Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
452 Albert Street North S4R 3C1 Regina, SK, Canada

Reflecting on the children whose remains were found in a mass grave at a residential school in BC. Here's what William Prince shared: My friends, I’m speaking t...o you today as a First Nations father. I must say as a warning, the horrific details in this article may be triggering to some. I have mourned for hours now and feel the need to share. My strength, love and empathy goes out to every survivor of Residential Schools in Canada. Some were as young as three years old. I have a 4 year-old son who I can’t imagine living without. It causes me waves of panic when I think of anyone taking him against my will. The confusion and helplessness of it all. What if these were your children? 215 innocent lives lost and dealt away with. This is genocide towards First Nations people. Genocide towards my friends and relatives. Also, this is just ONE Residential School that was operational until 1969. The last of these schools was still operational in 1996. I was watching Space Jam on VHS with my family while some children were still kept in these schools. This isn’t ancient history. This is Canadian history. Since releasing Gospel First Nation, the topic of church and culture has been discussed at length. I have learned a lot about who I am and my right to culture and practice. I have learned even more about how that culture and practice was intended to be extinguished. This is what I mean by not every memory of the church is wholesome and full of beautiful nostalgic music for First Nations people. I ask my non-Indigenous, non-Canadian followers to see this for what it is. A nation willing to stand on the backs of the original inhabitants to sustain the falsehood that is an all-inclusive, all-accepting nation of patriotism. First Nations people are in a constant state of defence and recovery. Defending who we are and recovering from the actions of those intending to keep First Nations people down. It is quite honestly heartbreaking and exhausting. This includes the lack of clean drinking water on reserves, inadequate housing, education and resources for dealing with inter-generational trauma. You cannot shoot a man and blame him for bleeding. We need to do better as a country in acknowledging our past as it is still affecting our present. The struggle you see and encounter is because of this history. I don’t have all the answers and I am still learning every day. What I do know is these families deserved better. These children deserved life. While we celebrate musical accomplishment this week, please remember these 215 and the families they represent. Again, this is just one one school. How far does the life of one child extend? Now amplify that hurt and devastation by 215. This is why so many First Nations people are hurting. This why Canada Day isn’t a holiday. This is why the National Anthem isn’t for everyone. It is not an attack on identity, but rather the truth of horrific acts committed against humanity. The original inhabitants of this land. My fellow Canadians. I have met and shaken hands with so many of you that are of the heart to hold space for us in need. I have met so many beautiful spirits who understand this trauma. I see your messages. I thank you for your understanding. You are the ones who can help move this narrative along to a place of true reconciliation. First Nations shouldn’t have to be resilient forever. Unfortunately, the effects of this history force us to be. I live in great privilege and do my absolute best to challenge the stereotypes of being a First Nations person in Canada. I carry the pain of my ancestors with me and through every ceiling we break on this journey. The Anishinaabe way is kindness. Be kind to each other. Be kind to my people. For we are still carrying a great hurt. Remember these children and give thanks for your own if they are still with you. Thank you.

Painting on this hot Monday- hope you all had a great weekend! Azby Whitecalf

Must read! "The magical racism of Canada is that the elephant in the room seems invisible. We don’t see it even when one of the legs is crushing you or someone you love. Another leg may be crushing someone who is Black. Yet another leg is crushing someone who is Indigenous. But you can barely understand why you feel this weight on your back, or that it is somehow just another leg of the same beast crushing the others. You have been blinded to the huge elephant in the room, t...he one that stands on top of some of us but not others. The elephant has pulled some magical trick indeedwe literally cannot see what is crushing us." From ACCT Foundation Today marks the end of Asian Heritage Month 2021, a month filled with meaningful stories and deep reflection around this year’s theme of Recognition, Resilience and Resolve, including but not limited to events hosted by Canadian Heritage Asian Heritage Foundation (Southern Alberta) CGAA explorASIAN Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales Festival Accès Asie. However, as we wrap up the month, we’d like to shift our focus to another R word - Reconciliation. The TRC shares that ...Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour. Four days ago, The Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced their discovery of the remains of 215 First Nations children buried at a former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Let’s grieve together with our First Nations brothers and sisters as we learn their truths, feel their pains, and build a future together. The quote at the beginning of this post is an excerpt from Dr Henry Yu's submission for the 2021 ACCT Leader's Summit in response to the question "What is Chinese Canadian history and how does it contribute to contemporary issues?". In his paper, Dr Yu articulates the history of racism in Canada using the various ways we use "elephants" in figurative speech. The excerpt above is from the section titled "The Blind Men and the Elephant." Register for the summit at acctfoundation.ca to join the conversation that starts on June 18th. #AspiretoLead https://www.ictinc.ca//what-reconciliation-is-and-what-it-

"Where are you really from?" Many Asian Canadians get asked this question more often than you think. In our latest Let's Talk video, we dive into how the Perpet...ual Foreigner stereotype problematically separates Asians and other visible minorities as second-class citizens in Canadian society. Watch it here: https://act2endracism.ca/lets-talk-perpetual-foreigner/ : Creative team at Mythologi Teresa Woo-Paw JoN Yu Karen Cho Yang Shi Richmond Lam Sarah

Stories of Indigenous stand-ups are uncovered in a new book by historian of comedy, Kliph Nesteroff.

LAST DAY TO APPLY! MCoS Board has the following positions open for 2021-22 nominations: -Treasurer (2 year) -Secretary (2 year) -Directors (3 two-year and 1 or 2 one-year terms)... Please share it with someone who may be interested. MCoS is about equity and diversity. The Nominations Committee seeks candidates who add to the diversity of our board. Reach out to us if you have any questions! Deadline to apply- TODAY May 27, 2021 Read more here- https://mcos.ca/events/agm/ See more

Hi I’m Azby Whitecalf! This week I’m going to showing you my process on making a piece about Anti-Racism. I’m using Golden acrylic products. I hope you all enjoy my work and I’m excited to share it with you all.

Check out Azby Whitecalf Instagram Takeover from May 26-30! I’m Azby Whitecalf, I’m a Plains Cree Character Designer and Illustrator based out of North Battleford, Saskatchewan Treaty 6 Territory. I have a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication (Character Design) from the Alberta University of the Arts. My practice revolves creating fun and exciting stories with memorable and unique characters. An important part of my practice is that I am creating accurate and positive representation of Indigenous peoples and cultures and exploring what it is to portray Indigenous people in a way that captures their multi-dimensional identity. I enjoy working with bright colours, strong contrast and fun shapes.

Register here- https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/still-here-our-stories-of-anti-

MEET THE PANELISTS for tmrw’s #virtual forum- Our Stories of Anti-Asian Racism! This community forum for #AsianHeritageMonth will create opportunities to share stories of anti-Asian #racism in the past and present. HURRY! Register here- https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/still-here-our-stories-of-anti-... Please share it with someone who you think would be interested in joining!

MCoS Board has the following positions open for 2021-22 nominations: -Treasurer (2 year) -Secretary (2 year) -Directors (3 two-year and 1 or 2 one-year terms) MCoS is about equity and diversity. The Nominations Committee seeks candidates who add to the diversity of our board. Reach out to us if you have any questions! ... Deadline to apply- May 27, 2021 Read more here- https://mcos.ca/events/agm/ See more

MCoS is presenting a #virtual forum to discuss Our Stories of Anti-Asian Racism this Wednesday! This community forum for #AsianHeritageMonth will create opportunities to share stories of anti-Asian #racism in the past and present. HURRY! Register here- https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/still-here-our-stories-of-anti-

Have a look at the nominees for the 2020 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award. This award is for outstanding contributions to #multiculturalism in #Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award (formerly known as the Betty Szuchewycz Award) is sponsored by Jim and Michelle Braun of Dairy Queen (DQ).

SAVE THE DATE Join Framing African-Descent Identities Through a Human Rights Lens The historical and contemporary identities of people of African descent in Canada affect their health, social and economic well-being, and development. This first event in this three-part series will explore the effect of oppression based on race as it relates to identity, power, language, and well-being. Presenters will expose and discuss research findings on mental health, social, and econom...ic costs of race-based oppression. Human rights advocates, policy, and community leaders will give voice to current challenges. Happening at December 02, 2020 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST To register, visit: http://umanitoba.ca/social-work/human-rights-symposium See more

Lemoya’s Multicultural Superhero is her father Dr. Maxie T. Collier. Prince Albert Multicultural Council Who is your Multicultural Superhero? Is it someone in your family, like Lemoya? Is it a person who made you look at the world differently? Is it an organization whose work has made an impact in your community? Share a video, photo or a selfie with them via any social media with #multiculturalsuperhero

Lori Whiteman is Margo Campbell’s #MulticulturalSuperhero. Lori has been an inspiration to many and instrumental in the establishment of Antiracist Cross-cultural Team (ACT!) in all of Regina Public Schools. Lori organized retreats to get students involved in this group. At the ACT! high school training retreat, students participate in a number of activities designed to encourage discussion around racism, discrimination, labelling, gender identity, culture, trust, community..., reconciliation and bullying. Thom Collegiate Who is your #MulticulturalSuperhero? Is it an organization? Perhaps a friend? Is it a fictional character? Share it on social media with hashtag #MulticulturalSuperhero. See more

The recipient for the 2020 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership award is Floyd Favel Congratulations to all the nominees for the 2020 Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership award (formerly known as the Betty Szuchewycz Award)! We wish you all the best! In case you missed the live event you can watch it here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lo3Ll8vDm6I&noapp=1

The pandemic made this year an extraordinary one when individuals and organizations had to change the regular ways of conducting activities. Prince Albert Multicultural Council embraced the need for change in its operations to stay relevant and impactful in the community in a challenging year. Read here about this #MulticulturalSuperhero organization! https://www.saskatchewan.ca//prince-albert-multicultural-c ... To celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week (November 2129, 2020), share your multicultural superheroes on social media, using the hashtag #MulticulturalSuperhero. For French, click here https://www.saskatchewan.ca//prince-albert-multicultural-c

The recipient for the 2020 Multicultural Youth Leadership award is Chilombo Mwela. Congratulations to all the nominees for the 2020 Multicultural Youth Leadership award! We wish you all the best! In case you missed the live event you can watch it here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lo3Ll8vDm6I&noapp=1

For the Sask Multicultural Week "Who's Your Multicultural Superhero" campaign, Ellery says the ACT group at Thom Collegiate is her #MulticulturalSuperhero. Being a part of the ACT (Antiracism Crosscultural Team) has boosted her confidence. Ellery says she has learned to stand up against #bullying and #racism. Who is your #MulticulturalSuperhero? and why? Is it someone who inspisres you to do better? Is it someone in your family? Or is it character from your favourite book/movie? Share it with the hashtag and get featured!

REGISTER HERE to join the 2020 Virtual MCoS Multicultural Honours. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/multicultural-honoursa-celebrat

Share your #MulticulturalSuperhero today!

HAPPENING TOMORROW! Have you registered? Don’t miss the chance to participate in this forum on monuments, memory and the stories we share in public spaces. Register here https://bit.ly/2ZFMV4r You can join from anywhere!

2020 Multicultural Youth Leadership Award Recipient Chilombo Mwela says #community her Multicultural Superhero. She expresses that #multicultralism is about community; which stands for togetherness and unity. We are officially in the Saskatchewan Multicultural Week. To celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural Week, all November we are asking Saskatchewan, Who’s Your Multicultural Superhero? Share yours on social media using #MulticulturalSuperhero and tell us why!

Have you registered for our INVOLVE program yet? It’s not too late! Join us to learn about volunteer opportunities, connect with community organizations and network with others. To register: https://rods.sk.ca/involve-registration

Racism HURTS. Slurs stick and they embed into your skin with humiliation and single you out as different. You don't belong. I know what's it's like to be seen ...as different. Sadly now so does my son. I urge you to learn more about racism and to take part in an upcoming public awareness campaign where you can SPEAK UP and help reduce trauma by calling out racism. The mental health campaign will also donate a mask to an essential worker. Thanks Rei Lo for sharing you work. You are a gentle soul with a bold message. If you see or experience racism, report it ACT2endracism or text 1-587-507-3838 let's not slough this off. We need to make our community safer for everyone.

Join us from the comfort of your home for perspectives and conversation about the stories we tell in our public spaces. Register https://bit.ly/2ZFMV4r

OPEN CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS #Saskatchewan Have a look the eligibility, form and criteria https://mcos.ca/events/sask-multicultural-week/honours/ (Nomination deadline Oct 1, 2020) GOT QUESTIONS? Dm us!

Beautiful day for an outdoor workshop at German Club Regina today! It was a delight to create mandalas and eat schnitzel with the wonderful Karlie King! Video...s for this and other events will be released next week, so you can participate at home, thanks to videographer Thom Hamilton. The Harvest Moon Festival is funded by City of Regina | Municipal Government, SaskCulture, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan and Malty National Brewing co See more

Folks from in and around #Regina, Join us on Sept 29 for a discussion about Shaping consciousness through Public Art. https://bit.ly/2ZFMV4r

The Government of Canada has declared September 20-26, 2020, as Gender Equality Week. This week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the important cont...ributions women and gender diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character and identity of our country. #GenderEqualityWeek2020 #BecauseOfYou See more

Do you have someone in mind for the Multicultural Honours Awards? Someone who is doing amazing things and is a force of change in your community? Did we hear you say YES? Then you are a step closer to getting them the recognition they deserve. https://mcos.ca/events/sask-multicultural-week/honours/ Head to the link above for the nomination form and a sample nomination form.

Calling all #Yorkton folks!!! Have you gotten your ticket yet? Limited seating available.

One of the many wonderful activities at Walk2gether_Stand2gether in Battleford on Saturday, 19th Sept.

Had such an incredible day yesterday at the first annual "Walk together - Stand together" event here in the Battlefords! Hosted by the Multicultural Council of ...Saskatchewan, the event brought together an inspiring array of arts, culture & community spirit - all to help educate and combat racism. I met so many cool people and had a whole bunch of great conversations that will become an future episode of Battlefords Untapped... stay tuned! [Note: this event was held primarily outdoors, with rigorous COVID-19 protocols in place.]

Slated for October 7-8, 2020the free, online conference will explore Indigenous worldviews and natural law, taking you on a journey that will challenge your ways of knowing and thinking to get ‘through the fire’ of COVID-19. Join us on the path to reconciliation, and register today!

Salute!!- to Darkside Donuts !!

OPEN CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS #Saskatchewan Do you know about someone in your #community who is doing amazing things and making a change? Give them the recognition they deserve. #Nominate them for Multicultural Honours Awards! (Nomination deadline Oct 1, 2020)... Have a look the eligibility and criteria below. GOT QUESTIONS? Dm us! Read more: https://mcos.ca/events/sask-multicultural-week/honours/ (Sask Multicultural Leadership Award was previously known as Betty Szuchewycz Award)