As Cultural Diversity and Race Relations month approaches, the City of Saskatoon is raising flags and awareness.

On Friday, the City hosted a kick-off ceremony, joined by several speakers from the newcomer community. One of them was Linda Gvenetadze, a Grade 12 student attending Aden Bowman Collegiate who moved to Saskatoon from Georgia.

She says the discrimination she experienced after moving here wasn’t overt or aggressive; it was quiet and made her feel like she was invisible.

She encourages those who are wary of accepting newcomers into their community not to be afraid of reaching out to learn their stories.

“Try to make conversation with us. Try to get to know us more, so you can understand better that we are also human beings and we are not some aliens coming from mars.”

She adds that her teachers were integral in making her feel safe and accepted in her new community; even lending a shoutout to the school system.

“I’m so grateful for all my teachers. Thank you, Aden Bowman, for making me feel included and feeling safe in my school. That’s what I’m grateful for. The school system is amazing.”

Saskatoon has declared March Cultural Diversity and Race Relations month since 1990.