Llama Tales
energized: new executive director Debra zoerb Greetings and Happy 2012!
B
ecoming part of a renowned, vibrant organization such as Folklorama is a true honour and I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team as Executive Director. These past few months have been extremely rewarding and I am excited about working with such a dedicated, talented and passionate group of staff, board, membership, volunteers and supporters towards the continued success of Folklorama.
I am also energized by the amount of activity that takes place year round by Folklorama and its membership. I have already been fortunate to have attended a number of events and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting those involved. The amount of activity on the horizon is truly impressive, including the upcoming “Lead by Example” inaugural youth conference on February 4th. I look forward to many more such opportunities throughout the year, particularly as they will give me the chance to meet even more of the amazing people associated with Folklorama. All the best and here’s to a productive, successful – and fun! – year.
new Ethiopian cultural centre has focus on community
T
here was something floating in the air that evening—stronger than the aroma of fresh Ethiopian coffee and the enticing smell of a traditional Ethiopian buffet. A feeling of anticipation and excitement circulated the room on the evening of November 26, 2011. Ethiopian Society of Winnipeg (ESW) held the grand opening ceremony of the Ethiopian Cultural Centre. The event was a dream come true for ESW and the Ethiopian community in Winnipeg as honoured guests and many community supporters packed the building located on 215 Selkirk Avenue. “It will be our center where we create the means or the venue to address the
cultural, emotional and economic needs of Ethiopians fostering the retention and development of Ethiopian cultural heritage,” said Daniel Asrat, President of ESW. The Centre offers programs to educate Ethiopian youth about their heritage, cultural background and language. “Our culture oriented programs and services help new immigrants build skills to integrate into the Canadian context in Winnipeg and help Canadian citizens and service providers ensure they have the capacity, knowledge, sensitivity, and resources to welcome and continue to engage immigrants into their activities,” said Asrat. Ethiopian immigrants and newcomers are also offered settlement services which provide information on topics such as childcare, employment, housing and finances. Visit www.ethiowpg.org to find out more about the Ethiopian Cultural Centre’s programs.
Vol. 13, Issue 1 January/February/March 2012 Ethiopian dancers at opening ceremony.
FOLKLORAMA GEARING UP TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
O
n February 4, 2012, Folklorama is hosting its first ever youth conference at Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry. The Saturday conference runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is a chance for youth ages 14 to 25 to attend four career-building sessions with a focus on how volunteerism and leadership can lead to future success. “I’m looking forward to the Leadership Skills session,” says Celeste Rocha-St. Lawrence, a 20-year-old student aspiring to be in the field of medical rehabilitation. “I want to improve on being calm in front of a crowd and be able to compose myself when I speak what’s on my mind.” The conference, initiated by Folklorama’s Youth Committee, features sessions guided by leaders and professionals in the community. The sessions available are Best Practices for Scholarships; Leadership Skills; Résumé Writing, Cover Letters and Interviews; and Volunteering and Benefits to Employment. For the cost of $20, participants are provided everything they need for the conference including breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Singer/songwriter Sierra Noble and HOT 103 radio host Ace Burpee will be speaking at the event and Walking Wolf Singers and Dancers will wrap up the conference with an exciting performance with a message of unity, friendship and leadership.
3rd Annual
CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOP Tuesday, February 21, 2012 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: The Impact of History on Mental, Spiritual and Cultural Care” Professionals, paraprofessionals, seniors, youth and anyone interested in increasing cross cultural awareness are invited to attend this workshop to learn about Black history and its influence on mental, spiritual and cultural care. Be captivated by an historical re-enactment of contributions by five significant Black women, watch a video and listen to industry professionals speak on the impact of Black history. This is a great opportunity to share information and connect with individuals interested in expanding cultural understanding. Cost: $60 ($30 for youth under 25 years old and seniors 55 and over). Lunch and refreshments included. Register by January 30, 2012. Please register via email: cobw@mymts.net or by telephone: (204) 775-4378. CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN OF MANITOBA INC. 704 -44 Princess Street Winnipeg MB R3B 1K2 www.cbcw-manitoba.com (204) 775-4378 cobw@mymts.net
Message from the President
I
’m very pleased to have the opportunity to wish you all good health and happiness in the new year. As I look back on 2011, I am once again amazed by the incredible effort put forth by the board, staff and dedicated volunteers to ensuring the continued success of Folklorama.
Board of Directors Mohamed Ismath, President Tracy Balagus, Chair of Finance & Audit Committee Dr. Rayleen De Luca, O.M., Chair of Licensing Committee Angie Boehm, Chair of Membership Committee Amelia Sheocharan, Chair of Review Committee Yvonne Hawryliuk, Chair of Youth Committee Ashley Sharpe, Chair of Scholarship Committee Jim Court, Chair of Nominating Committee, Past President Julian Giubega, Director Shubha Mathur, Director Zaleena Salaam, Director Gary Sarcida, Director
Staff Debra Zoerb, Executive Director Jo-Anne Swanson, Executive Assistant Elsie Castillo, Office Assistant/Receptionist Festival Services Sheri Jack, Director of Festival Services Tanya Santini McClelland, Festival Services Coordinator Finance & Administration
As one chapter closes, another begins. We are therefore excited to be entering 2012 under the helm of a new Executive Director, Debra Zoerb. She brings to Folklorama a wealth of experience, innovative ideas and a desire to help further the growth of the organization. Preparations for the Festival are already underway and we are once again gearing up for another successful event. Folklorama’s Talent, Teachings, and Travel Programs are also hard at work ensuring that Folklorama has a presence in the community year round, outside of our internationally recognized two week multicultural festival. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is on the horizon and on behalf of the organization, I’d like to personally extend an invitation to each and every member to attend. The nominating process is still underway and I encourage all interested members to apply. Following the AGM, the various committees will also be established with new members. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving on a Folklorama committee. Thank you to everyone in the community for continuing to embrace Folklorama and making it the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. All the best,
Robert Jones, Director of Finance & Administration Jannette Saul, Accounting Assistant Marketing & Communications Lisa Harrison, Director of Marketing & Communications Eman Agpalza, Marketing Coordinator Talent & Teachings
Mohamed Ismath
TWO NEW FRIENDLY FACES
Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, Agency Producer Edson Novoa, Agency Coordinator
Welcome Lisa Harrison and Elsie Castillo to the Folklorama family.
Travel
Lisa started in her new role as Director of Marketing & Communications on November 28, 2011 and Elsie started in her new role as Office Assistant/Receptionist on January 3, 2012.
Murray S. Greenfield, Director of Tourism Chelsey Delaquis, Tourism Coordinator Folklorama 2nd Floor - 183 Kennedy Street Winnipeg MB, Canada R3C 1S6 P 1.204.982.6210 F 1.204.943.1956 TF 1.800.665.0234 E info@folklorama.ca www.folklorama.ca
Lisa Harrison and Elsie Castillo
Welcome aboard!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Slovenija Pavilion 2011 | Photo credit: Lance Thomson Photographic
Folklorama at Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge Thursday, February 23 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Club Regent Casino (1415 Regent Avenue W) Denis Encontre Trio is playing their dynamic and entertaining fiddle performance to celebrate Festival du Voyageur. Tickets: $7 at door | $5 for Club Card members
What Members Should Know Annual general meeting Folklorama is holding its annual general meeting at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Folklorama office at 204.982.6210 for more details.
Folklorama at Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge Friday, February 24 - 9:00 pm to 12:30 am Club Regent Casino (1415 Regent Avenue W) Buena Clave Band is playing sizzling Latin music that will make you move and groove. Tickets: $7 at door | $5 for Club Card members Folklorama at Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge Friday, March 23 - 9:00 pm to 12:30 am Club Regent Casino (1415 Regent Avenue W) Latin Band Oscar Meija & Grupo Sabor is playing traditional music, rich with percussion and strong vocals. Get ready to hit the dance floor! Tickets: $7 at door | $5 for Club Card members Inti-Illimani at McPhillips Station Casino Thursday, April 26 - 8:00 pm McPhillips Station Casino (484 McPhillips Street) Grab your tickets on Feb. 10 for this concert presented by Folklorama and Manitoba Lotteries. Inti-Illimani is a Latin American group directly from Chile. The group was formed in the ‘60s and plays music infused with tradional Latin flavour. Tickets: $30 and $40* | Ticketmaster.ca |*Club Card members get a discount when ticket is purchased at the Casino.
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