OTTAWA, February 4, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced the appointment of Nazanin Afshin-Jam as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
"Ms. Afshin-Jam's background and involvement in human rights issues will bring a unique perspective to the deliberations of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Board," said Minister Verner.
Ms. Afshin-Jam graduated with a degree in international relations and political science from the University of British Columbia, and received scholarships to study at the prestigious Institut d'études politiques in Paris and at the International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle in England. During her studies, she was involved as a volunteer for the Red Cross raising awareness among young people on global issues. She also helped raise funds in support of a number of humanitarian causes, campaigned for a number of issues, including women's rights in the Middle East, and continues to be a spokesperson in support of human welfare. Ms. Afshin Jam is a professional recording artist, singer-songwriter, actor, and model.
Ms. Afshin-Jam has received a number of awards and honours, including the Hero for Human Rights Award presented by Youth for Human Rights and Artists for Human Rights at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation undertakes research, collects data, and maintains a national information database to further understanding of the nature of racism and racial discrimination. It provides a knowledge base from which governments, academia, business, labour, and community organizations can draw to develop effective race relations policies and practices. The Foundation also disseminates information to increase public awareness of the importance of eliminating racism. For more information on the Foundation and its Board of Directors, please visit www.crr.ca
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
