June is almost here! Not only does it bring the promise of warm weather and sunshine, but cultural festivals. 

For those in the Greater Victoria area out in B.C or those looking to plan a summer vacation, Folktoria will be taking place from June 4 to 5. 

Members of Folktoria are ecstatic to hold an in-person multicultural event once again. Even more exciting, it's Folktoria's 5th anniversary. 

https://www.folktoria.ca/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Thursday, February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Ukrainians watch in horror as their friends, family, and culture are ruthlessly attacked.

Many Ukrainian-Canadians are doing what they can to support the brave Ukrainians fighting to preserve their way of life. Yevgeniya Tatarenko and many community members have created Help Ukraine: Morden, an organization collecting resources and supplies and shipping them to Ukraine. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpukrmorden/

This interview was conducted on April 07, 2022.

A lack of representation is the highest reported barrier to Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour workers’ sense of belonging in the Canadian live music industry. 

Closing the Gap is a research study led by the Canadian Live Music Association that provides evidence on the nature of inequalities experienced by IBPOC live music workers and actionable policy recommendations to improve representation in the live music industry. 

https://www.canadianlivemusic.ca/closing-the-gap

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Spring is here, and a lot is happening. Of course, not just the change in weather but community events and initiatives eager to stretch their legs after the long winter. With Covid restrictions continuing to ease, there is a tremendous desire to reconnect. 

Jennifer Chen is one of those people. She is always dedicated and passionate about giving back to her community. Involved in several non-profit organizations, Jennifer has decided to go one step further, getting into politics. 

To get involved in Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative: 

Website: www.wcclimanitoba.ca

Email: [email protected] 

To get involved in Jennifer Chen for Fort Richmond campaign: 

Email: [email protected]

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

For many years we've seen a lot of pain within the Indigenous community. Murdered and Missing Indigenous women and girls, unclean drinking water, the fight to protect Indigenous land. More recently, the news of children's graves found at residential schools.

Native Women's Association of Canada is a voice for many within the Indigenous community. They are doing a lot of good work.

Lorraine Whitman is amazing, and it was an absolute pleasure to sit down with her to find out more about the organization and the Indigenous community. 

https://www.nwac.ca/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

What was life like before? No matter how much we ponder, it will always be an alien reality to our own, another world. Some things help, and fossils are one of them. 

A new announcement sheds some light on the mysteries of Manitoba millions of years ago. Tucked away in the city of Morden, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre has unveiled a nearly complete shark specimen. Executive Director Adolfo Cuetara explains why this discovery is fantastic for science and his community. 

https://discoverfossils.com/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Everyone knows about Jamaica. Its tropical beaches, Reggae, fantastic food, and memorable people like Bob Marley or Usain Bolt. However, some may not be aware of the Jamaican High Commission in Canada.

The High Commissioner is Her Excellency, Sharon J Miller. We sat down to discuss Jamaica's 60th year of Independence and the high Commission's collaboration with Winnipeg organization Pegcity Steppers. 

http://www.jhcottawa.ca/index.html

https://pegcitysteppers.ca/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

A Winnipeg organization is creating an energetic atmosphere and community for people who moved from the Caribbean. 

Pegcity Steppers is now collaborating with the Jamaican High Commission in Canada to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence. 

To tell us about the virtual Wellness Seminar and Fitness Challenge that will take place, here’s Shana and Natalya. 

https://pegcitysteppers.ca/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Sometimes creators blow my mind, and Trevor Lai is one of those people. An author, artist and founder of UP Studios, Trevor is an inspiration for pursuing careers through their creativity.

http://upstudios.cn/

https://trevorlai.com/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

For movie fans, a festival in Winnipeg connects you with directors and filmmakers to create a community around film.

The Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival runs until March 15, with films of all backgrounds to tell stories, bridge cultures and experiences, and enjoy movies.

https://www.winnipegfilmfestival.com/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.