At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, an organization of volunteers created Help Ukraine: Morden, a network to get supplies to Ukraine. The group now teams up with Second Front Ukraine Foundation for a fundraising auction.  https://secondfrontukraine.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpukrmorden/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Winnipeg is bursting with culture. It's on full display during the summer's numerous culture and folk festivals. At the Tamil Pavilion, you would have caught the creativity and artistry of the India School of Dance. Starting with only 25 students in the '80s, the school has grown to accommodate over 150.  https://www.indiaschool.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

An exciting event is taking place this weekend, a celebration of the legacy of Gerry Atwell. GerryFest is a fundraising event for the Gerry Atwell Memorial Mentorship Fund, connecting Winnipeg artists to mentors of various mediums. The event at the St. Norbert Arts Centre will be spectacular with live music, art, and community. https://www.snac.mb.ca/store/p/gerryfest-tickets Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

For a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it's a big moment when you can live as your authentic self. However, around the world, some never have that chance. Seventy countries have jurisdictions that criminalize private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity. In Eight countries, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals face the death penalty. Reaching Out Winnipeg is changing the lives of a small group of individuals, helping them start a new life here in Manitoba. https://reachingoutwinnipeg.org/

Documentaries are amazing tools to tell a story. How many have been glued to the screen as they see events unfold? But with reality TV's advent, some documentaries have made "unique" creative choices.  Nettie Wild has set the stage for what a documentary can truly be. Not only creating provocative documentary films, but she has also shifted to art pieces, believing art can tell the complexities of stories.  https://www.canadawildproductions.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

An emerging Indigenous artist who produces, writes, records and releases all of his music independently has created a new album. Another intriguing aspect of his musical journey is he's been blind since birth.  Music, inspiring others, and achieving your dreams are what you can expect in this episode of U Talk with Mattmac.   https://mattmacmusic.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

An offshoot of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, the Gimli International Film Festival has become an enticing celebration of the art of film in the Manitoba town.  There's something for everyone with activities, workshops, and films of all types and genres.  https://gimlifilm.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Have you ever travelled to another country and felt utterly lost and isolated because you didn't speak the local language. That's how newcomers feel leaving their homes to create a new life here in Canada. Some may know a tiny amount of English, others none. Bridges English Language School offers a specialized approach to learning English.  Laura Castillo is its creator. She touches on the challenges newcomers face learning English and how we can better improve learning to ensure no one falls through the cracks.  https://www.bridgesels.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Utilizing the energy and political movements of Punk rock, a new bedroom band has one goal to lift spirits with their eclectic blend of fuzzed-out punk and deconstructed pop. Olenka Krakus and Jeffrey Moon created positive People. Their song "Praise Be" is about mental health journeys, mourning, and gratitude. Let's meet up with Olenka, who shares her journey with music, English literature, her Family's flight from Communist Poland, and how she became involved in the Lower Mainland's punk scene. http://positivepeople.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The past few years have been difficult for most people. We've heard stories of lost jobs and people losing everything. Homelessness, addiction, mental health, employment and food security have become much more apparent and a reality for many more. But these are things that people have been struggling with for much longer than during the pandemic.  Non-profits can go a long way in helping those who have fallen through the cracks of society. Peg City Kindness Crew is one such organization that has popped up in the past few years. Although volunteering and support are critical, improving attention to these issues and challenging our governments is the only way to make meaningful change.  https://www.facebook.com/PegCityKindness Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

According to all scientific evidence, we will have to make some dramatic changes in the coming years to ease the impact of the imminent climate emergency. Scientific approaches are important, but we can also learn a lot from elders and knowledge keepers of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. That's where the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective comes in. https://www.lwic.org/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Established in 2001, Returning to Spirit provides healing and reconciliation workshops nationwide. A mother, grandmother, and residential school survivor, Executive Director Lisa Raven applies her experiences and expertise to the idea of reconciliation, working with people to help them move forward from what has been keeping them stuck in life. https://www.returningtospirit.org/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Chubby Cree is a Grandmother-Grandson duo that uses the healing power of music to empower women and youth and increase awareness of social issues across their hometown of Edmonton. The group has released its first single, “Rock Your World.” Carol and Noah share their musical journey and how they are bringing both women and children to the drum.  https://www.facebook.com/chubbycree/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

It can be a struggle when one has a long-term illness. It eats away not only your physical self but your mental health. An independent artist is taking the pain of illness and emotional loss and turning it into music.   Here's Vivek Mehmi telling us about his journey and his new release, "Around Your Finger."  https://www.vivekmehmi.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Making a difference in your community can be tricky. Where do you start, and what should you even do. An initiative through Volunteer Manitoba is helping Youth achieve that goal, making a difference in their community. Small or big, every project can make a difference. Three members of a team project shared why they wanted to get active in their neighbourhood. For Black Youth interested in participating in the project contact [email protected]  Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Having been a member of several bands over the years, Jesse wanted to create a passion project with his wife, Tessa. In an independent release, I Think You, And Maybe Me, the songs were written to explore new ways of making noise and facilitating unique manners of imagining possible futures.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we take you on a journey of understanding our connection to music, the challenges people face in the music industry, and learning how to enjoy life.  https://wishkaah.bandcamp.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Humans have done amazing things, building massive structures, creating mesmerizing art, and witnessing the cosmos. However, we've put an enormous strain on our planet with these accomplishments. A musician has released an album to evoke the healing nature of trees and encourage listeners to think about their world and the climate. The album is called Songs for Trees. https://norinebraun.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

In 1987 Manitoba passed the Human Rights Code, protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation, prompting the official Pride March in Winnipeg. 🏳️‍🌈 Thirty-five years later, Pride Winnipeg has grown to include communities of diverse sexualities, gender identities, and relationships. Although society has developed tremendously since the first Pride event, we must continue to fight for the rights of all generations to come. https://pridewinnipeg.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

You don’t have far to experience the magic and beauty of Iceland, with Gimli host to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.  In anticipation of the festival, a poetry and shorty story contest is held, inviting writers worldwide to showcase their creativity in the written arts. This year’s theme is the Spirit of Iceland.  To tell us more is festival board member Angela Collins. https://www.icelandicfestival.com/festival-events/contests/poetry-short-story-contest Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Since 2016, a women-led group has been keeping the North Point Douglas community safe through community service, activism, and engagement. The women of Mama Bear Clan have done so much to support their community, donating time and energy to make a difference.  Grace Akerstream Laing is the Coordinator for the Mama Bear Clan. Find out what is needed to help improve the conditions of others, create unity, and address systemic challenges those struggling are facing. https://www.npdwc.org/in-the-community.html Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Dorothy Visser is a residential school survivor. Almost 83 years old, Dorothy remembers life before residential school and shares what she experienced in the residential school, both good and bad. Dorothy's focus is on healing her communities through Language, culture and faith. 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 reach The Indian Residential  School Survivors Society toll-free at 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419.

Whether performing to an audience, a small group, or himself, Justin Lacroix creates music merging Francophone and Anglophone communities. The importance of supporting our communities, celebrating diversity in music, and tangents on ancient Neolithic instruments and how sounds are made in movies is what you can expect in this episode of U Talk. http://www.justinlacroix.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Three talented and accomplished musicians created a new EP, The Walls. Myana draws inspiration from its Cuban and Canadian members' roots in its post-pop sound. Bassist Ernesto, Drummer Roselin, and vocalist/guitarist Nicholas share their story from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. https://www.instagram.com/myanamusic/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The past few years have seen an explosion of diversity in the film industry—films featuring diverse creators, stories, and cultures. What if I told you there were creators from the Asian diaspora creating movies here in Manitoba? Starting May 13, the FascinAsian Film  Festival showcases films in Winnipeg and Calgary made by creators in  Manitoba, across Canada, and the United States. https://fascinasian.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week for the Canadian mental Health Association. In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness. By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness. The pandemic has only increased the challenges people face with mental health. There are services and programs available if you or someone you’re close to is struggling, and we have the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to talk to us about that. http://www.mooddisordersmanitoba.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Incorporated last year to address different needs in the community, Community Helpers Unite has three goals: 1) Open a permitted community kitchen to upcycle food into meals; 2) Deliver free cooking and grocery classes to marginalized groups; 3) Provide volunteer opportunities to those with barriers to employment. Want to volunteer or support? Contact [email protected]. Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

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.

A first-of-its-kind festival is taking place in rural Manitoba. Winter Fest, a celebration of the heat of the islands and the cold of the Canadian winter, invites Manitobans for music, camaraderie, and delicious Jamaican food. I checked out the festival's test drive Thursday and spoke with organizer Neville Hamilton and musician JEDIMZ. https://www.iralfest.com/event-details/ https://www.facebook.com/Jedimz360/

Although there are many memorable activities to enjoy during the Canadian winter, one can sometimes miss the warm weather of summer. In Steinbach, Manitoba, a new restaurant can help warm you up with delicious Jamaican food. Neville Hamilton is a busy man. Not only did he create the International Reggae Afro Latin Music & Arts Festival, but he is now the proud owner of the Di Reggae Grill. https://www.direggaegrill.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Bohdana Kornelyuk immigrated to Canada four years ago to study, pursuing a master's degree. Bohdana now works in Canada.  With her family still living in Ukraine, she's had restless nights as the invasion from Russia continues. She now speaks out with thousands of other Ukrainian Canadians for the world's leaders to aid her home country.  This interview was conducted on February 25, 2022.

What does it take to become a doctor? Of course, the years of diligent study, but also a drive to understand what ails people, and a passion heal the wounded. Dr. Jared Bullard exemplifies those traits. Not only is he a pediatric infectious disease expert, but he is driven to inspire the doctors of tomorrow. Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Dr. Orest Cap and his brother Alexander share their thoughts and messages from family and friends as Moscow attacks the sovereign borders of Ukraine.  Dr. Cap is a professor emeritus from the University of Manitoba and holds a Ph.D. in technical-vocational education, and Alexander the Principal at Holy Cross School. Both have friends and family in Ukraine, some in the eastern region.  This interview was conducted on February 24, 2022.

ACOMI, African Communities of Manitoba Inc, unites the Winnipeg community through unity and friendship of people of African heritage in Manitoba and understanding between peoples of African heritage and Canadians of all backgrounds.  With it being black history month, I wanted to connect with ACOMI to learn about the organization and some of its programs coming in the future. With more, here’s Tolu Ilelaboye. https://africancommunities.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Last winter, U Multicultural hosted an Ethnic Music Concert Series, inviting artists of all backgrounds to share their music. One of those groups was the Dust Rhinos.  This 5-piece Celtic rock group has seen members come and go. The current roster, Ryan Spracklin, Darren Wittmann, Ivanka Wtkin, Dan Cannon, and Blair McEvoy, is a tight-knit group of friends ready to perform traditional airs and reels and jigs and have fun doing it.  So let’s meet up with the Dust Rhinos, Manitoba’s premier party band.  https://dustrhinos.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

As we're looking ahead to spring and summer and COVID restrictions easing in many provinces, many are cautiously optimistic about what the future holds for festivals and cultural events. A group from the Greater Victoria area is in that boat, ready for the possibility of hosting their folk festival this summer. Let's sit down with members of Folktoria to find out about this celebration of diversity and unification. https://www.facebook.com/Folkathome/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Winnipeg got a special visitor this February with a visit from the Swedish Ambassador to Canada, Urban Ahlin. Before Ambassador Urban took a trip on some kicksleds onto the Red River, he shared how Sweden uses these sleds and his experience visiting Ottawa.  Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

I met up with Sonja Lundstrom, President of the Swedish Cultural Association, and Anders Swanson from Winnipeg Trails Association to talk about the highlights of the Swedish Ambassador's visit to Winnipeg.  They also share what Canada can learn from Nordic countries, how to enjoy the wonders of winter, and how to better connect to the lands.  https://www.winnipegtrails.ca/ https://www.scandinaviancentre.ca/sweden Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Valerii Pasko is a Ukrainian community member in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who immigrated to Canada 11 years ago. An active member of his community, Pasko is a co-publisher of the Ukrainian Winnipeg Magazine.  Pasko's parents still live in Ukraine and keep him updated with the situation transpiring on the country's border.  This interview was conducted on January 29, 2022.

A new award-winning documentary, directed by Jennifer Holness, tackles the often dangerous portrayals of black women in media and the shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing black female aesthetics.  Jennifer sat down with me to discuss the film and how we can improve representation in our media. https://subjectsofdesire.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.