Dr. Orest Cap is a professors emeritus from the University of Manitoba and holds a Ph.D. in technical-vocational education. Dr. Cap has been published in various national and international journals and has been involved in several research initiatives with Ukraine. Dr. Cap breaks down how the current crisis in Ukraine has affected its people and the international community. This interview was conducted on January 26, 2022.

When you live in Winnipeg, it may seem like Manitoba is a city province. Once you head past the perimeter, you quickly realize a lot of southern Manitoba is farmland. Let's take a deep dive into one group of early farmers, the Mennonites. We have Conrad from the Mennonite Archives share their history with us. https://www.mharchives.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Podcasts are a fun way to pass the time.  Whether on a long drive or doing chores at home, what you can all learn is excellent. A new podcast by the Zoryan Institute is taking a deep dive into the stories of diaspora, their diverse and shared experiences of living away from, and returning to, their homelands. Host of the Dispersion podcast, Jen Haddow, shares what you can expect from the 6 episode series. https://zoryaninstitute.org/dispersion/#hear-it-here Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

We’re big fans of music on this program, not only listening to amazing creations but hearing about the stories and people behind them. When you listen to the top 40 hits on the radio or your favourite streaming service, although great in their own way, they can sometimes feel like they’re missing something, the living essence of what music can personify. Latin music is a great example of music as a living entity. Let’s catch up with three musicians who create this genre of living music, Trio Bembe. https://www.amberepp.ca/triobembe Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Music is transcendent. The swell of an orchestra in the triumphant moments of a hero, bops over the radio and you’re driving in your car, or the lively jumping and smooth soul of jazz in a club, music is incredibly flexible. A person who embodies that magical essence of music is a friend of U Multicultural Onna Lou. https://onnalou.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

If you’re feeling defeated, down, or frustrated with the ongoing pandemic, you’re not the only one. It’s easy to feel disconnected when you’re stuck in your place and can’t go out to do the things you enjoy. A great way to find some connection is through volunteering. Even in this pandemic, there are opportunities for you to give back to your community and find those connections.   For individuals 18-29, there is a new opportunity through Volunteer Manitoba to make that difference.  https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca/youth-innovators Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Canada’s winters can be unpredictable. Here in Manitoba, one day, we can have lovely warm sun. The next, it can be blistering cold. Even those who have lived here their whole lives can get caught off-guard.  To help inform newcomers of the challenges of winter and settling in a new province, the Canadian Red Cross has the SmartStart Injury Prevention program. SmartStart Injury Prevention Program Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

I may be a bit biased, but the Winnipeg community is amazing. There’s no better example than Winnipeg’s North End. The North Point Douglas Women’s Centre is a gathering place for that community, with programs designed directly from the needs that the community has identified.  Tara Zajac is the Executive Director and shares how things have been going on at the centre.  https://www.npdwc.org Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

From October to January,  there are many observed festivities. Diwali, Dio De Los Muertos, Hanukkah, Christmas, Ōmisoka, and Kwanzaa.  I haven’t heard much about Kwanzaa, so I reached out to the Canadian Kwanzaa Association to find out more practice which was established back in the 1960s. Check out their social media: Facebook Instagram Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The holidays can be stressful. Whatever your seasonal practices entail visiting family, holiday shopping, and dinners can take a toll. Especially during this ongoing pandemic, many are struggling. That’s where the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board comes in, helping out by providing food hampers and gifts for children, and a friendly reminder that there are people out there thinking about you. https://www.christmascheerboard.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

During summer, we have Pride, an event that recognizes the struggles and discrimination of those in the 2SLGBTQ + community and promises to work towards a brighter future.  Although there are scatterings of other days throughout the year, it’s essential to have these conversations year-round.  Let’s sit down with Bre Giesbrecht from the Rainbow Resource Centre to navigate gender identity, pronouns and share about services available for individuals and families.  https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Islam is a faith followed by approximately a quarter of the world’s population and comprises many diverse cultures and ethnicities. It’s unfortunate how we’ve seen so much hate and resentment towards Muslims. With nationalism and misinformation over social media, there has been an increase in Islamophobia during the pandemic. Our guest for U Talk has been heavily involved in the Manitoba Islamic Association and recently published his book Manitoba Muslims: A History of Resiliency and Growth. https://www.miaonline.org/

From November 13 - 20, The Rady Jewish Community Centre has been celebrating Tarbut, a Jewish culture festival, through books, movies, and concerts. Here’s Laura, manager of Programming to tell us about Tarbut and invite all to celebrate Jewish culture. Just a reminder, if you are attending any of these events or heading to the centre, you must be double vaccinated to ensure those around you are protected. https://www.radyjcc.com/about-rady-jcc/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

A nationally recognized project is working at putting art supplies into the hands of students in remote communities. We've talked with Colleen Gray from Art For Aid before, but a lot has happened at the project since then. So let's sit down with Colleen again to find out what's going on.  https://www.artforaid.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Tucked between the cities of Morden and Winkler in rural Manitoba, there’s a place that allows one to escape the present and see the lives of Manitoba’s farming pioneers. Let’s talk to Jake Buhler, Vice-President of the Pembina Threshermen’s museum and learn about the history of 1878. https://www.threshermensmuseum.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

When you think of Thanksgiving what comes to mind? Turkey, stuffing, family gatherings? However, music doesn’t come to mind.  One musician is trying to change that. Xiya is from Houston, Texas, and wants to inspire a movement of Thanksgiving music.  https://xiyacontent.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Luana Cunha is an amazing and talented person. Not only is she a teacher, but she’s also a musician and was the face for Ethno Fest 2021! Let’s sit down with Luana to find out more about her love for literature, music, and her home country of Brazil.   https://saraucarioca.wordpress.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

When you live in Winnipeg, sometimes you can forget what's going on in rural Manitoba.  'Beyond the Perimeter' is an event for just that, letting newcomers know about the opportunities outside of the city.  Here's MANSO's Valeria Castellanos and Regional Connections' Steve Reynolds to tell us more about this Virtual event on November 2 and 16.   Nov 2: https://bit.ly/3EpHpoJ Nov 16: https://bit.ly/2XUbqgJ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The harvest season and fall have significance for many people and cultures. The end of October signifies Halloween, but it’s also the Dia de Muertos celebration—the Day of the Dead for Mexico. Here’s Alberto, president of the Mexican Association of Manitoba, to teach us about Mexico, the association and, of course, Día de Muertos. https://www.mexycanmb.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Called the “White Night,” Nuit Blanche is a free nighttime exploration and celebration of contemporary art that kick-starts Culture Days Manitoba. I thought I had missed it this year, but luckily, the events continue to be held until this Sunday, Oct 24.  Did you know a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? I learned about that from Nicholas Danzinger, another artist at Nuit Blanche. https://nuitblanchewinnipeg.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Called the “White Night,” Nuit Blanche is a free nighttime exploration and celebration of contemporary art that kick-starts Culture Days Manitoba. I thought I had missed it this year, but luckily, the events continue to be held until this Sunday, Oct 24.  Luv Lite is located at 492 Main St and was created by artist Joshua Banman.  I got to sit down and chat with Josh about his project, life as an artist and experimental storyteller.  https://joshuabanman.com/ https://nuitblanchewinnipeg.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Dr. Amilla Heendeniya is an Infectious Disease Physician and works at three acute hospitals in Winnipeg. Dr. Heendeniya discusses how COVID-19 has affected us so far, and what we can potentially expect with future waves.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Denise Koh discusses the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Martinez tackles vaccine rates for more than 12 years old for eligible patients,  the hesitation parents had and have, and COVID-19  vaccinations for younger children.    Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/   In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Jared Bullard shares his thoughts on what still needs to be done to ensure schools are at low risk of spreading COVID-19.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/ In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Doc Talk Manitoba Host Jyoti Kalsi sits down with Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Amila Heendeniya to answer your questions around COVID-19 concerning side effects and allergens.      Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Doc Talk Manitoba Host Jyoti Kalsi sits down with Chief Occupational  Medical Officer, Workplace Safety and Health Dr. Denise Koh vaccinations for immigrants and foreign workers.    Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/   In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Eddsel Martinez was born and raised in El Salvador. He and his family immigrated to Canada in the early 1990s and has called Winnipeg his home since. Always drawn to children, he worked as a camp counsellor throughout several summers of his adolescence which cemented his desire for a career working with children.   Dr. Martinez talks about the start of school and fall and how it has and will affect children during the pandemic.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Jared Bullard is the Section Head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba and Associate Medical Director of Cadham Provincial Laboratory. Dr. Bullard works primarily out of the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg. Dr. Bullard talks about COVID-19 and children.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Dr. Amilla Heendeniya is an Infectious Disease Physician and does clinical work, seeing patients with infectious diseases, COVID-19 being one of them. Dr. Heendeniya has been involved with COVID-19 clinical work since the beginning of the pandemic in Manitoba.    He sits down with Doc Talk MB host Jyoti Kalsi to discuss the myths and facts surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

Doc Talk Manitoba Host Jyoti Kalsi sits down with Chief Occupational Medical Officer, Workplace Safety and Health Dr. Denise Koh about the workplace and the COVID-19 vaccination.   Doc Talk MB: https://u-channel.ca/doc-talk-manitoba/  In partnership with Doctors Manitoba and Alt Hotel, and supported by Protect MB Community Outreach.

RAVEN is a registered charity with a mission to raise funds for Indigenous People's access to justice. Another important aspect of RAVEN is increasing awareness of the challenges many Indigenous People and Nations are facing.  RAVEN's Executive Director and Co-founder Susan Smitten and I connected a discussed the Campaigns RAVEN is helping raise funds for, new initiatives and projects coming, awareness of social and environmental issues, and RAVEN's stance on the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation. https://raventrust.com/

The STEM fields are incredibly skill demanding, and you want the most qualified people in those jobs. However, due to many social and systemic issues, it can be challenging for women to find employment within these areas. More so for immigrant or international women. Immigrant and international women in Science network is a non-profit organization to help connect women to jobs, increase awareness, and of course, network. Over the summer, an IWS Network Manitoba Chapter was created, and I talked to the two women behind establishing it.  https://www.iwsnetwork.ca/manitoba/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

A designer, educator, story crafter, and photography enthusiast, 'Segun Olude is a man of many hats, but his primary focus is graphic design. Having been in the industry for many years, and has a profound understanding of the artistic world. We discuss art, teaching, and social issues in this episode of U Talk. http://www.segunolude.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Radio is an intense industry. Although new technology and new ways of sharing media have become available, radio is still going strong.  Andrew Johnson is the Station Manager for 106.5 Elmnt FM Toronto and has been in the industry for 13 years. Andrew and I sat down to talk about radio and our own experiences working behind the mic.  106.5 Elmnt FM Toronto Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

To raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, a collaboration between Reconciliation Thunder and Circles for Reconciliation launched the 94in94 Campaign.  I sat down with Jimmy Thunder, Raymond Currie, and Grace Shedler to learn more about this social media campaign and what reconciliation looks like? Reconciliation Thunder Circles for Reconciliation  Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Monday, September 20, Canadians head to the polls to vote in their 2021 Federal Election. Voting can be challenging to navigate, and you want to make sure your voice is being represented.  Marie-France Kenny is the Regional Media Advisor for Elections Canada. Kenny provides the information you need when you cast your ballot. Questions about voting?  Photo provided by Elections Canada. Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Sher Films is a division of the Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society in British Colombia that creates short and feature-length documentaries on many social issues. Although the pandemic has caused many delays, its latest film, Emergence out of the Shadows, is premiering at film festivals. I called up the producer and the director to talk about the film and, most importantly, the message that you are not alone. Emergence: Out of the Shadows website/trailer. Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Don Amero is a storyteller, singer-songwriter,  performer, and three-time JUNO Award nominee. As an individual of Cree and Metis heritage, Don has been recognized for his advocacy work within Indigenous communities and beyond. Don and I talked about music, community, and the role of public figures in discussions on important topics. https://donamero.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

GerryFest is a festival dedicated to the life and work of Gerry Atwell. Starting Friday, August 13 to Sunday, August 15, mentees from the Raising New Voices mentorship program will perform along with other musicians and exhibit their visual works in the gallery at the St. Norbert Arts Centre. The Festival will also be recorded and produced.  Judy Williams, sister of Gerry, sat down with me to talk about the Festival, Gerry’s legacy, and an endowment fund fostering young artists.  A shoutout to two other members of the GerryFest team, Co-chair Louise May and Artistic Director Brendan Kinley, as your support makes this event possible. https://www.snac.mb.ca/happenings/gerryfest Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Life on earth is unbelievable. There have been 1.2 million species that have been described on this planet and an untold number that once lived here. It's up to dedicated scientists and students who spend their careers seeking to learn more about life millions of years ago. Dr. Femke Holwerda is one such scientist. As the Dr. Elizabeth Nicholls Postdoctoral Fellow at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, she studies the diet of mosasaurs from the Bearpaw Formation in southern Alberta. Want to learn more about Dr. Femke and her work? Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Camping, hiking, and nature exploration continue as people enjoy the latter half of summer before the Canadian fall kicks in and the dreaded winter. Spending as much outdoor time as possible, people may not be thinking about ticks as the height of summer passes. However, according to Associate Professor - Veterinary Entomology at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Kateryn Rochon, it's essential to keep close attention until there is snow on the ground. Dr. Kateryn walks us through the various ticks we can find here in Canada, how to identify them, and the best practices to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases. Landscape tips: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/factsheets/landscapetips.pdf Tick bite prevention, check, and removal: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickborne/docs/tick_pcr_postcard.pdf Tick hiding spots on your body: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/top-10-tick-hiding-spots-body-poster/ENG_Lyme-Disease-Poster-Top.pdf Tick-borne diseases & children: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickborne/docs/tbd_children.pdf Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The Scandinavian Cultural Centre of Winnipeg is a volunteer-driven organization, with members joining clubs of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Sonja Lundstrom is the President of the Swedish Cultural Association of Manitoba. We talked about some exciting news at the centre, including info about their new mural.  https://www.scandinaviancentre.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

Food is a key part of culture. The Brandon Friendship Centre developed a pilot project to create a food truck to help introduce Canadians to Indigenous cuisine and culture. I got to sit down with Indigenous Eats manager Darian Kennedy about this project, building community collaboratively, and the delicious food you can get at Indigenous Eats.  Indigenous Eats BFC Brandon MB Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

August 6 – 8  Folklorama Fusion, the one unified virtual experience, is taking place. The one Multi-cultural Fusion event is the first time the ethnocultural member communities that make up the pavilions will virtually showcase their heritage.  Here’s Executive Director Teresa Cotroneo to tell us more about this virtual festival and the history of Folklorama.  https://folklorama.ca/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games -  Mathew Mcguire.

Cameron Robertson is a Cree speaker who values all indigenous languages. His goals are to teach his culture's words and language through the human spirit of storytelling. Before he was eight, he lived with his grandfather, a trapper, near Norway House. We talked about Cam's dream to bring back his language, community, media and how he became a writer.

Lisa Muswagon is a Nakoda Cree member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, also known as Cross Lake in Northern Manitoba. She was raised in the north, the Interlake Region and Winnipeg and went back to her home community to complete high school. Receiving a hand drum from her father when she was young, she has been performing ever since. Hellnback is also known as Karmen Omeasoo and is from the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta. The community is part of the hub of Maskwacis Cree Nation south of Edmonton. A veteran in the native hip-hop industry, Omeasoo has come a long way. Hellnback first gained international recognition as a founding member of the groundbreaking group War Party. I had the opportunity to chat with both Lisa and Karmen about music, culture, and Karmen’s Kidney journey.  NEW SINGLE "Enipoyak - to stand together”

On Sunday, July 4, 17-year-old Jaden Charles John Oman was murdered in an assault, allegedly at the hands of his best friend. Jaden was rushed to hospital early that Sunday morning but succumbed to his injuries five days before his 18th birthday and dreams of going to school. Family and friends gathered in front of an Assiniboine Avenue apartment building near Hargrave Street, where Jaden Oman was killed, to hold a  candle vigil in his honour, to mourn together and cherish his life. Jaden was later brought to Churchill to be buried by his sister.