Tag Archive for: MCoS Multicultural Honours

Burnt Thicket Theatre explores how to ‘tell a story in a good way’

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“This is a great honour and I feel very humbled to be in the room here with so many amazing people. For us, for our little company to be recognized, in this way is beautiful. I’d like to thank [Dr.] Kathy Walker and everyone at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and to MCoS for the gift of these awards and this recognition as well as bringing all these people together,” Steven Waldscmidt said in Burnt Thicket Theatre’s acceptance speech of the Leading Together Award

“There are so many collaborators who helped bring this to reality, I want to thank all of them.” 

Burnt Thicket Theatre accept the 2024 Leading Together Award

Waldscmidt, in his speech, personally thanked over 50 artists, actors, musicians, board members, staff, partners, community collaborators, and funders who were pivotal in the creation and dissemination of We Treaty People, for which the theatre company based out of Saskatoon was recognized for. 

“We Treaty People was one way we found to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action … in creating this series we were also experimenting in trying to find a process to tell these stories in a good way, not just tell good stories.  

“We aim to honour the 49 artists involved to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, in friendship as well as collaboration and we sought to enact the Truth and Reconciliation that we know these stories themselves can be.” 

He noted that when doing a live show, they always hold talkbacks; an opportunity for the audience to interact with the cast. But during COVID-19 and with audio plays, they instead recorded talkbacks and published those interviews online. 

“We are very grateful for this challenging and compelling … podcast that all these artists created with us and we’re thrilled about the ongoing relationships [and] conversations that we see emerging from this work.”  

“The lessons we learned through We Treaty People continue to inform all that we do as a company and we remain committed to working humbly towards healing between all peoples and reconciliation with this beautiful land that we share.” 

To Learn more about the We Treaty People production, watch the Leading Together nominee video HERE or visit Burnt Thicket Theatre’s website HERE.

-All photos taken by Regina photographer Danielle Tocker.

–Story by Miguel Fenrich

Community key in success of SACHM: Carol LaFayette-Boyd

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In the opening lines of Carol LaFayette-Boyd’s acceptance speech, as she was recognized for her numerous impacts on multiculturalism in Saskatchewan, she noted that is was the community that has supported her and the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum, (SACHM) that should be recognized alongside herself.

“This is a real honour because the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is one of the reasons I am here because they’ve been with us [SACHM] from the very beginning and just every step of the way from the 15 years I’ve been acting [as SACHM’s Executive Director.]

“So, thank you Rhonda [Rosenberg] and MCoS,” she added.

Carol LaFayette-Boyd accepts the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award

LaFayette-Boyd also congratulated Nadiya Ekhteraeetoussi, her fellow nominee for the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award.

To learn more about Nadiya Ekhteraeetoussi’s impact on Saskatchewan, watch her nominee video on our website HERE.

“It is an honour to receive this award, and I thank God for all the opportunities and privileges and serving this community … I accept this award on behalf of the many people who are more deserving than I am,” LaFayette-Boyd said.

“Because … with SACHM, just about everybody in this province, especially in Regina, have been with SACHM the whole time.”

“We’ve done so many things together, and when I look … around the room I see so many people who’ve been there with us.”

“So, I accept this award on behalf of everybody who made it possible to be here today.”

To learn more about SACHM’s contribution to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan, visit their website HERE! 

-All photos taken by Regina photographer Danielle Tocker.

–Story by Miguel Fenrich

Power of Community’ key to finding belonging: Mohammad Akib Hossain

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“Back in 2021, when I was asked to pack 20 years of my life in just two suitcases, I didn’t know what to pack other than some thermal clothes and a heart full of hope; hopes of building bridges across cultures, learning from others, and sharing my own heritage,” Mohammad Akib Hossain said during his acceptance speech for the 2024 Youth Leadership Award.

“But what I did not know, was that I was stepping into a whole different universe, where there was going to be a bunch of challenges thrown at me, and I didn’t know what to expect,” he added. 

“As an international student, the transition wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I felt isolated, trying to transition into a new culture, the education system, and most importantly the weather that my thermal jackets did not prepare me for.  

“At times, I felt like an outsider, and I wondered if I even belonged here. But those were the moments when I learned the importance of resilience, and the power of community.”  

Over the last three years, Hossain noted that he had been fortunate to have collaborated with ‘inspiring individuals’ from University of Regina Students Union, UNICEF Canada, the United Nations Association in Canada, the Regina Public Interest Research Group, the Carillon Newspaper, and many others 

“Through these experiences, I have learned how people from different backgrounds facing different struggles can come together to create something greater than themselves. Those roles have given me the platform to not only speak up for others but also create the kind of community where everyone feels included and heard.  

Hossain added that he remains committed to promoting the celebration of diversity and fostering unity across cultural backgrounds. 

“This [award] is to all my mentors, all my peers, and all the organizations I’ve been a part of. Thank you so much for believing in me and thank you so much for letting me serve.” 

To learn more about Mohammad Akib Hossain’s impact, watch his nominee video on our website HERE. 

-All photos taken by Regina photographer Danielle Tocker.

–Story by Miguel Fenrich

An orange and purple banner (left to right) with pictures of Rhonda Rosenberg and Titilayo Titilayo Omolola as they were recognized for 15 years of service to MCoS; Carol LaFayette-Boyd accepting the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award; and a photo of the crowd at Government House in Regina. Below, the words 'Recapping MCoS' 2024 Honours' is in white. Photos taken by Danielle Tocker.

Honouring Impact: A Recap of Honours 2024

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Alongside Christmas trees, strings of festive garland, and cherry-red poinsettia’s, MCoS and many of our community partners from across the province, gathered on Saturday November 16th, at Government House in Regina, to honour multiculturalism in Saskatchewan.

Kokum Phyllis Kretschmer starts off Honours in a good way.

MCoS Multicultural Honours Awards offered an opportunity for Saskatchewan to honour and recognize the impacts of two citizens and two organizations that exemplified multiculturalism in the province. The event also offered the opportunity to jumpstart Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, which runs from November 16 to 24, 2024.

“I believe strongly in multiculturalism and I’m grateful to live in a country that encourages us to celebrate our traditions. Cultural diversity enriches our lives. Diversity also strengthens our democracy as we benefit from the knowledge and perspectives of people in different circumstances and points of view,” said His Honour, the Honorable Russ Mirasty in his greeting message read during the program by Carolyn Speirs, Executive Director of Government House.

Carolyn Speirs, Executive Director of Government House.

Carolyn Speirs, Executive Director of Government House.

“When we share our own traditions and learn more about each other, we gain understanding, we build trust, and develop new relationships which all create new possibilities. Connecting with people outside our immediate circle, can lead to a more welcoming environment for everyone,” he added, noting his congratulations to all the nominee’s and acknowledging MCoS’ board, staff, and members for our leadership and cultural advocacy in Saskatchewan.

Honours Award Ceremony

During the first presentation of the ceremony, Mohammad Akib Hossain was recognized with the 2024 Youth Leadership Award for his continued work supporting multiculturalism in Regina through work with the Bangladeshi community and anti-racism research with U of R.

Regina-based artist Geanna Dunbar reads her poetry during the program.

“Back in 2021, when I was asked to pack 20 years of my life in just two suitcases, I didn’t know what to pack other than some thermal clothes and a heart full of hope; hopes of building bridges across cultures, learning from others, and sharing my own heritage,” Hossain said during his acceptance speech.

To learn more about Hossain’s accomplishments, watch his nominee video on our website HERE.

The second award of the ceremony was presented to Carol Lafayette-Boyd, recognized with the 2024 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award for her continued support of African-Canadians through her many years as the volunteer Executive Director of the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM.)

LaFayette-Boyd is also also a Masters track and field athlete and has broken or currently holds, dozens of world records.

“I accept this award on behalf of the many people who are more deserving than I am,” she said, referencing the many people and groups who’ve supported SACHM over the year’s they’ve operated.

“Because … with SACHM, just about everybody in this province, especially in Regina, have been with SACHM the whole time. We’ve done so many things together, and when I look … around the room I see so many people who’ve been there with us,” she added.

To learn more about LaFayette-Boyd’s accomplishments, watch her nominee video on our website HERE!

The final award of the ceremony went to both Burnt Thicket Theatre in Saskatoon, and OneHoop based out of Regina.

Burnt Thicket Theatre was recognized for the creation of their performance We Treaty People, which brought together 49 Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.

MCoS Executive Director Rhonda Rosenberg and
Administration Manager Titilayo Omolola were recognized for 15 years of service to MCoS.

“We Treaty People was one way we found to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action … in creating this series we were also experimenting in trying to find a process to tell these stories in a good way, not just tell good stories,” Steven Waldscmidt, Artistic Associate with Burnt Thicket Theatre.

“We aim to honour the 49 artists involved to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, in friendship as well as collaboration and we sought to enact the Truth and Reconciliation that we know these stories themselves can be.”

And OneHoop—which Jada Yee, Managing Partner at OneHoop noted has only been in operation for approximately a year—continues to make impact across Canada as an economic reconciliation company. The company’s goal, he noted, was to create meaningful impact in each organization they work with.

“And every step we take towards that [meaningful impact], undoes a little bit of the harm and trauma that our people have faced for generations.”

A group photo of MCoS Board of Directors and staff taken following the 2024 Honours Reception.

“On behalf of my partners, I want to say thank you so much, it means a lot. I want to thank the people who create OneHoop, Thomas Benjoe, Cadmus Delorme Candice … Cree Lavallee, and Justine “Tini” Stilborn.”

To learn more about Burnt Thicket Theatre and OneHoop’s impacts, watch their nominee videos on our website HERE.

Celebrating Successes and Impact

A huge thank you to Kokum Phyllis Kretschmer for starting us off in a good way and to Geanna Dunbar for offering a selection of poetry performances, ranging from both serious and deeply honest, to sincere and heartwarming!

We’d also like to take a moment to recognize both Rhonda Rosenberg our Executive Director, and Titilayo Omolola our Administration Manager, who celebrated 15 years with MCoS this year. Thank you to everything you both do to support multiculturalism across Saskatchewan.

To see more about the impact’s our members, partners, and we make across Saskatchewan each year, follow us on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date!

-All photos taken by Regina photographer Danielle Tocker.

–Story by Miguel Fenrich

Ziyang Li Finds a Sense of Family in Multiculturalism

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At the outset of our recent conversation with Ziyang Li, he told us it was the community who helped him find his place in Regina.

The recent CBC 40 Winner, former Youth Leadership Award recipient, and one of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s  (MCoS) newest board members, — who is deeply passionate about community service — arrived in Canada in 2015 at the age of 17.

Ziyang Li pictured here at a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event. | Submitted

“I was struggling with language barriers [in Saskatchewan, with] maybe lots of culture shock in the beginning because clearly English… wasn’t really used in public spaces,” he said, adding that he was born and raised in north-eastern China.

“And I’m glad I received lots of support from Regina Open Door Society (RODS), and other non-profit organizations like the Regina Public Library.

“Community is not only to live in, but also you have to build it around yourself and share cultural backgrounds with each other. Community for me is more … like a family,” Ziyang Li

“I slowly adapted myself into this new environment … I’m also glad I had a very good mentor when I was volunteering at a senior home,” he said, adding that it was his mentor who taught him a lot about inclusion, multiculturalism, and the history of Indigenous people in Canada.

“I’m glad I had such an introduction to Regina, Canada, and the community,” Li said.

Serving Saskatchewan: The Importance of Community

Though Li said there weren’t many Chinese students in his language class when he first arrived in Canada, he told MCoS that he was still able to communicate with other students through common interests and their shared experiences.

“When I was quite helpless, and when I was struggling with the new environment, [the] new place, RODS provided lots of programs like Summer Youth Camp or Homework Helps, or other social programs to help me adapt into the local community.”

“It made me realize how much impact they can make … that’s what started my passion for volunteering. It brought my passion back to the community.”

Post-2015 is when his interest in volunteering and community engagement started growing. Soon, he served on the Student Council at the University of Regina and has worked with various community organizations. He’s now a Community Connection Worker delivering cultural competencies training to partners, volunteers, staff and clients while building partners — a direct link to the organization that helped him when he first came to Canada.

Ziyang Li pictured at a Toronto Youth Conference. | Submitted

“If you look at how diverse Canada is — I think we have more than 150 ethnicities — I think community for me is not only about the people from the same cultural background that you live with but is more about how people can live with each other in the same region.”

“Community is not only to live in, but also you have to build it around yourself and share cultural backgrounds with each other. Community for me is more … like a family for me.”

The Impact of Multiculturalism in Saskatchewan

Though he first heard of MCoS in 2016 or 2017 during MOSAIC — which he says was likely his first time seeing the concrete, multicultural heritage of each community in Regina — when he won the Youth Leadership Award in 2023, he was shocked.

“It was also scary because I had to make a speech right away,” he said, laughing.

“At the same time I had a reflection,” he added. “Because I was thinking about what I’ve done in the past, it’s not my own progress, but what I’ve learned from my mentors and community members who taught me valuable lessons. Those resources I received in the past were an essential factor that I received this award.”

“Multiculturalism is one of the most important things we need to build upon in Canada,” Ziyang Li

The award he noted not only helped to recognize himself and his impact on the community but that as it can be hard to stay inspired and achieve his passions in the long term, the award serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward.

“Receiving this award inspired me to strive further … [growing] my passion in community service, and volunteerism.”

“I think this award helped me to spread the existence of the Saskatchewan Chinese Youth Association,” he said, an organization he co-founded in 2023.

“For me, it’s very important for me to not only share my Chinese heritage with other community members, but it’s also important for me to learn about Truth and Reconciliation, to learn about the importance of cultural perspectives and heritage.”

“Without multiculturalism, our community will be only divided rather than connected. Multiculturalism is one of the most important things we need to build upon in Canada.”

Charting out the Future: Growing the Community

And his connection with MCoS is just beginning. After coming full circle with RODS, in June Li took his next step in community engagement when he put his name forward for the MCoS Board of Directors.

Ziyang Li pictured here cleaning up the University of Regina Campus. | Submitted

“I think MCoS and RODS as well as other organizations provided me a very good understanding of multiculturalism … [and helped] me to continue to follow my passion.”

“I recognize the importance of non-profit governance. The Board Members are usually working with our stakeholders to build our strategic direction … and [it’s] important to be part of it, to share my experiences and learning from the past.”

“Right now, I don’t see myself as a community leader yet, but as a community servant. I want to grow more initiatives and continue serving [my] community,” Ziyang Li

“I wanted to be involved with MCoS. Also, [I’d] like to learn more from fellow Board Members and Rhonda [Rosenberg] … [they all] have a wealth of experience and I do see it as a very valuable learning experience to build upon and elaborate with my experiences.

But Li wants to see more growth and impact in the community before he’s ready to call himself a leader.

“Right now, I don’t see myself as a community leader yet, but as a community servant. I want to grow more initiatives and continue serving [my] community.”

“I would like to continuously work on my community initiatives … and hopefully we can grow several organizations to have a bigger impact,” he said, charting out a map for the next five years and beyond.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s Youth Leadership Award is presented to a person under 29 years and under who’ve made promising contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) partners with MCoS to present this award. For more information about MCoS’ Multicultural Honours Awards, visit our website HERE, and submit a nomination before October 1, 2024.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan has been raising awareness of the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism since November 22, 1975. MCoS became a provincial not-for-profit, non-governmental agency that works to ensure ethnocultural survival, strength and prominence and foster opportunities for cross-cultural interaction.

–Story by Miguel Fenrich

MCoS Multicultural Honours Highlights Intercultural Connections

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MCoS Multicultural Honours Highlights Intercultural Connections

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

Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan provides opening remarks

Over 100 people gathered at Government House in Regina on Saturday, November 14th to celebrate and recognize significant volunteer contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. This annual flag-ship event for MCoS, is hosted by Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. It is always a joyous celebration drawing attention to the both the contributions and importance of volunteers to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. This event is part of Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, proclaimed annually by the provincial government to celebrate the Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act.
The formal part of the event took place in Sir Richard Lake Hall which provides an elegant setting for the program and awards. Her Honour and MCoS President, Bruno Kossman, recognized and appreciated the historical and current contributions of Saskatchewan’s indigenous people that are foundations for a respectful and harmonious shared future. In that vein, Her Honour acknowledged that we were meeting on land that is the traditional territory of the Cree, Saulteaux and Métis and part of Treaty 4. It is essential to remember that we are all treaty people – we benefit as a result of the relationship agreed to over 150 years ago.
This year, the recent Paris terrorist attacks and the Syrian refugee crisis and were addressed by everyone who spoke at the event. Anti-racism
education and the importance of fostering intercultural connections were echoed through the speeches. During his greetings, the Honourable Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, aptly summed up the current political and social climate by reciting a quote by Somali poet Warsan Shire from her poem “What They Did Yesterday Afternoon”:

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

His Honour the Honourable Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport brings greetings

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered
where does it hurt?
it answered
everywhere
everywhere
everywhere.

MCoS President, Bruno Kossmann, touched on 2015 being the organization’s 40th anniversary and reviewed MCoS programming and achievements. He thanked all volunteers around the province that make multiculturalism a central factor to the vibrancy of life in Saskatchewan. In 2014-15, among MCoS members over 18,200 volunteers contributed over 358,900 hours of time.  Volunteers and staff with different cultural backgrounds bring different ways of seeing the world which can contribute to more effective decision-making and problem-solving. He also introduced our 40th anniversary video to the audience who enjoyed the taking a journey in photos from MCoS’ inception to the current day to the music of Andrea Menard.
In the awards portion of the event, it was noted that all nominees were considered for the extent of their involvement in the five multicultural streams of work: cultural continuity, celebrating diversity, anti-racism, intercultural connections and integration. This year’s award recipients are both are incredibly deserving individuals. Particularly, their intercultural connections work facilitating different cultural groups coming together over time to build bridges should be noted. By coincidence and unknown to the committee, they share a friendship built through this very work and exemplary of it.

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

Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Janelle Pewapsconias, 2015 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award Recipient and Bruno Kossman, MCoS President.

MCoS Director and member of the recognition committee, Renata Cosic, introduced Janelle Pewapsconias as the recipient of the 2015 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award. Janelle fulfills many roles focused on cultural continuity within her own community of Little Pine First Nation and in Saskatoon – both of which are in Treaty 6 Territory. She is a strong single mother, a well-rounded advocate for Indigenous, social and environmental justice, an up-and-coming spoken word artist, entrepreneur-in-training, volunteer, public speaker and learner of her language. Janelle is the creator of the Neechi Life Games which are anti-racism tools. She participated in the 2014 intensive summer program called “Next Up: First Nations & Métis Youth in Action” (MCoS strategic initiative investment supported this program) where she was a strong leader within the group. Janelle – who is a budding leader and cultural keeper – is an ambassador of multiculturalism who lives out the multicultural values and her volunteer efforts are rooted in all five streams of multiculturalism. (Read Janelle’s full bio)

As an Indigenous person of this land, I recognize that there are people in the distress around the world and I welcome them here with open arms.
~ Janelle Pewapsconias ~ (excerpt from her acceptance speech)

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

Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Jebunnessa Chapola, 2015 Betty Szuchewycz Award Recipient and Bruno Kossman, MCoS President.

MCoS Director and member of the recognition committee, Muna DeCiman, introduced Jebunessa Chapola is the recipient of the 2015 Betty Szuchewycz Award. Jebunnessa’s life is dedicated to uplifting marginalized ethnic and indigenous cultures in the local and international arena and creating awareness about the barriers to achieving gender, social and environmental justice, and working within and across new media environments. She has participated in many diverse cultural program committees creating space for ethnic communities, and putting the committee organizers in touch with her community members. Jebunnessa’s involvement as a Cultural Connections Coordinator for the last five years with Ness Creek Music Festival is a prime example of cultural diversity and intercultural connections at work in the community. This program has received several investments through MCoS’ intercultural connections program. Her anti-racism and anti-oppression work is extensive and has had an impact on very broad social sectors. She has participated in MCoS’ Arrêt/Stop Anti-Racism youth leadership workshops for the past three years as a facilitator and was able to take the knowledge learned from these workshops and host additional workshops at Ness creek and in the community. (Read Jebunnessa’s full bio)

Volunteering and being able to share my culture with others has made me feel alive again; I have purpose once again in my life.
~ Jebunnessa Chapola ~ (excerpt from her acceptance speech)

The reception portion of the event took place in the Henry Newlands Ballroom, decorated for the Christmas season, providing both an elegant and festive atmosphere for the reception. Guests enjoyed cultural treats provided by Rushton’s Catering. “Cultural Treats in Context” cards adorned every table with explanations of the savoury, sweet and fresh fruit delicacies. The reception provided a chance for socializing and photos that facilitated intercultural connections.

Photo Gallery for 2015 MCoS Multicultural Honours

 

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MCoS Multicultural Honours

MCoS Multicultural Honours

A Celebration in Honour of Multicultural Contributions
On Saturday, November 22, 2014 the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan recognized all those who have made significant contributions to the multicultural community. The event took place in the elegant setting of Government House in Regina and concluded Saskatchewan Multicultural Week. The event consisted of a ceremony featuring the WeAreSK PSAs, speeches and awards, followed by a reception in the ballroom with a sampling of cultural treats. About 100 people attended the event.
Heather Salloum, Executive Director of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, and Bruno Kossmann, MCoS President, spoke at the event. All spoke about how multiculturalism enriches Saskatchewan and the province’s commitment is demonstrated by the 40th anniversary of the original Saskatchewan Multicultural Act. Ms. Salloum delivered an eloquent reading on the real impact of volunteers. Finally, it was recognized that all the award nominees and the trailblazer who created the 1974 Act and the 1997 revision are leaders in the community and should be commended for their efforts.
Media were on site to interview the award recipients and Minister Docherty.

Awards:

Multicultural Youth Leadership Award The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission presented the second annual Multicultural Youth Leadership Award to an individual who is 29 years of age and under and has made significant contributions to multiculturalism.
2014 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award recipient: Priya Kumari Bilkhu
Priya Kumari Bilkhu has been involved in Indian cultural activities since she was a young and energetic girl. With dance as a passion, Priya demonstrates an admirable willingness to learn, participate and share her Indian cultural heritage. Her pride and dedication were evident in her role as Youth Ambassador for the Indian Pavilion at Mosaic for 2 years. This afforded her many opportunities to interact with peers of various backgrounds and share her culture. She found it particularly heartwarming to perform for the elderly during “Bringing a Little Mosaic to You”.
The volunteer spirit extended to life at high school where she participated in the dance team, was MVP in grade 12 and has returned after graduation as Assistant Coach for the past 2 years. The leadership, team work and confidence built here also played a role in Priya’s involvement in Campbell Collegiate Business Club Executive Team where she found opportunities to combine her passion for multiculturalism with helping those in need in pioneering the multicultural lunch for Adopt-a-Family. She was part of a Bhangra dance performance for Multicultural Day at the high school that gave her the chance to show her peers where she is from and the beauty, the art and the fun of it all.
Priya is now a Youth representative on the India-Canada Association board and continues to enjoy sharing her culture and learning about others.
Betty Szuchewycz Award
Each year, the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan presents the Betty Szuchewycz Award for outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in the province.
2014 Betty Szuchewycz Award recipient: Nadine Williams
From a very young age Nadine has been an ambassador of culture, proudly sharing her own culture and celebrating the cultures of others. Nadine not only embraces her own culture, but she readily promotes inclusivity and multiculturalism as a means of bringing people together. For over 20 years Nadine has been steadily giving of her time as a participant, supporter, committee member, and executive board member of these organizations. By doing so she has helped to bridge the differences that exist among different groups, creating enduring relationships.
As an elementary and high school student Nadine participated in Regina Multicultural Council’s speech competitions for several years. Her speeches were aimed at educating her audience about the importance of diversity, and inspiring others to embrace multiculturalism.
Nadine’s commitment to culture continued with her involvement with the Saskatchewan Jamaican Association. (SJA). She has been an active member with SJA since the age of 12. She held the position of youth representative for several years, and has subsequently held the position of public relations officer on the SJA executive for the past 12 years, representing the SJA at media interviews to share information about Black History Month and Jamaican independence. Nadine is instrumental in coordinating Jamaican independence celebrations. Nadine also works tirelessly to coordinate Black History month events including a community breakfast, youth workshops and Gospel Fest, which now includes the Community Hero Award. The impact of Nadine’s work is seen in the sense of community, and in the individual and collective pride that is created through these events.
With the Saskatchewan Caribbean Canadian Association, she regularly volunteers at the Mosaic, serving as senior ambassador for the Caribbean pavilion at Mosaic 2014. She also actively promotes and volunteers at CariSask, a Caribbean festival held each July in Wascana Park.
Nadine has served three years on the Executive Committee for Saskatchewan Visible Minorities Employees Association, an organization that serves to promote equality and equal opportunity for all visible minorities working within the Saskatchewan government and Crown corporations.
Nadine’s interest and commitment to multiculturalism is one that started at a very young age and one that shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to devote countless hours to advancing multiculturalism. Culturally competent, she encourages, and supports her own children as well as all children and youth to be proud of their culture, to participate in various cultural activities throughout the city, and to value and celebrate cultural differences.

Photo Gallery

 

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Land Acknowledgement

MCoS’ work and support reaches lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10 traditional lands of the Nehiyaw/Nehithaw/Nehinaw/Cree, Nahkawe/Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Dene peoples and Homeland of the Métis/Michif.