Warning: This post contains details some readers may find distressing.

Vivian Ketchum is a residential school survivor and has healed enough to share her story. With the news of the 751 discovery of 751 unmarked graves near a former Saskatchewan residential school, awareness of this institution needs to continue to ensure these stories are not forgotten. U Multicultural is sharing the stories of Indigenous people as a part of the "We Stand Together" initiative for residential schools awareness.

If you are a residential school survivor, please, share your story and speak freely with us. Contact U Multicultural at [email protected].

For support or assistance, please contact The Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419.

Although COVID-19 has caused uncertainty about events and festivals, the International Reggae Afro Latin Music & Arts Festival has decided to transition to a virtual live performance instead of cancelling its event. 

Created to be the catalyst to express the underrepresented talents on a professional platform, the entire event is an opportunity for people to unite. Here is CEO & Founder Neville Hamilton and musician Jayda Charisse to share about this incredible festival and the importance of highlighting culture in music. The IRAL Virtual Party takes place Saturday, July 10, 7:30 PM CST.

https://www.iralfest.com/

https://www.jaydacharisse.com/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

COVID-19 has been a drain on everyone’s mental health. But women are facing higher rates of mental health issues than men. Over the past year, there has been an increase in women in Manitoba reach out for support.

On July 4 – July 11, 2021, the 9th annual Run for Women will be held as a virtual event. Rita Chahal and Eileen McDonald of Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba go in-depth about this shared movement supporting women’s mental health.

Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

An exciting project was released in English, French and Anishinaabe of animated vignettes that carry the lessons of the Seven Sacred Laws.

U Multicultural talked with Elder Dr. David Courchene and Executive Producer of Kejic Productions Erica Daniels about this amazing project.

Although this project was the vision of Dr. Courchene, it takes a creative mind to take that vision and visualize it into a reality. Erica Daniels walks us through her journey into media, telling Indigenous stories, and her involvement in creating the Seven Sacred Laws vignettes.

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTurtleLodgeCanada

https://www.kejicproductions.com/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

An exciting project was released in English, French and Anishinaabe of animated vignettes that carry the lessons of the Seven Sacred Laws. 

U Multicultural talked with Elder Dr. David Courchene and Executive Producer of Kejic Productions Erica Daniels about this amazing project. 

Dr. Courchene is a respected Elder who has devoted himself to learning the knowledge and traditions of Indigenous people. He says The true identity of the First Peoples is reflected in a foundation of laws and values we know as the Seven Sacred Laws.”

https://www.turtlelodge.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTurtleLodgeCanada

Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

On May 27, the First Nations community was shaken when the remains of  215 First Nations children were found in unmarked graves on what was once a residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Some of the children were as young as three years old.

These are the voices of our First Nations pained by the loss, frustrated by systemic racism and oppression, and the stories of survivors who lived through horrific conditions at these schools.

The news of these lost children pained Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), Elder Dr. David Courchene of The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness in Sagkeeng First Nation. He now turns his thoughts to today's and tomorrow's children and asking what sort of world will we leave for them. 

A helpline for residential school survivors can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

On May 27, the First Nations community was shaken when the remains of   215 First Nations children were found in unmarked graves on what was once a residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Some of the children were as young as three years old.

These are the voices of our First Nations pained by the loss,  frustrated by systemic racism and oppression, and the stories of survivors who lived through horrific conditions at these schools.

Ray (Coco) Stevenson is a well-known traditional singer and drummer from Manitoba. Ray shared his thoughts and feeling upon hearing the news of the 215 children and the devastating effect Residential Schools had on survivors living in Winnipeg. 

A helpline for residential school survivors can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

On May 27, the First Nations community was shaken when the remains of  215 First Nations children were found in unmarked graves on what was once a residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Some of the children were as young as three years old.

These are the voices of our First Nations pained by the loss, frustrated by systemic racism and oppression, and the stories of survivors who lived through horrific conditions at these schools.

Gerry (Gramma) Shingoose is a residential school survivor attending Muscowequan Residential School from 1962 to 1971.

Gramma Shingoose shares her thoughts on the 215 children found and her traumatic experiences, which were residential school.

A helpline for residential school survivors can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

On May 27, the First Nations community was shaken when the remains of  215 First Nations children were found in unmarked graves on what was once a residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Some of the children were as young as three years old.

These are the voices of our First Nations pained by the loss, frustrated by systemic racism and oppression, and the stories of survivors who lived through horrific conditions at these schools.

Since Sunday, May 30, Manitoba's First Nations members have been holding a four-day ceremony in front of Manitoba's Legislative building, honouring the lives of the 215 children who were found and honouring the survivors for their truths resiliency, and stories. 

Organizer Alayh McIvor shares her thoughts and feelings on this haunting news.

A helpline for residential school survivors can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

Released May 2021.

In our ever-changing world, we continue to see the impact humanity has had on our ecosystems, wildlife, and the planet. But there are things we can do to make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint. I had the opportunity to chat with Jessica Correa, CEO of Random Acts of Green. She shares how easy and fun it can be to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, build a green community, and having conversations around environmentalism.

Wanting to learn more about Random Acts of Green? Visit their website and join their community to create change.

https://raog.ca/

Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.