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She hopes the event helps bring attention to the issue of racism and educates the wider public and the law enforcement community, she said.

“(We need) more awareness that we’re all equal and that we shouldn’t judge each other by the way we look. The more people that get out here to help raise awareness, the more it will help.”

Photo by Greg Pender / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

The event was established around four demands: an end to police street checks and racism, less funding for police and more community control of local law enforcement, said organizer Kota Kimura.

Saskatoon police chief Clive Weighill has said in the past that race is not a factor in the checks, adding the police want to work with the community to find a solution that works for everyone.

“Every police service is looking at this. It’s the way we approach people, maybe the way we talk to people, but I think there has to be a compromise,” he said.

Kieran McIntyre, who attended the rally, said he hopes it brings attention to an issue that affects many in Saskatoon.

“It wouldn’t have come down to this if it wasn’t such a big problem,” he said.

“It’s happening to a lot of people and people aren’t just speaking out about it just because they want recognition, or they want to cause trouble. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed.”

The Saskatoon board of police commissioners is set to meet on March 17. Members are expected to discuss how to proceed with a plan that would allow people with concerns about carding to come forward and share their insights.

Following consultations with the community, the police board is expected to provide the Saskatchewan Police Commission with information to help it develop a policy around the practice. A draft policy is expected in late spring.

mmodjeski@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/MorganM_SP