Tag Archive for: Anti-Racism

Job Opportunity: ICARE Local Facilitator – La Ronge

MCoS ICARE Local Facilitator – La Ronge

Responsible to: ICARE Coordinator 

Rate of Pay: $25 per hour 

Contract: September 2023 to March 31, 2024  

Hours: Average of 25 hours per week with some need for evening and weekend availability.  

Location: La Ronge, SK  

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. Support from the ICARE Coordinator and others will be available.  

ICARE Local Facilitators will work with the ICARE Coordinator and local partners to offer organizational and community programming to build anti-racism, intercultural, and decolonial capacity. ICARE local facilitators will connect with the community they work in and create/foster partnerships within their region and continue to work with them during the creation of local community programming.  

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

The ICARE Local Facilitator will be responsible to: 

  • Develop and implement plans for local community programming in collaboration with local partners 
  • 5 community social and educational events (speakers, facilitators, Elders, locations, child care, transportation, refreshments, promotion, resources) 
  • 8 organizational networking meetings with local partners (planning and organizational sharing – anti-racism approaches, cultural approaches, questions, etc.) 
  • Participate in training and education opportunities.  
  • Build relationships in to build connections and support for intercultural and anti-racism anti-oppression work 
  • Use evaluation tools provided by the ICARE Coordinator and provide data to the coordinator. Participate in discussions to ensure desired impact and continuous improvement. 
  • Promote ICARE activities through appropriate local media in consultation with ICARE Coordinator and MCoS Communications and Marketing Manager. 
  • Consult with ICARE Coordinator about project expenses. 

The ICARE Coordinator will have: 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of colonialism, decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and intersectionality 
  • Demonstrated experience in event 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 position will be best served by local facilitators with lived/living experiences with racism and oppression.  
  • 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 verbal and written communication skills 
  • Experience in non-profit or community-based organizations an asset; 
  • Good computer skills (Microsoft 365, word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 
  • Have strong organizational skills, 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; 
  • A high school diploma/GED, or undergraduate degree, or a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, and on-the-job training 
  • Be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends. 
  • This position requires a criminal record check (vulnerable persons). 

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 lived/living experience of racism, First Nations or Métis (or Indigenous) heritage, and community connections. 

Please make any inquiries and submit cover letter and résumé electronically by 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 15th, 2023, to: Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director at **@mc**.ca.  

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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Job Opportunity: Communications Coordinator

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Job Opportunity: Communications Coordinator

Responsible to:          Executive Director

Starting Salary:         $55,000 – $60,000 per year

Hours:                         Full-time: 37.5 hours per week (M-F 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; with flexibility)

Start date:                As soon as possible

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), a non-profit provincial organization has a career opportunity for a strong communications generalist. The candidate for the position of Communications Coordinator will lead the development of communications plan, execute, strengthen relationships with media, increase profile and understanding of multiculturalism throughout the province, develop a wide array of communication materials, oversight of social media and website, deepen engagement with the multicultural community, and support the communication needs of other project coordinators.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the organization’s communication efforts, internally and externally, based on an overarching communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s mandate, strategic and operational plans. The Communications Coordinator plays a central role in establishing, strengthening and promoting MCoS’ public image and key messages in order to achieve the Ends as defined by the Board of Directors. The Communications Coordinator reports and is responsible to the Executive Director, and works in accordance with the policies of the organization.

The Communications Coordinator will work both independently and collaboratively to be responsible for:

  • Developing and implementing annual or multi-year communications strategies, in conjunction with Executive Director;
  • Internal and external communications and campaigns designed to reach target groups with key messages associated with the overarching plans of MCoS;
  • Providing communications and stakeholder relations advice for membership activities;
  • Developing, coordinating and maintaining a series of tools designed to effectively deliver various MCoS communication messages to target groups as required. Tools may include, but are not limited to: newsletters, brochures, publications (electronic/print), website, digital, advertising (print, web, television, radio and other), media advisories, news releases, stories, and surveys;
  • Supervising the Communication Specialist and Administrative Assistant in communications roles related to newsletter, website, social media, and production of tools;
  • Basic graphic design with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Premiere Elements;
  • Website and digital content management – WordPress, Hootsuite, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn;
  • Tracking and monitoring media coverage related to all MCoS activities;
  • Coordinating and ensuring communication consistency among membership and partnership across all channels;
  • Developing and implementing communication campaigns to promote MCoS’ fundraising activities, including but not limited to, the annual promotion of the Multifaith calendar;
  • Supporting MCoS’ advocacy role through research and development of advocacy tools designed to build awareness of the benefits of multiculturalism in the province;
  • Building and strengthening relationships with all MCoS stakeholder groups (such as businesses, multicultural community groups, educational institutions, and government representatives);
  • Branding: a strong custodian of maintaining the visual identity and branding of MCoS communication materials;
  • Sourcing outside agencies and suppliers, through Request for Proposals and contracts, to support communication requirements and effectively managing the resulting contracts;
  • Preparing and submitting campaign, project reports, and annual budgets to the Executive Director;
  • Evaluating communication outcomes on a regular basis to provide input into impact assessment and future planning;
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:

  • A degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing; or a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience and on-the-job training;
  • Three or more years of demonstrated communications experience – particularly experience in non-profit or community-based organizations is an asset;
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability write, proofread, and edit website and digital content, speeches, stories, reports, presentations, annual reports, etc.;
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365);
  • Strong Media Relations skills – interviews, messaging, relationship building, and tracking;
  • Advertising and promotion – create or outsource creative, media buying, and measurement using print, video, television, radio, digital, billboard, location signs, and social media;
  • Advocacy – experience in non-profit or community-based organizations, social issues, community mobilization, campaigns, messaging, and measurement;
  • Strong organizational skills and a commitment to professionalism, including the ability to multi-task, managing timelines and multiple deadlines;
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills with demonstrated welcoming, respectful approach to interactions;
  • Independent, energetic, analytical, self-starting and responsible worker, driven by successful, punctual and quality outcomes;
  • Familiarity with the multicultural community, the issues it faces, anti-racism and the benefits of diversity is a significant asset;
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of working harmoniously within teams;
  • Have the ability to travel in Saskatchewan from time to time, and have a valid driver’s licence;
  • Be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Process:

In order to have Communications Coordinator starting by the end of August (if possible), timelines are short. Please email your application (subject line: Communications Coordinator position) to Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director, at **@mc**.ca by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021.

We will only contact shortlisted applicants for interviews. The interview process will include an experiential assignment.

Include the following in your application:

  • Cover letter and resume clearly outlining how you meet the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and requirements for this position.
  • Portfolio with the following examples: campaign or project plan, news release, media advisory, speech, talking points, article, and creative that you have designed (poster, website graphic, etc.).
  • Three professional references (ensure they are ready and available to be contacted by email)

Only candidates currently living in and legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered.

Download Job Description

MCoS Communications Coordinator – Job Description 2021 (pdf)

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Saskatchewan Multicultural Week 2020

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Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, November 21-29, 2020

In 1974, Saskatchewan was the first province to enact multiculturalism legislation, recognizing the right of every community to retain its identity, language and traditional arts and sciences for the mutual benefit of citizens. In 1997, the Act was revised and a section of the Act states the policy should preserve, strengthen and promote Aboriginal cultures and acknowledge their historic and current contribution to development of Saskatchewan. More information is available on The Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act. Responsibility for the Act resides with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.

MCoS Multicultural Honours Award Nominations

Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, MCoS Multicultural Honours, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Volunteer, Award, Lieutenant Governor, Government House, Multicultural, Racism, Intercultural, Diversity, Saskatchewan

Janelle Pewapsconias is the 2015 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award Recipient and Jebunnessa Chapola is the Betty Szuchewycz Award 2015 recipient.

Nominations due Thursday , October 1, 2020

MCoS Multicultural Honours is a Celebration in Honour of Multicultural Contributions
Hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan through the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan

The Awards

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. (The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) is partnering with MCoS to present this award, which includes a $500 donation to the recipient’s charity of choice.)

Multicultural Youth Leadership Award for promising contributions from people 29 years and under. (The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) is partnering with MCoS to present this award, which now includes a $500 reward.)

Nominate

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

Call for Nominations for Multicultural Superheroes

Who’s Your Multicultural Superhero?

As we prepare to celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week November 21-29, 2020 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  Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award and the Multicultural Youth Leadership Award.

Related Links

Building Welcoming Communities
MCoS Multicultural Honours
Saskatchewan Muticultural Week

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Multicultural Awards Honour Multicultural Superheroes

Aboriginal, Anti-Racism, Award, Betty Szuchewycz Award, Contribution, Discrimination, Education, From Many Peoples Strength, Government House, Immigration, Indigenous Peoples, Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield, MCoS, multicultural, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Multicultural Youth Leadership Award, multiculturalism, Newcomer, Nominate, Nomination, oppression, Racism, Rights, saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, volunteer

Multicultural Awards Honour Multicultural Superheroes

Awards Program Highlights benefits of Diversity

Members of Saskatchewan’s multicultural community gathered at Government House in Regina on November 17, 2018 for MCoS Multicultural Honours to recognize significant contributions to multiculturalism by our very own multicultural superheroes. This annual hallmark event kicks-off Saskatchewan Multicultural Week and our host was His Honour the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. 
Master of Ceremonies and Executive Director of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Heather Salloum, began the event by acknowledging that Government House is in Treaty 4 territory. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another through mutual respect and partnerships that began over 150 years ago. We are all Treaty People. This land is the traditional meeting ground and homeland of the First Nations, including Nehiyaw/Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Nakota, Lakota, Dakota, and the Métis. 
We were honoured to have Elder Archie Weenie provide the opening blessing, setting the tone for a respectful and meaningful gathering. The Honourable Tom Molloy was sworn-in as Saskatchewan’s 22nd Lieutenant Governor provided opening remarks, underscoring the realities of the Saskatchewan motto From Many Peoples Strength, and his commitment to reduce racism. The Honourable Gene Makowsky, Minister for Parks, Culture and Sport offered remarks, reiterating the benefits of diversity. Finally, Neeraj Saroj, President of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, brought remarks celebrating volunteers and multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. He also introduced the presentation. 
This year’s presentation highlighted the Sheldon-Williams Collegiate Mindful Creative Writing Course featuring a reading by Mays Al Jamous, student, of her poem titled “Being a Refugee.” The video about the school program and the poetry reading provide excellent examples of multicultural superheroes who inspire us to build welcoming and inclusive communities in our province.

Awards Nominees and Recipients

Aboriginal, Anti-Racism, Award, Betty Szuchewycz Award, Contribution, Discrimination, Education, From Many Peoples Strength, Government House, Immigration, Indigenous Peoples, Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield, MCoS, multicultural, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Multicultural Youth Leadership Award, multiculturalism, Newcomer, Nominate, Nomination, oppression, Racism, Rights, saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, volunteer
The MCoS recognition committee, comprised of board and community members, assesses all nominees on their contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan through all five streams of multicultural work – Cultural Continuity, Celebration of Diversity, Anti-Racism, Intercultural Connections, and Integration – and decides 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, Bob Bymoen, brought remarks and introduced the award.  
This year’s Multicultural Youth Leadership Award nominees are Nour Albaradan who stands out for her strong and effective involvement in school in the short time she has been in Canada, and Jiazhi Ding who is an International student at the University of Saskatchewan. He has stood up for the rights of Falun Gong and Black Lives Matter, as well as supported newcomers.  
The recipient of the 2018 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award is Nour Albaradan. She received an award of $500 from MCoS and SGEU. 
Nour has used her experience, voice, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the recognition and celebration of multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. Nour is proud of her Syrian heritage, so she is happy to share her culture, language, delicious food, and refugee experiences with others. Nour is always willing to let her voice be heard for equity and against discrimination, which requires extra practice in her new language. Her willingness to share her story and experiences in order to foster deeper learning and true understanding makes her an intercultural role model. Nour was part of Sheldon’s first Mindful Creative Writing class, where her openness and dedication to understanding, created an environment of inclusion that allowed other students to learn from her story and become confident in sharing their own stories. Nour’s contributions to her new Canadian home have been truly astounding! She uses her powerful voice to create awareness and connection. She is a multicultural superhero who does not allow anything to stop her. (Read: Nour Albaradan Full Bio)
Muna De Ciman, MCoS Director and Chair of the Recognition Committee, introduced the Betty Szuchewycz Award. In partnership with the Saskatchewan Government Employees’ Union, Muna presented the nominees and recipient of the 2018 Betty Szuchewycz Award.   
The committee received four Betty Szuchewycz Award nominees. Barb Dedi stands out for her extensive local work with individuals and groups to bridge gaps between communities. Hasanthi Galhenage is the director of the Cathedral Area Co-operative Daycare. She uses her leadership role to cultivate a learning environment that celebrates commonalities and differences. Paul Kardynal has been a champion for new immigrants to Canada and Ukrainian Canadians in the Battlefords and northwest Saskatchewan for over 30 years. Yaseen Khan is very committed to taking initiatives to create awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace. He has shown leadership in accommodating multifaith practices at SaskTel.  
The 2018 Betty Szuchewycz Award recipient is Barb Dedi. She selected Spring Free From Racism for a donation of $500 from MCoS and SGEU.
Barb demonstrates her life-long commitment to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan through extensive local work with individuals, groups and organizations in Regina, as well as involvement with provincial, national and international organizations focusing on human rights, employment equity, labour, racism, and psychiatry issues. Barb is a cultural continuity role model as she promotes ethnocultural organizations to strengthen the diversity in Regina and Canada. Barb’s dedication to recognizing and rejecting racism are readily evident. She is the President of Spring Free From Racism Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights Inc. and has been active in this provincial organization for close to 40 years of its 50-year history. Barb’s life is a story of intercultural connections; she welcomes and creates opportunities for people to share their story, their journey and their intercultural experiences. She supports organizations to develop a deeper understanding of what cultural diversity means and to create a respectful and fair community where everyone is welcome. As a force for integration, ensuring all people are seen as contributors, Barb has been an activist in the labour movement and political realm for human rights, equity and women’s committees. Barb’s impressive work has been noted with awards and nominations, including the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, SGEU and YWCA. Through her forty years of leadership, she has fostered new leaders who take significant roles in their own ethnocultural communities, lead workshops, coordinate pavilions to celebrate their culture and our diversity, and address racism and discrimination. (Read: Barb Dedi Full Bio) 

Celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural 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
We celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week to recognize that in 1974, Saskatchewan was the first province to enact multiculturalism legislation. Responsibility for the Act resides with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.  Learn more & view the Act: http://mcos.ca/saskatchewan-multicultural-week/  
We also celebrate through the campaign: Who’s Your Multicultural Superhero? Tell us and Celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week all November. Use #MulticulturalSuperhero on social media. This campaign outlines successful examples of leaders being able to inspire others through their values, beliefs and actions. Learn more about the campaign: http://mcos.ca/multiculturalsuperhero

MCoS Multicultural Honours Awards Photo Gallery

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Who’s your Multicultural Superhero?

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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

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

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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?

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NEWS RELEASE: The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan Calls for Country Thunder to Recognize and Reject Racism in Performances  

NEWS RELEASE: The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan Calls for
Country Thunder to Recognize and Reject Racism in Performances

July 17, 2019 
REGINA -The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) joins the Federated Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) in calling for Country Thunder Music Festivals to discontinue contracts with Williams and Ree due to their ongoing use of harmful stereotypes. Additionally, we call on Country Thunder and other festivals in Saskatchewan to refrain from featuring any performances with racist content in the future. Racism: Recognize it. Reject it!
While race has minute basis in biology, it is a social construct created for groups that place themselves as superior to exploit and oppress those they designate as inferior. Racism works through cultural, systemic, individual and internalized forms.
This Williams and Ree comedy act, which exploits stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples as jokes, is cultural racism. Cultural racism is how we come to learn values, beliefs, and norms, and the hierarchy that we assign cultures. We usually are not aware of learning these concepts or how we reinforce them. Cultural racism shows up in advertising, movies, history books, definitions of patriotism, and in policies and laws. It influences collective beliefs about what constitutes valuable performances. It contributes to systemic racism by providing justification for laws and policies, such as racial profiling. Cultural racism is also a powerful force in influencing individuals to believe in the superiority or inferiority of their ethnic, religious or linguistic heritage. These beliefs translate into individual racism and internalized racism.
The cultural racism evident in the Williams and Ree act relies on and normalizes stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples. This contributes to the climate of permission to express racism and hate. There is no question that some people carry negative perceptions of First Nations and Métis people based on common stereotypes. The results of providing a platform to overtly reinforce stereotypes translates into individual actions. These range from choosing tenants for rental housing, hiring practices, and treatment of individuals. We are aware of reports of racism in comments hurled at Country Thunder staff based on stereotypes reinforced in the performance. This discrimination is degrading with impacts on mental health and safety. Racism, as seen in this comedy act, actually gives permission to people to act on prejudice.
We note that Terry Ree is Indigenous. In this context, we also see internalized racism at play. This occurs when people targeted by racism come to believe that the stereotypes and prejudices of racism are valid. Conversely, MCoS understands that Indigenous Peoples are important contributors to Saskatchewan in the past, present and future. We encourage all residents of this land to learn about tradition and the ongoing impacts of colonization: TRC Principles and Calls to Action, MMIW Calls for Justice, and OTC Treaty Education. We are all treaty people.
“The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is grateful to the leadership of Chief Bobby Cameron and the FSIN for calling out racism in this performance. We support their efforts in our work to create awareness about racism, how it works, and its impact. Racism is never funny; racism damages individuals and communities. Humour can be a tool to normalize stereotypes, or to make us question the ideas underneath them. It can contribute to a culture of permission for racial discrimination, or it can open thoughts and conversations. We call on festival organizers to consider the impact of the words and actions of performers. We ask the residents of Saskatchewan to recognize and reject racism. The provincial motto, From Many Peoples Strength, shows us that Saskatchewan can do better to create a welcoming and inclusive province for all residents,” states Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director.
For resources on how to recognize and reject racism, visit http://mcos.ca/marchoutracism and http://mcos.ca/anti-racism-101.
Download and Share News Release
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan Calls for Country Thunder to Recognize and Reject Racism in Performances (pdf)
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Media Contact
Justin K. Waldrop
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-721-6267
Cell: 306-537-0593
Email: co************@mc**.ca
About the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS)
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is a charitable, non-profit organization 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. All our work is rooted in the five streams of multicultural work: cultural continuity, celebration of diversity, anti-racism, intercultural connections, and integration. We support member organizations in a variety of ways, including workshops, investments in their activities that implement our mission, aims and objectives, networking and information, and being the lead voice on multiculturalism in the province. We also support anti-racism and multicultural education activities in schools.
We celebrate significant dates, such as Saskatchewan Multicultural Week in November, African-Canadian Black History Month in February, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, Hispanic Heritage Month in April, Asian Heritage Month in May, National Aboriginal History Month in June, Celebrate Canada from June 21 to July 1 and Islamic History Month in October.
For more information, please visit mcos.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
MCoS is Supported By:

 

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June is National Indigenous History Month

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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
 

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2019 AGM and Member Consultation

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2019 AGM and Member Consultation

Saturday, June 22, 2019 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Le Bistro, 3850 Hillsdale Street, Regina, SK
This year’s MCoS AGM will focus on reconciliation, BRIDGES, and member consultation regarding a new strategic plan. It is a deeper learning opportunity for everyone. We will provide our members how to showcase cultural activities through deeper learning with an interactive series of presentations.
Click here for: Full details and registration

Board Nominations

The MCoS Board is still accepting nominations for: (1) Treasurer, (1) Secretary, and (3) Directors at Large. All positions are two-year terms.
Remember: In order for an applicant’s nomination to be promoted to the membership it had to be received by Wednesday, May 22, 2019. After that, we will continue to accept nominations, including at the AGM until nominations cease, but not promote them.
Click here for: Full details and nominations

Audited Financial Statements Available

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s 2018-19 audited financial statements are now published for viewing. This action puts MCoS in compliance with The Non-Profit Corporations Act, which states that audited financial statements are to be published and made available to members for viewing 15 days prior to the annual general meeting.
Click here for: MCoS 2018-19 Audited Financial Statements (pdf)

MCoS 2019 Board Nominees as of May 22

Remember: In order for an applicant’s nomination to be promoted to the membership it had to be received by Wednesday, May 22, 2019. The list of candidates has been compiled and published for your review in consideration for voting at the AGM on June 22. We will continue to accept nominations, including at the AGM until nominations cease, but not promote them.

Click here for: MCoS 2019 Board Candidates – As of May 22 (pdf)

We look forward to celebrating our successes with you. We welcome your input and involvement.

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