March 22, 2016 - The 2016 respect. Award was presented to Dianna Atkinson at Diversity Thunder Bay's 10th Annual Celebration Breakfast for the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

"The respect. Award is an annual award that recognizes an individual, business or organization that promotes the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that recognize the importance of human dignity, and demonstrates leadership to foster respect for others," said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Crime Prevention Council Coordinator.

This year's recipient, Dianna Atkinson, is a 15-year-member and current president of the Thunder Bay Caribbean African Multicultural Association. She has played a crucial role in raising awareness of racial and gender equality, has helped to coordinate many local events that expose residents to diversity such as the Black History Month Dinner & Awards Gala and the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Folklore Festival.

She has also been an active member of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association as a Youth Advisor and as a member of the Newcomer's Women's Group: Northern Women United for Change, among many others. She is a role model who promotes self-empowerment and self-respect.

"The respect. Award recipient exemplifies all the qualities of a respect. champion, and Dianna works hard to promote equality, inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism through her efforts with numerous local organizations," added Chevrette. "We are so happy to recognize her dedication, hard work and commitment to making Thunder Bay a more inclusive community, and exemplifying the principles of the respect. Initiative."

respect. is an initiative of the City of Thunder Bay Anti-Racism & Respect Advisory Committee and the Crime Prevention Council, and the respect. Award is Sponsored by Diversity Thunder Bay.

For more information, visit thunderbay.ca/respect

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Contact: Lee-Ann Chevrette, Crime Prevention Council Coordinator, 625-2554

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