June marks National Indigenous History Month in Canada.
We stand in solidarity and extend our deepest sympathy with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and all Indigenous people impacted by residential schools. This month also marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually on June 21st.

According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at least 150,000 Indigenous children attended residential schools in Canada from the late 1800s to 1997. This is not just a ‘dark chapter’ in our country’s past- the ideas of racism that justified colonization continue to be embedded in our society, institutions, interpersonal interactions and ideas about ourselves. Indigenous communities continue to face systemic oppression, trauma, inequity, and discrimination to this very day.

We recognize that our vision of building a welcoming community, a community that demonstrates equity and inclusion to benefit from the contributions of all members, can only be achieved by acknowledging the history and working towards decolonization and true reconciliation.

You can learn more about the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples by visiting Celebrating National Indigenous History Month, by reading a digital copy of one of the books from the Indigenous Reads-reading list or by exploring some of the resources listed below.

Events-

 

Click here for more EVENTS

During the month of May, we acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. Many Saskatchewan residents are of Asian heritage including, but not limited to Afghani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Japanese, Karen, Korean, Laotian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Filipino, and Vietnamese. Canada’s cultural diversity strengthens the country socially, politically and economically in innumerable ways. Asian Heritage Month is an ideal occasion for all to celebrate the rich values, beliefs and cultural expressions of various Asian cultures.

MCoS is presenting a virtual forum to discuss Our Stories of Anti-Asian Racism on Wednesday, 27th May.

To watch the recording, click here

 

Other events

Resources

READ MORE ABOUT ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

 

2021 Community Events

Prince Albert Community Forum – March 2, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Yorkton Community Forum – March 16, 2021 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

 

Swift Current Community Forum– March 25, 2021 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

 

Regina Community Forum – March 23, 2021 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

 

La Ronge Community Forum – March 30, 2021 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

 

 Stay tuned for more info!

Storytelling events at libraries across Saskatchewan

For families or individuals wanting to participate in Indigenous Storytellers Month, there are events happening all across Saskatchewan. Find a full list here.

The Regina Public Library is hosting the following storytelling events:

  • Indigenous Storyteller’s Gathering on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
  • Indigenous Storytelling Through Children’s Books on Feb. 3
  • Indigenous Storytelling Through Graphic Novels on Feb. 10
  • Indigenous Storytelling Through Films on Feb. 17
  • Indigenous Storytelling through Puppets on Feb. 23

The Saskatoon Public Library is holding the following events:

  • Storytelling Spotlight: All About Storytelling on Feb. 1
  • Storytelling Spotlight: Saulteaux Stories on Feb. 3
  • Indigenous Spotlight: Music from Dallas & Phil Boyer on Feb. 6
  • Storytelling Spotlight:Stories with Maureen Belange on Feb. 10
  • Indigenous Spotlight: Music from Marentin Fehr on Feb. 13
  • Storytelling Spotlight: Sculpture & Story with Lyndon Tootoosis on Feb. 17
  • Indigenous Spotlight: Make Bannock & Soup with Glenna Henderson on Feb. 20
  • Storytelling Spotlight: Eagle Feather News on Feb. 24

African-Canadian Black History Month

The Saskatchewan African-Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM) has been one of the provincial leaders in promoting the importance of the historical and current contributions of people of African descent in the province. After years of reflecting and studying, this year they have chosen to change the title of the month to African-Canadian Black History Month. This is meant to align with the 1978 UNESCO Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, which clarified that genetics do not support human racial classifications; however, race as a social, political and economic construct remains a reality that results in persisting racial discrimination, violation of human rights and social injustices. The new title is meant to be inclusive of all people of African descent. MCoS applauds the efforts of the many organizations and individuals who work on cultural continuity, who share their cultures at celebrations of diversity, who expose the cost of racism and how we can go beyond it, who reach out to build intercultural connections within and beyond the African-Canadian community, and who contribute to social cohesion in all communities in Saskatchewan in so many ways.

EVENTS 2021

  • Jan 28th to Feb 20th- Black History Month Online Art Auction

  • Feb 6 & Feb 27- Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity

  • Jan 30 – The launch of ‘African Canadian Black History Month  2021 at MacKenzie Art Gallery

  • Feb 6 – La Communauté des Africains Francophones de la Saskatchewan Inc (CAFS) Opening via ZOOM. From 2p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Email di*******@ca*******.org to attend.

  • Feb 8 – Monday, 8 pm begin series of “Played & Stayed” on ACCESSNow TV

  • Feb 8-18 – Social media and email diffusion of stricking black figures. Email di*******@ca*******.org to attend.

  • Feb 13 – Anansi production – partners SK Can Caribbean Assoc (SCCA), New Dance Horizons & SACHM – On-line a 3 pm

  • Feb 19- A movie by Cinergie: Sorte de L’ombre. Email di*******@ca*******.org to attend.

  • Feb 26 – Theatre Sk doing play on-line about Viola Desmond called “Other People’s Heaven”.  The play writer is Beau Dixon who will also be available for a talk back at one of the shows. Contact SACHM for more info.

  • Feb 26- Quiz Francophone Africa. Email di*******@ca*******.org to attend.

  • Feb 27 – SACHM Wrap Up of Month with greetings from Lt Gov and showings of play by UCAS youth – Li’l Shadd, Anansi and “Other Peoples Heaven”

  • Feb 27- CAFS BHM closing ceremony via ZOOM from 2p.m.-6p.m.

To read more about African-Canadian Black History Month click here.

Who’s Your Multicultural Superhero?

As we prepare to celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week November 16-24, we are asking you to nominate “Multicultural Superheroes” to honour the significant impact they have made in our province through the five streams of multicultural work. MCoS Multicultural Honours: A Celebration in Honour of Multicultural Contributions is an annual event hosted by the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan during Saskatchewan Multicultural Week. The awards presented are the Betty Szuchewycz Award and the Multicultural Youth Leadership Award.


Promo Videos

Watch people share who their Multicultural Superheroes are and why.

For all the details, nomination forms and stories about past recipients, visit: MCoS Multicultural Honours 


Related Links

Building Welcoming Communities
MCoS Multicultural Honours
Saskatchewan Muticultural Week

Act, Aboriginal, Anti-Racism, Award, Discrimination, Education, From Many Peoples Strength, Immigration, Indigenous Peoples, MCoS, multicultural, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Superhero, Multicultural Superhero, multiculturalism, Newcomer, oppression, Racism, Rights, saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, volunteer

Celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week | Who’s Your Multicultural Superhero?

About Saskatchewan Multicultural Week

Saskatchewan Multicultural Week takes place November 16-24, 2019. It has two main purposes: 1) It recognizes the Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act and 2) Celebrates the cultural diversity and contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. This is a key way we can create welcoming and inclusive communities.

  • In 1974, Saskatchewan was the first province to enact multiculturalism legislation – we can be proud of this progressive thinking and leadership we have demonstrated.
  • Responsibility for the Act resides with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport who proclaims Saskatchewan Multicultural Week as do many other communities across the province
  • Each year, we create a resource called ‘Building Welcoming Communities’ that provides helpful tips for creating welcoming and inclusive communities. It is available for download.

About the Campaign

To celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, we are running a campaign all November. This year, our theme is Who’s your Multicultural Superhero?’ with the hashtag #MulticulturalSuperhero.

  • Multicultural Superheroes serve as successful examples of leaders who inspire others through their values, beliefs and actions (Learn more)
  • Examples of Multicultural Superheroes: Leaders of all types: Organizations, Movements, Individuals (Family Members; Friends; Politicians; Activists; Famous People; Comic book, TV, Movie and Book Characters; Authors; Artists; Athletes; etc.)
  • Participate: Tell us who your multicultural superhero is and why using #MulticulturalSuperhero social media. You can share any way that you want – video, writing, poem, tweet, music, dance, photo and caption and so on.

About MCoS Multicultural Honours

Every year, through the MCoS Multicultural Honours Awards, the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan recognizes Saskatchewan’s very own multicultural Superheroes who have made significant and promising contributions to multiculturalism in our province.
We accept nominations for the Betty Szuchewycz Award and the Multicultural youth Leadership Award, both presented in partnership with SGEU. This year’s recipients will be announced on November 16 at the Honours Awards.


Related Links

Building Welcoming Communities
MCoS Multicultural Honours
Saskatchewan Multicultural Week
Who is Your Multicultural Superhero?

Dear friends,
 
The federal government announced community funding in support of the anti-racism strategy in September. The Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP) priorities focus on employment, justice, and social participation. The deadline to apply for ARAP funding is December 17.
MCoS is aware that many organizations and individuals in Saskatchewan are engaged in important anti-racism anti-oppression work, and that many of you are likely applying for this funding. We think that all applications will be stronger if we share our plans. We will be able to talk about how our activities connect to what others are doing. We can offer letters of support. In networking, we may build new partnerships or collaborations. We would love to amaze Ottawa with the strength of work in Saskatchewan!
I invite you to gather on October 30 in Saskatoon (location TBD – please let me know if you have space to offer). We will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. It will be helpful if you have considered what you might put forward, perhaps also what supports you might need.
MCoS will subsidize travel expenses. We are looking at renting a van to come from Regina in order to reduce costs and increase connections.
I look forward to meeting to loosely coordinate our efforts towards recognizing and rejecting racism and discrimination in Saskatchewan. Please feel free to share this with others that may be interested.
 
Please register by October 23.
Thanks,
 
Rhonda Rosenberg (she/her)
Executive Director
Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS)

June is National Indigenous History Month

In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
On June 21, Canadians from all walks of life are invited to participate in the many National Indigenous Peoples Day events that will be taking place from coast to coast to coast. This is a special day toNational Aboriginal History Month, National Aboriginal Day, Indigenous, Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, MCoS celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Learn about Governor General’s Proclamation.
In 2009, June was declared National Indigenous History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.
National Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Indigenous peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Indigenous communities and their promise for the future.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month in June is an important tribute to the heritage and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.
For more information and events visit: http://mcos.ca/indigenous-aboriginal-history-month/

Welcome Home 150 Pledge

Annually we recognize Canada’s anniversary. It is a perfect time to commit to the TRC Calls to Action and affirm our values of being welcoming and inclusive to all by taking the Welcome Home 150 Pledge – #WelcomeHome150
For more information: http://mcos.ca/welcome-150-pledge


Related Links

National Indigenous History Month
Celebrate Canada
Welcoming and Inclusive Communities
Welcome Home 150 Pledge