International Women’s Day Panel

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Please enjoy this panel discussion hosted by the Regina Public Library. This is an important conversation with four community leaders, hosted by Rhonda Rosenberg from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan.

This panel discusses the barriers women face in our community and what we can do about it. Panelists include Jamiy Moran from the North Central Family Centre, Joana Valamootoo from Creative Options Regina, Rania Al Harthi from Regina Immigrant Women’s Centre, and Christine Boyczuk from Age Friendly Moose Jaw.

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African Canadian Black History Month 2023

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Visit https://mcos.ca/events/black-history-month/ for a list of events, resources, and info about the ACBHM.

As well as https://sachm.org/virtual-museum/ to see learn more about the history of accomplishments of African-Canadian’s across the province!

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Between the Pages, Speak Up! – MCoS Book Club

 

We are happy to introduce our new book club: Between the Pages, Speak Up! Our book club is designated to celebrating diversity but also actively engaging in literature that focuses on anti-racism and decolonization. It is open for anyone to join, we meet monthly on Zoom where we will engage in conversations about the book and hopefully enrich our shared interest in decolonizing and anti-racism work.

Our first meeting is on Thursday February 23rd from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Zoom. We’ll be discussing Conversations In Black: On Power, Politics, and Leadership by Ed Gordon for our first book. Interested in joining us? Please request to join our Facebook group HERE for all of the details!

Happy reading!

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The 2022 Multicultural Honours Awards Nominees!

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MCoS is excited to announce the nominees for the 2022 Multicultural Honours Awards.

These awards are given every year to celebrate and honour the multicultural contributions

made by our nominees.

#SKStrong #FromManyPeoplesStrengths #TogetherWeMakeSaskatchewanStrong

 

Multicultural Youth Leadership Award

for promising contributions from people 29 years and under.

Congratulations to our nominees:

Darian Agecoutay

 

Amir Said

 

 

 

Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award

for outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. Priority will be given to nominees who have demonstrated sustained periods of commitment in their contributions.

Congratulations to our nominees:

Dr. Shela Hirani

 

Lyndon J. Linklater

 

 

 Click here to view and download the Honours Program

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MCoS ICARE Coordinator – Job Opportunity

MCoS ICARE Coordinator Job Description

Responsible to: Executive Director

Salary: $60,000 per year plus benefits following a 3-month probation

Contract: December 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 with possibility of permanence

Hours: Full-time with flexibility: 37.5 hours per week (often Monday to Friday 9:00 – 4:30) with some need for evening and weekend availability

Location: MCoS office is in Regina; remote work in Saskatchewan welcome. Occasional travel to participating communities expected.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is committed to promoting, fostering, improving and developing multiculturalism in the cultural, economic, social and political life of Saskatchewan while working to achieve equality of all residents. MCoS is a non-profit charitable provincial cultural organization. MCoS’ services and support reaches lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10 traditional lands of the nehiyawak/nehithawak/nehinawak/Cree, Anishinaabeg/ Nahkawe/Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and Dene peoples and Homeland of the Michif – all regions of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. The office is located in Regina.

Intercultural Connections and Anti-Racism Engagement (ICARE) is a project to build relationships between Indigenous, newcomer, established immigrant, and settler organizations and community members while addressing racism, oppression, and colonialism through an intersectional decolonial lens. Some aspects of the project will take place in specific communities, others will have a provincial reach.

ICARE is explicitly designed to work toward the elimination of discrimination, racism, and prejudice through workshops for a variety of audiences, online resources and conversations including regional intercultural and anti-racism community activities, regional organizational networking, deepening the understanding of racism and colonialism in the multicultural community, and a virtual book club. ICARE is all about working together to build awareness and change attitudes. It is founded on the belief that the combination of intercultural relationships and anti-racism education allows people to sit with discomfort and learn. The components of ICARE take this a step further by including opportunities for plans for action to make communities better places for all.

MCoS has a diverse and welcoming staff who understand the need for interrelationships, are committed to the journey of continuous learning and building respectful and equitable relationships on the land known as Saskatchewan. MCoS is aware of the colonial systems we operate in and the ways that immigration and multiculturalism can be used for colonial purposes; we are open to organizational change over time. This is an opportunity for you to add your voice to the process. Supports for the ICARE Coordinator include a project advisor, MCoS staff, community partners, and advisory circles.

Responsibilities:

The ICARE Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the ICARE program.

The ICARE Coordinator reports and is responsible to the Executive Director and works in accordance with the policies of the organization, independently and with other staff as appropriate.

The ICARE Coordinator will be responsible to:

  • Develop and implement plans that align with the organization’s Strategic Directions, mandate and project objectives and timelines, in order to animate:
    • local community programming in at least 3 Saskatchewan locations,
    • hiring, training and support for local coordinators,
    • intercultural elder and youth advisory circles,
    • education for MCoS staff, board, members, facilitators, and partners,
    • and a book club.
  • Build relationships in diverse sectors to build connections and support for intercultural and anti-racism anti-oppression work
  • Use data from evaluations to ensure consistent quality and continuous improvement
  • Assess and evaluate program outcomes to provide input for reporting and future planning
  • Manage project budget with the Executive Director and report to funders
  • Other duties as requested by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

The ICARE Coordinator will have:

  • An undergraduate degree or a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, and on-the-job training
  • Demonstrated knowledge of colonialism, decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and intersectionality
  • Demonstrated experience in program coordination
  • Demonstrated experience working in Indigenous and intercultural environments
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills with a demonstrated welcoming, respectful approach to interactions.
  • This project will be best served by a coordinator with connections, including reconnections, and lived/living Indigenous experiences. We understand that colonial assimilation attempts removed many people from their communities. Please describe your connection to your community in the cover letter.
  • Knowledge of Indigenous language is an asset.
  • Familiarity with multicultural organizations and ethnocultural communities, the issues they face, and the benefits of diversity is a significant asset
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with research and evaluation for program decisions and direction
  • Experience in non-profit or community-based organizations an asset;
  • Good computer skills (word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Have strong organizational skills and a commitment to professionalism, including the ability to multi-task, manage timelines and multiple deadlines;
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of working harmoniously within teams;
  • Be an independent, energetic, analytical, self-starting and responsible worker, driven by successful, punctual and quality outcomes;
  • Have the ability to travel in Saskatchewan, and have a valid driver’s licence; and
  • Be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • This position requires a criminal record check.

MCoS appreciates all responses to this competition, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are committed to employment equity and provide reasonable accommodations; please feel free to self-identify as Indigenous, a person with disabilities, a visible minority (person oppressed by racism), and a woman in an underrepresented occupation. This position will be best served by a person with First Nations or Métis (or Indigenous) heritage, lived/living experience, and community connections.

Please make any inquiries and submit cover letter and résumé electronically by 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2022 to: Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director at **@mc**.ca.

Download the ICARE Job Description Here:  MCoS ICARE Coordinator Job Description

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Indigenous Storytelling Month

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Events and Resources

Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre – virtual storytelling event for schools across Saskatchewan

The Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) events

Carol Golden Eagle – Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange workshop, Storyteller on Tour

FROST @Downtown – :Indigenous Storytelling City Square in downtown Regina

  • Feb 4 at 6:45pm and 7:30pm: Brad Bellegarde
  • Feb 5 at 1:00pm: Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway
  • Feb 6 at 1:00pm: Rhonda Donais
  • Feb 10 at 6:45pm and 7:30pm: Dickie Yuzicapi
  • Feb 11 at 6:45pm and 7:30pm: Calvin Racette
Virtual Presentation- Join Solomon Ratt, Wilfred Buck, and Festival of Words for Aboriginal Storytime. You can register here. Feb 15- 17.

Decolonize YQR: Reconciliation and Yoga

  • Feb 15 at 7:00pm, online via Zoom: Learn to find balance through the ceremony of yoga.

Reconciliation Through Conversation – with John Lagimodiere

  • Feb 16 at 7:00pm, hosted in partnership with the Regina Open Door Society.

YQR Tipi Exhibit – Central Library, 2311-12th Avenue

  • Jan 30 to Feb 28: Visit the Tipi at Central Library to learn about the teachings and values related to its poles; for caring for ourselves and living in balance.

YQR Shelley Niro: A Good, Long Look 

  • For over 30 years, Shelley Niro has challenged dominant perceptions of Indigenous people through her art and filmmaking.
  • Dunlop Art Gallery, Central Library
  • Dunlop Art Gallery, Sherwood Village Branch

Resources-

Indigenous Voices Collection 

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Job Opportunity: Communications and Administration Assistant

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Job Opportunity: Communications and Administration Assistant

Reports to: Both the Communications Coordinator and the Executive Assistant

Salary: $41,000 annually

Permanent Full-Time

Start date: March 16, 2022

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Monday to Friday) with some need for evening and weekend availability

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is committed to promoting, fostering, improving and developing multiculturalism in the cultural, economic, social and political life of Saskatchewan while working to achieve equality of all residents. MCoS is a non-profit charitable provincial cultural organization that provides service and support to multicultural and ethnocultural organizations across Saskatchewan. The office is located in Regina.

We are currently seeking an experienced Communications and Administration Assistant on permanent basis. It will include comprehensive benefits and pension plan packages, effective following successful 3-month probation.

Responsibilities:

The Communications and Administration Assistant is responsible for interacting with and providing support to staff, volunteers and the public. Approximately 70% of this position’s time will be spent on communications, and 30% on administration.

Under the supervision of the Communications Coordinator, the Communications and Administration Assistant is responsible for:

Communications: The position is responsible for working with the communications Coordinator to support the communications of MCoS to members and stakeholders. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Website and social media (expertise using WordPress, Hootsuite, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter)
  • Google and social media analytics
  • Media Scanning
  • Graphic designing for social media and larger campaigns
  • Preparing monthly e-newsletter using Mailchimp
  • Preparing and/or inputting communications updates to distribute information of interest to multicultural stakeholders through the newsletter and website.
  • Undertaking internet research as requested (e.g. for speeches and campaign planning).
  • Prepare and deliver educational, publicity and informational materials (brochures, infographic, promo items etc.) to increase awareness about multiculturalism.
  • Ensuring that the organization’s brand guidelines are followed in communications materials developed and shared by this position
  • Developing and managing a system to collect community information that may be of interest to multicultural stakeholders

Under the supervision of the Executive Assistant, the Communications and Administration Assistant will perform the following:

Reception: The position is responsible for ensuring the members, stakeholders and the general public are able to access MCoS services and information reliably and consistently. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Ensuring that the office is open during office hours (currently the office is closed to the public and we are working remotely due to COVID)
  • Greeting visitors in a welcoming and respectful manner
  • Answering phone calls, taking messages, forwarding calls
  • Handling inquiries from staff, clients and other stakeholders within capacity
  • Relaying information accurately, clearly, concisely and in a courteous manner

Financial Process Support: MCoS bookkeeping and payroll are done externally. Under the direction of the Executive Assistant, this position is responsible for maintenance and preparation of MCoS documents related to finances and communication with bookkeepers and others. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Preparation of cheque requests
  • Preparation of deposits
  • Monitor and record payments, payables and receivables
  • Assisting with year-end finances

Records Management: The position is responsible for preparation and management of documents and records for MCoS. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Providing secretarial support to staff, members and volunteers under the direction of the Executive Assistant
  • Creating and filing electronic copies of documents
  • Printing, copying, filing, scanning, and distributing (mailings, meetings, etc.) documents
  • Maintaining and improving office filing system (computer and paper) under the direction of the Executive Assistant
  • Establishing and maintaining a data management system to support reporting and the accountability of MCoS: tracking incoming calls, e-mails, mail, visitors, etc. for statistical reports

Mail: The position is responsible for ensuring all correspondence received by or originating from MCoS is handled appropriately. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Collecting, opening, recording and routing incoming mail, faxes and materials
  • Assembling, recording, stamping and labeling outgoing mail
  • Sending, forwarding and replying to emails as appropriate
  • Accurately maintaining and updating mailing and contact databases

Office: The position is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the MCoS office. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Handling office needs such as delivery, parcel service, etc.
  • Ordering and maintaining supplies as required with consultation with EA
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy entrance and office
  • Maintaining office equipment while following office policies and procedure

Travel and Meeting Arrangements: The position is responsible for travel and meeting logistics for MCoS staff, board members and other volunteers and contractors of MCoS as required. Tasks associated with this responsibility include:

  • Arranging meeting and event facilities, registration, accommodation, etc.
  • Organizing details and travel arrangements for Board, committee and general meetings
  • Preparing and processing expense claims

Other duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

  • Applicants for this position must have relevant post-secondary education and/or work experience in both communications and administration.
  • This position requires exceptional communication skills and a positive attitude
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on Excel Microsoft Office Suite is essential. Experience with SharePoint is an asset.
  • Website and digital content management: WordPress, Hootsuite, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Mailchimp, Dropbox;
  • Graphic design with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Premiere Elements, and desktop publishing with at least an intermediate level of proficiency;
  • Filming and video editing skills with at least an independent level of proficiency;
    Photography skills and editing;
  • Proficiency in the use of the following office technology: computers, voice messaging systems, photocopier, mail station, etc.;
  • Strong organizational skills and a commitment to professionalism, including the ability to multi-task, manage timelines and multiple deadlines;
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of working harmoniously within teams;
  • Independent, energetic, analytical, self-starting and responsible worker, driven by successful, punctual and quality outcomes;
  • Experience in non-profit or community-based organizations is an asset;
  • Strong connections to Indigenous and/or multicultural communities are an asset
  • Have the ability to travel in Saskatchewan from time to time, a valid driver’s license is an asset;
  • Be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

This position requires a criminal record check.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We would like to have the Communications and Administration candidate start by March 16, 2022.

Application deadline:  Monday, February 14, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.

The interview will include an experiential assignment to demonstrate your skills.

Applications must include:

  • Cover letter and résumé clearly outlining how you meet the education or experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and requirements for this position.
  • Portfolio demonstrating your work.
  • Three references who can tell us more about you at work (ensure they are ready and available to be contacted by email).

To apply, please email your cover letter, résumé, portfolio, and references with the subject line: Communications and Administration Assistant, cover letter along with three (3) references to:

Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director

Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan

**@mc**.ca

MCoS appreciates all responses from candidates currently legally entitled to work in Canada to this opportunity, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are committed to workplace diversity; candidates are welcome to self-identify as belonging to equity-seeking groups.

Download Job Description

MCoS Communications and Administration Assistant Job Description 2022 (pdf)

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Holiday Greetings!

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Multicultural Honours

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Together we make Saskatchewan stronger 

Members of Saskatchewan’s multicultural community gathered at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon on November 20, 2021 for MCoS Multicultural Honours to recognize significant contributions to multiculturalism by community members. This annual hallmark event kicks-off Saskatchewan Multicultural Week and our host was His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.  

Master of Ceremonies and Executive Director of MCoS, Rhonda Rosenberg, began the event by acknowledging that Wanuskewin Heritage Park is in Treaty 6 territory. This land is the traditional meeting ground and homeland of the Nehiyawak/Cree, Saulteaux/Anishnaabeg, Nakota, Dakota, Stoney Nations and Motherland of the Métis/Michif Nation. We recognize the deep and ongoing harms of colonialism and reaffirm our commitment respectful and equitable relationships with this land and its original Peoples. We are all Treaty People, and strive to be good treaty relatives.  

We were honoured to have Muna De Ciman provide the opening blessing, setting the tone for a respectful and meaningful gathering.  

 The Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, provided opening remarks, underscoring the realities of the Saskatchewan motto From Many Peoples Strength, and his commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and diversity.   

The Honourable Laura Ross, Minister for Parks, Culture and Sport offered remarks, reiterating the benefits of diversity and the pride that Saskatchewan was the first province to recognize the significance of multiculturalism through legislation in 1974.  

Finally, Meka Okochi, President of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, brought remarks celebrating volunteers and multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. He also encouraged discussion regarding multiculturalism and what makes Saskatchewan strong before introducing the presentation.  

This year’s presentation highlighted Peace Akintade who is an African Canadian interdisciplinary Poet, Public Speaker, and Thespian residing in Saskatoon. Her poems touch on the impact of slavery in her village, colourism, growing up in Kuwait, Nigeria, and Canada, and relearning her culture in the face of colonization.  

Awards Nominees and Recipients 

Meka Okochi, MCoS president; Her Honour Donna Mirasty; His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan; Rhonda Rosenberg, MCoS Executive Director; the Honourable Laura Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport; Neelu Sachdev, Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award recipient; B’yauling Toni, Multicultural Youth Leadership Award recipient; Tracey Sauer, SGEU president; Ayesha Baig, MCoS Secretary and Chair of the Recognition Committee; and Diane Ralph, SGEU First Vice President 

The MCoS recognition committee, comprised of board and community members, assesses all nominees on their contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan through the five streams of multicultural work – Cultural Continuity, Celebration of Diversity, Anti-Racism, Intercultural Connections, and Integration – and selects the recipients.   

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) once again partnered with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan to sponsor the Multicultural Youth Leadership Award. SGEU President, Tracey Sauer, brought remarks and introduced the award. Diane Ralph, First Vice President accompanied her. 

This year’s Multicultural Youth Leadership Award nominees are: 

  • Mia Bhatia, who encourages acceptance of South Asian culture and empowers the Indian community through events, fundraisers, and celebrations;  
  • David Camarador, who is an excellent example and mentor to youth, and especially other Filipino and 2SLGBTQ+ youth;   
  • Mwila Munganama has inspired others by advocating for gender and racial equality; 
  • B’yauling Toni, who embarked on a journey of reconciliation by visiting all federal residential school sites by bicycle.  

 The recipient of the 2021 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award is B’yauling Toni. He received an award of $500 from MCoS and SGEU. B’yauling Toni’s awareness of his family’s Austrian–German and Taiwanese cultural heritages, gives him perspective on the deep impact cultural genocide and the intergenerational impacts of residential schools have had on Indigenous Peoples to continue cultural practices and beliefs, not only in Canada but in many countries. He celebrated diversity by practicing meaningful traditions, such as offering tobacco ties and gifts of tiny moccasins to each community. The initiative B’yauling has taken to engage in acts of reconciliation through a 3,000 kilometer cycling tour has led to strong intercultural connections and relationships. With mutual trust and respect, he participated in a celebration of unique histories, cultures, and knowledge with 20 different First Nations communities. An excellent listener, he gained a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences, as well as position and power. B’yauling leveraged social media to raise awareness amongst his peers and older audiences. The Moccasins for Remembrance tour raised over $10,000 for the Orange Shirt Society to raise awareness across Canada about the ongoing legacy of Indian residential schools. 

 Ayesha Baig, MCoS Director and Chair of the Recognition Committee, introduced the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award. In partnership with Dairy Queen and Jim and Michelle Braun, Ayesha Baig presented the nominees and recipient of the 2021 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award.   

The committee received 3 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award nominees: 

  • Nelson Eng has a long history of working within the Chinese Canadian community and multicultural community by sponsoring, fundraising and attending events that support multiculturalism and act to end racism; 
  • Pallavi Mozumder is a singer and music teacher who uses her traditional arts to support cultural continuity in Bangladesh and Saskatchewan; 
  • Neelu Sachdev has been contributing to her community both as the executive director of the Regina Immigrant Women Centre (RIWC) since 2003, and through running the Arcola East Bhangra Dancers. 

The 2021 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award recipient is Neelu Sachdev. She selected Regina Immigrant Women’s Centre for a donation of $500 from MCoS.

Neelu Sachdev has been the executive director of the Regina Immigrant Women Centre (RIWC) since 2003, developing the organization, acting as a strong advocate, and serving newcomers from more than 30 countries. RIWC is now an essential community service organization, providing ongoing supports and training, and her leadership is exemplified in the pivot to online learning during the pandemic. Neelu Sachdev has often been involved in the March 21 anti-racism programs in Regina and other Saskatchewan communities. Neelu Sachdev was frequently called upon following 9-11 and in other times of fear and uncertainty to speak at gatherings. She brought The Gold Bracelet, a movie about the discrimination that followed 9-11, to tour Saskatchewan in 2006 and 2013. Each of the screenings was followed by a community discussion. Her leadership has been integral to the partnership that organizes annual International Women’s Day gatherings at the Mackenzie Art Gallery. 

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