“Cultural Diversity Celebration” was held at Henry G Izatt Middle School (HGI) on Sunday April 30 th , 11am– 3pm. This was a
free come-and-go event, jointly planned, funded and offered by Whyte Ridge Community Center, HGI (and their Parents’ Council), and Pembina Active Living (PAL 55+). This was an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the community, celebrate as many cultures as possible, and learn about each other’s language, food, customs, fashion, and more.
Over 800 people attended the event. The invited dignitaries included MP Terry Duguid, Councillor Janice Lukes, and Hon. Minister Obby Khan. Master of Ceremony (MC) was Tyler Magz from Virgin 103.1 Radio. Land and Water Acknowledgement was made by HGI students and a Message of Gratitude by the Elder Ms. Marlene Carriere.
The program consisted of:
Music and dance performances from various cultural groups on stage (Chinese, Korean, Japenese, Iranian, Russian/Ukraine, West African, Indigenous, Scottish, East Indian, French Canadian, Irish, Brazilian).
A number of interactive activities including “Introduction to Brazilian Music”, West African Drum Workshop, Latin American Zumba Dance, Culturally Diverse “Everybody” Book Station, Japanese Art/Name Writing, India Henna Tattoos, and Culturally Diverse Games Station.
There were Cultural Booths from various countries including Poland, Ukraine, Argentina, China, Pakistan, Mexica, India, Malaysia, El Salvador (Central America), and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Traditional ethnic foods were served from various backgrounds/countries including the Philippines, Indigenous, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Italy, Ukraine/Poland, Argentina, China, Pakistan, and Mexica. Traditional sweets and pastries from various backgrounds/countries including French, India, Iran, Philippines, Nigeria, and Mexico.
We acknowledge the community celebrations grant that we received from Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage 2022, and contributions from HGI Middle school, and PAL (55+). We are grateful to MP Terry Duguid, Councillor Janice Lukes, and Hon. Minister Obby Khan for their support. We are also grateful to our many community donors and below event sponsors.
Tyler Magz: Virgin Radio, De Luca (South Landing), Save on Foods, Bridgewater, Sobeys on Kenaston, Dairy Queen, Altea
Active Winnipeg, Amazing Entertainment, Les Sediles (Realtor) , Jensen’s Nursery, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Shaba Thai Cuisine, Nani Pastry, Holly Spice, Shwarma Khan, Calabria, Clay Oven, Mar’s Sisig, Feast and La Taqueria Mexican Street Tacos Inc.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shahin Shooshtari, Diversity Director, Whyte Ridge Community Centre
Deanna, HGI Parents Council
Sandra Sukhan, Past President PAL (55+)
Kathy, HGI Principal
Nupur Kumari, Communications Director, Whyte Ridge Community Centre