According to Statistics Canada's Canadian Income Survey from 2021, 5.8 million Canadians, including 1.4 million children, were food insecure. Taking a closer look at home, last year, the Winnipeg Christmas Cheerboard handed out over 18,000 Christmas hampers, and the need is growing. We've all felt the pinch of food costs and inflation, so this holiday season, it's more important than ever to support our communities, and we have Shawna Bell from the Christmas Cheerboard to tell us how we can help out. https://www.christmascheerboard.ca/

Creativity takes a lot of work. When looking at musicians, you must write, perform, edit, and promote yourself, which only scratches the surface. It can take a toll mentally and physically, leading to burnout, so finding balance is vital. With festivals, events, and new music, Vivek Mehmi, an Ontario musician, is always working on that balance.

Many can remember growing up with Steve Irwin and the Kratt brothers, inspiring youth to explore and engage with the world around us. For today's youth, the WILD Outside program through the Canadian Wildlife Federation seeks to create a love for nature and conservation. We met with Ashley from the Winnipeg branch to find out more. https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/wild-outside/

Things are tough. Life feels harder and harder sometimes, but it's important to remember to surround ourselves with people who are special to us and want to support us. After the isolation of COVID, building those connections is more important than ever. Asian Women of Winnipeg are one such group, bringing people together and supporting each other, celebrating accomplishments, and being there for each other during those difficult times. https://www.asianwomenofwinnipeg.com/

Now in his 60s, Louis Koszas remembers his time as a ward of the Children's Aid Society. In and out of many homes, Koszas reflects on some experiences that still affect him today. ⁠⁠⁠https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/⁠⁠ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

Kelly Houle's family is from Sandy Bay First Nation, but she has lived in Winnipeg most of her life. Houle has had a difficult life, struggling with mental health and addictions after the abuse she experienced within the Canadian residential school System. https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/⁠⁠ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

Geraldine "Gramma" Shingoose is a residential school survivor who attended Muscowequan Residential School from 1962 to 1971. An Elder in her community, she has seen the effects of residential school, day school, the 60s Scoop, racism, and discrimination on the Indigenous peoples of Canada. ⁠⁠⁠https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/⁠⁠ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

Gloria is an intergenerational survivor and a survivor of the 60s Scoop. Her late mother was a survivor of the Canadian Indian residential school system. Gloria experienced tremendous discrimination and racism growing up, experiencing it from the nuns who taught on the reserve and from classmates when she eventually moved to Winnipeg. https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/⁠⁠ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

Diandre Thomas-Hart, Young Woman Who Stands Among The Eagles, was given the Crane Clan and grew up in Winnipeg's North End. She has been urban her entire life. Hart's mother was a 60s Scoop survivor, and her father has many within his family who are survivors of the Indian residential school system. ⁠⁠https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/⁠ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

Circles for Reconciliation is an organization to establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Grace and Debbie from Circles share the fantastic work of the organization and what personal reconciliation looks like. ⁠https://u-channel.ca/we-stand-together/ Over 130 residential schools operated in Canada. The first federal residential school began around 1883; the last closed in 1996. We Stand Together invites Indian residential school and day school survivors, 60's Scoop, and intergenerational survivors to share their truth. This project is an opportunity for those on their journeys of healing to share their experiences and perspectives so all can learn about the effects of residential and day schools and the challenges Indigenous communities still face. U Multicultural is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage.

I know it's cliche, but with everything happening in the world, celebrating love, life, and art is more important than ever. First Métis Man of Odesa 🇺🇦is a story that explores just that: the power of love in the bleakest of moments. ❤Performers and writers Mariya and Matthew and director Lianna explore this inspiring narrative coming to Winnipeg on November 2.

On November 1 and 2, Winnipeg's Mexican community is holding Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, celebrations. There's so much more to this event than first appears, with a desire to continue traditions outside of Mexico and share it with all of Winnipeg. https://www.mexycanmb.ca/2023/10/12/dia-de-muertos-2023-2-dates-locations/

Solomon Baleke of Winnipeg Swahili TV hosts his first segment on Swahili Na Waswahili. Solomon's first guest is Kiza Ngamba to discuss the challenges of integrating into Canadian culture and life. Find out what’s happening in Winnipeg’s Swahili community on U Radio! https://u-channel.ca/u-radio/

In the modern day, we're bombarded with information over our phones, televisions, and online. With so much flooding our minds, it's hard to discern fact from fiction. Tracy Koga and filmmaker Junko Bailey want to engage in conversation and break down myths. The two decided to host a panel of four women to hear their stories and explore what's happening outside our bubbles.

Election season is in full swing in Manitoba. Advanced Polling is open until September 30, with voting day for Manitoba's 43rd general provincial election on October 3. But who are the people who may be running the province for the next four years? We invited all of Manitoba's political parties to U Radio to find out. Janine Gibson is the leader of the Green Party of Manitoba and the candidate for the Wolseley area. Let's get into it.

Baraka Mulimbwa has built a flourishing commercial and post-construction cleaning company across Winnipeg and Ottawa. Mulimbwa only had a little when he moved to Canada, but he took the knowledge he gained working at a big-box retail store to build his own company and find success. Host Christiane Dunia finds out more on Swahili Na Waswahili.

Winnipeg has a vibrant Black and African community. However, despite how quickly this community grows, events and festivals celebrating Black and African heritage and culture still need to catch up. Afro Falls is looking to change that. This Sunday, September 24, the South-End community is gathering for music, food, and fun at the St Norbert's Art Centre.

At the end of September, Canadians come together to celebrate culture and art for Culture Days. A great example of these celebrations is the community of Morden, MB, which is growing economically and in the diversity of the people who call it home. A lot is going on for the week-long festival, and to find out more, we connected with the Executive Director of the Pembina Hills Arts Council. https://www.pembinahillsarts.com/

Stories are a journey, and to continue to provide a space for the journey of art and a place for Indigenous stories and creators to thrive, the Pimootayowin Creators Circle was created. Let's meet with some playwrights in this year's program to learn more about the creative process and the significance of opportunities for Indigenous storytellers. https://royalmtc.ca/Artists/Pimootayowin-Creators-Circle.aspx

The new podcast series Swahili Na Waswahili (Swahili and Swahili Speakers) features voices from Winnipeg's growing Swahili community. Host Christiane Dunia sits down with Solomon Baleke of Winnipeg Swahili TV to learn more about his journey and his efforts in creating a platform for Swahili content.

In 2018/19, Manitoba's film and television production amounted to $251 million, only slightly falling off in 2019/20. The industry is growing, and we're seeing amazing features being created by Manitobans right here. Film festivals honour the people's creativity here, and Reel Pride Winnipeg is no exception. One of Canada's oldest 2SLGBTQIA + film festivals, Reel Pride explores the depths of the human condition and celebrates the diversity and expression of the queer community. https://www.reelpride.org/

In the past few years, many within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have seen a startling trend of animosity towards trans and other gender-diverse folks. Ashley Smith, Director of Advocacy at Rainbow Resource Centre, joins us on U Talk to discuss the challenges and fears the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces, the construction of Place of Pride in Winnipeg, and the resources available through their services and programs. https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/

Did you know that nearly half of the world's ice and desert-free land is used for agriculture, most of which is used for livestock? If the world switched to a plant-based diet, the land needed for agriculture would be reduced by 75%. Changing your diet can take a lot of work, but there are communities right here in Winnipeg encouraging plant-based diets. Let's take a moment to learn a little bit about the upcoming Winnipeg VegFest. https://www.winnipegvegfest.ca/

Sometimes, life comes in cycles, moments of highs, moments of lows, and back again. Ana Lía explores this concept in her new album Ciclica. Relationships, love, self, and home are explored in this episode of U Talk. https://www.analiaofficial.com/

From 2021-2022, over 21 thousand newcomers immigrated to Manitoba. That's a lot of people. For newcomers getting into the workforce, sometimes there are barriers, and employers need new approaches to identify, hire, and retain newcomer workers. The Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council was created to help with just that. https://www.manitobaiec.ca/

In Manitoba, about one in six people has a disability of some sort. That's approximately 175,000 people. Of that number, about 8 thousand have an intellectual and developmental disability. Often accessibility isn't a priority in society, and accessibility challenges can be much worse the further you leave urban centres. To increase awareness for the upcoming provincial election, Abilities Manitoba and Barrier Free Manitoba have created Disability Matters Vote. https://www.dmvote.ca/

When you were in your late teens and early twenties, did you ever consider becoming a board member? Well, one student at the University of Manitoba decided they wanted to get involved in their community. Divya is a board member of Asian Women of Winnipeg, combining her new ideas with the experience of other talented women on the board to create something amazing. https://www.asianwomenofwinnipeg.com/

Getting physically healthy is a lot harder than it seems. Maintaining a constant schedule and routine takes time and effort and can sometimes be overwhelming, going at it alone. That's where communities like PegCity Steppers come in, creating a network and social circle to motivate people to exercise. This Saturday, the group is holding an event in downtown Winnipeg, and they want you to join them. https://pegcitysteppers.ca/

Shumaila Hemani is a talented musican. The Sufi singer-songwriter, poet and acousmatic comper have created amazing pieces with her album Mannat and, most recently, her single Primordial Covenant. Hemani is also currently looking to be the opening act for the We Can Survive concert. The concert is in partnership with the American Association of Suicide Prevention Awareness, a topic incredibly important to Hemani. https://theopenact.com/2023/shumaila-hemani-and-sufi-duo

The Gimli International Film Festival is here. It was such an exciting time to attend the event's opening night, and there's so much more to come. Let's check in with Alan Wong, GIFF's executive director, to find out what you can expect in the next few days in Gimli.

The Gimli International Film Festival begins today with five days of workshops, films, and community in the small town of Gimli, Manitoba. You may be surprised to find out, but GIFF is the largest film festival in Manitoba. Let's meet with three directors whose documentary works will be featured at this year's event to kick things off!

Starting as an offshoot of the Winnipeg Film Group, the Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective has come into its own. Collectives like these are fantastic opportunities for established and new filmmakers to come together. As we've seen in recent years, there are so many amazing Indigenous stories to tell. Rachel joins us on U Talk to let us know what's new at the collective, their upcoming short film series at the Gimli International Film Festival, and her experiences working in film. https://www.facebook.com/groups/winnipegindigenousfilmmakerscollective/

Arguing your side, learning the core of a topic, and improving your rhetorical skills sounds like a great way to spend a Monday and Thursday evening, and you can do that at the University of Manitoba Debate Club. UM Debate Club, founder and president Christy Abraham, joins U Talk host Ryan Funk to explain the best ways to approach your argument, what you can look forward to joining the club, and some ways to overcome your fears of public speaking. @Umdebateclub

July 26-30, those near and afar will gather in the town of Gimli to celebrate film. The Gimli International Film Festival includes a plethora of programming from documentaries, feature films, shorts, workshops, and films on the beach. There's something for everyone. Let's look at what it takes to make a short film, and filmmakers Catherine Dulude and Anita Lebeau can help us with that. https://gimlifilm.com/

Debate is fascinating—the formal discussion on a particular topic in which opposing arguments are put forward. Skills go beyond just debate and have applications you can utilize throughout life. Let's take a look at the University of Manitoba's debate club, starting with Tharindu. The art of debate and potential solutions to housing are what you can expect on this episode of U Talk.

For the first episode of Radio des Petits Hiboux, learn about France, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Manitoba Francophone community with Alisa and Dawna Hales-Massé! Do you want to learn more about the French language? Have you ever wondered how many rivets were used on the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Join others as they learn more about the world and learn French along the way in Radio des Petits Hiboux, a French educational program for all ages.

Willson Caetano, Community Pharmacist. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Sylvia Camara Tavares, CDC/IMM Team Manager, Central Team. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Henrique Braga, Certified School Clinician. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Dr. Eddsel Martinez, Peadiatric Physician. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Dr. Denise Koh, Chief Occupational Medical Officer, Workplace Safety and Health. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Dr. Andrea Agostinho, Family Physician. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on everyone. But what were those experiences like for our front-line healthcare workers? Join host Ryan Funk as he learns about the physical and emotional toll put on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists of diverse backgrounds and what we all can learn from these experiences on Together We Can.

Geraldine “Gramma” Shingoose is a residential school survivor who attended Muscowequan residential school from 1962 to 1971. Gramma Shingoose shares her story with schools and universities, highlighting her cherished memories of before Muscowequan residential school, her life during school, and its impacts on her life once she left. "We Stand Together" is a series to understand better these schools' history and its impact on Indigenous communities. Join Ryan Funk and Lisa Muswagon and listen to the stories and experiences of residential school attendees and their families.

Culture is an important aspect of any community. However, culture can easily be lost if not actively cherished and cared for. In Winnipeg, immigrants have created associations and organizations that celebrate cultural diversity, creating areas of unique cultural expression and feeling. Casa Dos Acores at the Azorean Cultural Centre is taking action to ensure younger generations are inspired to preserve the Portuguese language, culture, and history. Paulo Oliveira tells us more. http://casasdosacores.org/

Nupur Kumari is incredibly accomplished. She's a businesswoman and entrepreneur and has worked or travelled in over 25 countries. That's just scratching the surface. On the board of directors at Asian Women of Winnipeg, Kumari utilizes her skills and knowledge to support others in her community. https://www.asianwomenofwinnipeg.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Friday, June 02, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilivre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh travelled to Winnipeg to support their candidates running in the Federal 2023 By-Eleciton. The by-election will be held on June 19, 2023, and includes two ridings in Manitoba, Winnipeg South Centre and Portage-Lisgar. While in Winnipeg, Poilivre held a press conference to speak about the carbon tax and plans to counter crime rates in Winnipeg. U Multicultural spoke with Poilievre to learn more about his party's policies and platform. Read more: https://bit.ly/43vcP9Y

You never know the stories you can learn until you sit down with someone, and Jhocelin Gilbert has some fantastic stories. Coming to Canada as an international student with her kids and starting a food blog turned social media network for newcomers and Latino-Canadians in Winnipeg are just some of the stories she shared on U Talk. https://www.instagram.com/la.paila.canada/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Pride in Manitoba has come a long way since the first Pride protest in 1987. Although Pride has become a regular event in Winnipeg, many rural Manitoba communities are celebrating for the first time. In 2019, Pembina Valley Pride held its first event in Morden. For 2SLGBTQ+ individuals living in rural areas, rural Pride events are a chance to see you're not the only one who feels the way you do. Let's learn more about Pembina Valley Pride coming June 10 with President Peter Wohlgemut. https://pembinavalleypride.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.