BeCause & Effect

Welcome to BeCause and Effect, the podcast from the Winnipeg Foundation. Where we talk to people about the causes they care about, and the effect it has on their lives. My name is Nolan Bicknell.

Tom Bryk has a very humble wisdom that has helped him in his role as Board Chair of The Winnipeg Foundation, and countless other volunteer experiences.

I was honored that he was able to sit down with me to discuss the state of the philanthropic sector at this pivotal moment in time. We talk about the culture, and how it’s changing and will continue to change in a post-pandemic world, we talk about the Foundation’s role and direction, and the secret to a successful board of directors, and everything in between. 

Please enjoy my conversation with Winnipeg Foundation Board Chair Tom Bryk.

Today’s episode is our season finale, and I’ve wanted to sit down for a conversation with our next guest since the second I heard him speak. If you’ve never heard Mr. Kevin Lamoureux speak before, you’re in for a treat. Kevin is an award winning scholar, professor, public speaker, advocate and so much more. 

I sat down with Kevin Lamoureux, to talk about his work within the education system here in Manitoba, how not to squander the gift of reconciliation from Indigenous peoples, and how we can heal as a Nation, once we reconcile with the truth of our history.

Ayn Wilcox and her team at Klinic Community Health are committed to helping Winnipeggers care for their mental, physical, and emotional health, by offering community health services focused on meeting people where they’re at. Health care during COVID-19 has been a struggle for everyone, and Ayn and her team are doing their best to continue to provide the care people often desperately need.

I sat down with Ayn Wilcox, Interim Executive Director at Klinic Community Health, to talk about the current state of health care and health care workers in 2021, and how her team continues to strive for Equity, collaboration, and a holistic approach to health.

Kelly Thornton is telling provocative stories through theatre. As the Artistic Director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Kelly and her award-winning team at RMTC have continued to find ways to entertain, educate, and start important conversations through incredible stage performance, despite a world-wide pandemic that closed everything down.

I sat down with Kelly Thornton, to talk about artistic expression in a post-COVID world, the excitement about connecting with audiences face to face, and her experiences bringing stories to life on stages all across Canada.

Erica Daniels is an award-winning Cree/Ojibway producer, director, and founder of Kejic Productions. Her Winnipeg-based company has been winning awards and creating incredible content since 2017, and she’s a mentor to today’s youth on the value and importance of storytelling through a multitude of programs and projects.

I sat down with Erica Daniels, to talk about indigenous identity, filmmaking, and storytelling, the importance of passing and preserving elder knowledge, and how we can’t know who we are, until we know where we came from.

Patricia Mainville has been working with Children, Youth, and Families in Education and community service for over two decades. Pat has been a Winnipeg Foundation Board Member since 2017, was also recently asked to be a feature essay in The Winnipeg Foundation’s Next 100 Essay series, where Winnipeggers were asked to envision Winnipeg in the next 100 years. 

I sat down with Pat Mainville, to talk about cultural identity and the importance of community, the education system and adapting for remote learning during COVID-19, and how her family was affected by the profound tragedy of residential schools.

Dr. Durdana Islam is an incredible advocate for many things. She’s a Project Manager at the Green Action Centre, an instructor at the University of Winnipeg, and has been involved with the NDP as Chairperson on the Status of Women, Gender Equity, and Gender Diversity Committee. 

I sat down with Dr. Durdana Islam, to talk about what it was like teaching through COVID-19, breaking the cycle of trauma, and why she’s fought for social equity nearly her entire life.

Before we get started, a brief content warning for anyone sensitive to the topic, Durdana is a survivor of domestic violence and we do discuss some of her experiences. And now, my conversation with Durdana Islam.

I could listen to my next guest talk for hours. Niigaan Sinclair is an Anishinaabe Author, Educator, Columnist, and Academic based in Winnipeg Manitoba. A leading voice in Indigenous teachings and knowledge, Niigaan is an incredible resource when it comes to maintaining indigenous stories, languages, and general information.

I sat down with Niigaan Sinclair, to talk about his work as a professor and columnist, what we can learn from Indigenous ways of knowing, and how to have the difficult conversations that need to happen for reconciliation to take place.

Alexis Kanu knows water. As Executive Director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, Alexis and the LWF Community make it their mission to educate, advocate, and maintain our most precious resource.

I sat down with Alexis Kanu, Executive Director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, to talk about the current state of our lakes and rivers, creating the connection between science and policy, and why we need to show respect and reverence for the water; one of our most precious resources.

Joseph Chaeban is one of Winnipeg’s best-known success stories. After launching in Winter 2015, Joseph and his team at Chaeban Ice Cream have built a strong reputation in South Osborne as a leader in both business and community. 

I sat down with Joseph Chaeban to talk about his origins as a professional cheesemaker turned ice cream expert, the importance of supporting community, and what’s in store for the future as his business continues to grow and expand.