rising Up to the Challenge Panel:

• Ricky Veerappan, Director of the Respect, Inclusion, Leadership Division of the OPP;
• Tina Kilboune of the District of Muskoka;
• Jennifer Johnston, Superintendent of Learning at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board; and
• Eva Zachary, Executive Director of Muskoka Victim Services. The panel was moderated by Mark Nakamura, Chair of the District of Muskoka's Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Anti-racism Advisory Group.