PAN-AFRICAN CANADIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PILOT PROJECT

PROJECT REPORTThis pilot project was implemented from December 2012 to August of 2013. It provided the opportunity for representatives from thirteen African Canadian communities in Regina to dialogue and explore opportunities for collaboration and development. Participants included individuals from the following communities and organizations: Burundi Community of Saskatchewan, Daughters of Africa, Regina Ethiopian Association, Igbo Association of Saskatchewan, Kenyan Community of Regina, Rwandese Community in Regina, Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum, Prairie Somali Canadian Community, Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan, Yoruba Canadian Community Association and the Congolese, Senegalese and South Sudanese communities of Regina (the last three communities were partner participants).

The project raised awareness on resources within the communities and in the larger Canadian society, and galvanized individuals and communities through various activities including:

•A series of workshops on diversity / intercultural communication and collaboration

•Youth training in public speaking and intercultural dance

•Cultural activities within participating communities in preparation for 2013 Africa Day public event

•2013 Africa Day event on May 11, 2013

•2013 Mosaic Festival as volunteers and performers

Daughters of Africa (DOA)

Leaders in Women’s Empowerment

Daughters of Africa International (DOA) Inc. was established in 1997 when a group of African-Canadian immigrant women in Regina decided to work together for mutual support and to assist other new immigrants from Africa with issues not being addressed by other organizations. Programs include social activities, skills building programs for African women, and promoting African cultural programming in the community.

Some of DOA’s cultural activities include:

* Annual Gala Banquet (November 2013) -- Since the founding of this organization DOA hosts banquets as part of promoting Canadian multiculturalism policy and supporting collaboration among African Canadian women and the larger Canadian society.

* “African Zumba” dance workouts (Thursdays 7:30 to 8:30 at Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre) for exercise and social activity of African women and the broader community. Call or text 531-4205 to register.

DOA believes that women hold a substantial responsibility for holding on to a family’s cultural heritage and passing it on, so children raised in Canada will have a sense of their cultural heritage and identity. This sense of pride in community and culture helps us all to grow up strong.

Regina Ethiopian Association

Ethiopia is one of the oldest independent countries in Africa and the world. It also home to Lucy, the oldest known human ancestor.

Although over 80 languages are spoken in Ethiopia, the official languages are Amharic, Tigrigna, and Affan-Oromo. English is a working official language.

The Regina Ethiopian Association tries to represent and nurture a variety of Ethiopia’s rich culture and heritage by:

language classes classes in Ethiopian cuisine Ethiopian dance classes (showcase dance styles from all over the

country) cultural events in partnership with Selam, Regina’s Ethiopian

restaurant social activities such as camping.

The Regina Ethiopian Association also coordinates the Ethiopian Pavilion at Mosaic, Regina’s Multicultural Festival (May 30 to June 1, 2013). Come and visit our pavilion at the Al Ritchie Community Centre for an evening of fine Ethiopian cuisine and entertainment. Our dance group is ready to entertain you with traditional Ethiopian music and dance. You will enjoy our food, as well as our famous coffee ceremony.

This year the Ethiopian Association is proud to welcome our brothers and sisters from all over Africa to join us in entertaining you at Mosaic 2013.

Igbo Cultural Association of Saskatchewan Igbo Cultural Association of Saskatchewan (ICAS) Inc. was established in 2002 with the mandate to promote and preserve in Saskatchewan the cultural identity and heritage of the Nigerian-Igbo community of Saskatchewan. The organization fulfills this mandate through cultural activities that expose the people of Saskatchewan to the unique and diverse cultures of the Igbo people. The specific objectives of the organization are to:

Undertake socio-cultural activities and events that advance multiculturalism in Saskatchewan.

Promote cultural diversity and understanding through active co-operation with other Saskatchewan-based cultural organizations.

Encourage and promote active involvement and participation of Igbo children and youth in the activities of the organization.

Advance the preservation and retention of Igbo language and culture through the operation of Igbo Language and Cultural School in Regina.

ICAS is open to all Igbo people living in the province. Other individuals and groups are admitted as associate members. The Igbo are among the major ethnic groups of Nigeria. They live in the southeast of the country and have a population of more than 30 million worldwide.

Kenyan Community of Regina KCR is a Non-profit organization incorporated under the Non-profit Corporation Act in the province of

Saskatchewan. We aim to promote the Kenyan culture, heritage and spirit in Regina. Our logo represents the blend in the Kenyan Culture with the Canadian Culture. The left side has the maple leaf while the right side has the shield. The wheat in the middle represents the province we are in, Saskatchewan.

KCR works in collaboration with other organizations, communities and agencies in Saskatchewan and Canada at large to:

Preserve and promote the Kenyan Culture in Regina, thereby contributing to the multiculturalism in the province.

Assist new Kenyan immigrants and support their integration into the new culture and environment.

Promote understanding and co-operation among Kenyans and friends of Kenya residing in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Assist Kenyans in the Diaspora to liaise with the Kenyan High Commission in Canada.

Help attain the social, cultural and recreational needs through various community programs.

Establish and maintain educational, cultural and informational objectives about the Kenyan heritage.

Initiate developments both in Canada and in Kenya.

KENYAN COMMUNITY IN REGINA INC. 2131 Cunning Crescent

Regina SK S4V 0M7 Email: info@kcr-sk.ca Web: www.kcr-sk.ca

Burundian Community in Saskatchewan The Burundian residing in Saskatchewan currently has more than 200 people. The first families of this community, who immigrated to the province of Saskatchewan arrived 20 years ago. Most of the people came to settle in the province in the course of the last ten years, particularly from 2007 and they came from other provinces or outside the Canada. You can find Burundians in big cities (Regina, Saskatoon) as well in small villages like Gravel Bourg.

Our community has families with all ages the majority being under the age of 30 years. Thanks for the bilingualism, which is a guarantee for successful integration and effective participation for collective development.

Our community is present and is actively integrating in all sectors of the economy of the province.

Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum The Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc. is a provincial organization dedicated to helping people of African ancestry preserve and gain access to information about their history, appreciate their heritage, and recognize the contributions that Saskatchewan African Canadians have made. SACHM also endeavours to raise public awareness of the role people of African ancestry played in settling and developing the province as well as their ongoing contributions as community members and citizens.

Programs include: Virtual Museum - The virtual museum is a collection of the heritage, contributions and journeys of people of African ancestry who have lived and now live in Saskatchewan, www.sachm.org

A public art piece commemorating a 100 years of the settlement of people of African American descent in Regina, Saskatchewan was erected in 2011 in Wascana Park. It is entitled “The Honouring Tree”.

Education and Outreach - SACHM provides speakers for schools and other institutions, collaborates with educational institutions and other organizations on projects that enhance awareness of African-Canadian history.

2012 Walk-a-thon 2011 Walk-a-thon

Annual Family Walk-a-Thon, Saturday, June 22, 2013 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Start point at the “Honouring Tree” next to the Royal SK. Museum in Wascana Park. Join us for Physical and Family Fitness and enjoy Wascana Park with Ted Jaleta!

Ugandan Canadian Association of Saskatchewan

UCAS organizes socio- cultural and community development events such as summer camps and drumming workshops; conducts leadership development workshops; and seek out individuals and leading organizations like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan to be mentored, and we reciprocate by mentoring others.

New:- UCAS, through Ubuntu Cooperative Services – promotes and supports settlement and integration, skill-based education, job placement and immigration processing for foreign workers who wish to settle in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Upcoming Activities:- A celebration of Uganda’s 50th Independence Day in Saskatchewan on October 12, 2013

Small Business loans – to encourage and support economic development within our communities UCAS plans to start giving out small business loans for start-up or existing businesses.

Values: Integrity, Family, Unity, Hard work and Inclusion

For more information contact UCAS at: 320A – 2505 11th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 0K6; Tel: 306-359-8227; Fax: 306-565-6780; E-mail: ucas.regina@sasktel.net or visit: www.ucascanada.ca.

___________________________________________________________________ Mission Statement: - To establish a legacy of the Uganda Canadian heritage and by active and equitable integration contribute to the development of Saskatchewan.

Yoruba Canadian Community Association

The Yoruba Canadian Community Association was started in 2009 with a mandate to bring people of Yoruba descent together into a community of love where we can bond together to help one another whether as newcomers or those who have been here longer. Those of us who came together to start the association felt that being so far from home, we should all become, the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons to one another, in doing so, we create a community where we look out for each other's welfare and help each other in our time of need. We want to also maintain our culture and language among our children and younger generations so a school was started to teach the culture and the language. For information on the Association call 306-781-3304 or for the language school call 306-545-8642.

Prairie Somali Canadian

Community

Regina Ethiopian Association

Burundian Community

in Saskatchewan

Rwandese Community

in Regina

Igbo Cultural Association of Saskatchewan

(ICAS)

Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum

(SACHM)

Yoruba Canadian Community Association

Kenyan Community

of Regina

Ugandan Canadian Association of Saskatchewan

(UCAS)

Daughters of Africa (DOA)

Rwandese Community in Regina Rwandese people have been in the Queen city since 1986. Although they were small numbers but the community has grown in the recent years by people immigrating from other provinces and countries. Rwanda is a small country in central Africa, one of the cleanest countries in the continent of Africa. Rwanda has one of the unique dances that have smooth movements of hands and foot. People in our community have participated and represented the community in many occasions. Also as a community we have organized several community gathering to help reconnect with other. In addition we support and visit new members in our community.

In the photos below - a dance trainer from the Rwandese community training the youth at the intercultural youth workshop and children in the community having fun at Candy Cane Park, Regina.

Prairie Somali Canadian Community

The Prairie Somali-Canadian Community Centre (PSCC) is a community-based non- profit organization providing a wide range of much needed services mainly to Regina’s growing Somali ethnic community. Established in 2011, PSCC is the connecting point between Somalis of different ages and social status. It promotes and sustains the civic spirit and volunteerism in the community.

PSCC achievements include:

Helped new arrivals with orientation, translation/interpretation services, issues relating to housing, employment, education, immigration and health.

Established and maintained a cordial relationship between Somalis and other diverse communities in the province,

Spearheaded and showcased the Somali culture and traditions in special events and Saskatchewan multi-cultural activities.

Organized and established a Somali heritage language and cultural school in Regina with the help of SOHL and the Saskatchewan ministry of education.

Organized sporting activities for the youth. (PSCC was the proud sponsor of the Somali soccer team at WCP tournament in 2013).

Africa Day Income & Expenditure Summary

May 11, 2013

$ $ $PROJECT ADVANCE: $2,000.00INCOME:Ticket sales $8,910.00Drinks $2,189.40 ($652.05)Adverts $70.00Total Income $11,169.40Total Income including cash advance $12,517.35

EXPENDITURE: $Catering $4,580.00DJ $300.00Equipment rental (Audio system) $268.40Tickets, Posters & Program printing $788.40Drinks $1,961.60Hall rental $543.90Decorations $351.99Reimbursement for 2 adult ticket paid for twice $70.00Total Expenditure $8,864.29 $8,864.29

Net Income generated by the event $3,653.06

A Africa Day Income & Expenditure Summary

May 11, 2013

$ $ $PROJECT ADVANCE: $2,000.00INCOME:Ticket sales $8,910.00Drinks $2,189.40 ($652.05)Adverts $70.00Total Income $11,169.40Total Income including cash advance $12,517.35

EXPENDITURE: $Catering $4,580.00DJ $300.00Equipment rental (Audio system) $268.40Tickets, Posters & Program printing $788.40Drinks $1,961.60Hall rental $543.90Decorations $351.99Reimbursement for 2 adult ticket paid for twice $70.00Total Expenditure $8,864.29 $8,864.29

Net Income generated by the event $3,653.06

A Africa Day Income & Expenditure Summary

May 11, 2013

$ $ $PROJECT ADVANCE: $2,000.00INCOME:Ticket sales $8,910.00Drinks $2,189.40 ($652.05)Adverts $70.00Total Income $11,169.40Total Income including cash advance $12,517.35

EXPENDITURE: $Catering $4,580.00DJ $300.00Equipment rental (Audio system) $268.40Tickets, Posters & Program printing $788.40Drinks $1,961.60Hall rental $543.90Decorations $351.99Reimbursement for 2 adult ticket paid for twice $70.00Total Expenditure $8,864.29 $8,864.29

Net Income generated by the event $3,653.06

A

For more info. see detailed project report with analysis of Africa Day Event.

A GLIMPSE OF 2013 AFRICA DAY EVENTMAY 11, 2013 - REGINA, SK: A DIVERSE AND VIBRANT AFRICAN CANADIAN COMMUNITY - IN ACTION

MC’S, GUESTS, YOUTH, SPEAKERS AND OTHER COMMUNITIES

PROJECT SPONSORS:

Africa Day Event Income & Expenditure Summary

PAN-AFRICAN CANADIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PILOT PROJECT

Hosted 2013 Africa Day event on the theme:

Celebrating Diversity and the Contribution of African Canadians in Saskatchewan – with emphasis

on the Health Sector. Close to 400 people attended this event.

See Photos on Workshops

ADULT WORKSHOP YOUTH WORKSHOP

PROJECT STATISTICS:

Project goals Project outcome# of community participants 6 # of community participants- 10 full / 3

partial

# of adult workshops 3- Total # of individual contacts -- Total # of community contacts 6

# of adult workshops 5- Total # of individual contacts (range

between 100- 125)- Total # of community contacts 13

# of youth workshops 3- Total # of individual contacts -- Total # of community contacts -

# of youth workshops 7- Total # of children and youth who

participated in the training 25 (age range 4- 17 years)

# of project resource persons/ active volunteers -20

# of project resource persons/ active volunteers 25+

# of Communities that actively participated at 2013 Mosaic 3 (excluding Ethiopian Community)

# of Communities that actively participated at 2013 Mosaic (excluding Ethiopian Community) 3

PROJECT EVALUATION AND IMPACT:This project has re-ignited the spirit of collaboration within the African Canadian community in Regina, in both the Anglophone and the Francophone communities. Participating communities have discussed and agreed on collaborative operating values including “no more crab in the bucket attitude”. In its place- one of the participants suggested the OPTIMIST CREED:

Promise Yourself:

• To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

• To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

• To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

• To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and leave every living creature you meet a smile.

• To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Source: unknown

IMPACT STATEMENTS: Benefits and ChallengesProject participants shared project benefits and challenges; they are summarized through the following impact statements.

One of the youth leaders remarked “The youth want to be leaders including those who appear quiet.., we need to give them space and resources. This project has taught me tons about leadership … for example, I learnt that letting a youth speak about what comes from his heart allowed him to strengthen his public speaking skills, although initially I had doubted the topic he had chosen.”

“This project has helped us to build bridges across the African Canadian community and the larger Canadian society.” He was referring to the remarks of MLA. Mark Docherty made on behalf of the Minister of Culture and the delegation that represented the Saskatchewan Medical Association at Africa Day event.

A workshop participant sharing about her experience working as a volunteer in her community while raising a family, working full time and taking part time University class to up-grade her qualifications to Canadian standards exposed the power of volunteering in the process. She stated, “One Saturday, I had a school assignment that was due but I also felt the urge to attend a community workshop and I was surprised to find that everything that was taught at the workshop totally fitted my assignment…; I got one of my top marks in that assignment! Other workshop participants affirmed that volunteering is an effective means to learn about the Canadian system, network and meet like-minded people.

This project was sponsored by the Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan with the endorsement of the Yoruba Canadian Community Association and the Kenyan Community of Regina. It was funded by SaskCulture and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS). On behalf of the UCAS Board & Community and the project “staff team” that volunteered for numerous hours to ensure the success of this project, thank you. This project offered us the opportunity to celebrate life, develop capacity, enrich each other’s lives and plan the way forward.

Sincerely,

Christine Lwanga, Overall Project Director

Pan-African Canadian Culture & Community Organizations Pilot Project Budget & Statement ~ 2013

Proporsed Actual Code Revenue Budget July 31st

SaskCulture Grant 75% grant 10,000 10,000

25% withheld *2500

MCoS Grant 4,000 4,000

Withheld *625Contribution by participating organizations:- UCAS 500 500 9 Other organizations @ $100 900 900 In-kind* Contributions /volunteer time:- UCAS 5,000* 6,000* 9 Other organizations 9,000* 9,000*Projected Revenue from May 2013 event 3,000 10,639.40

Total Cash Revenue 18,400 26,039.40

Expenses Revised Actual

Three (3) Adult Workshops Two (2) presentors @ $150 900 899.95

1 Three (3)Workshop resources @ $200 600 1,135.09 Two (2) Youth Workshops Youth Coordinator 400 400.00 Culture Trainer @ $150 x 2 300 350.00 Team Building & Leadership Trainer @ $150 300 300.00 Workshops resources @150x2 300 300.00

2 Website updates 200 200.00

3 Overall Project Director-9 months Dec '12 - Aug'13 2,250 2,250.00

4 Community Project Coordinator - (Jan -Jun) 1,500 1,500.00

5 Project Office Admin./Accounts (Jan - Jun) 1,500 1,500.00

6 Africa Day Event* (May 11) Coordinator (Feb - Jun) 1,000 1,000.00

7 Africa Day Event* 10 org. Coord. Support @ 100 1,000 1,000.00

8 Facilities and resources for May 18 event 2,000 8,864.29

9 Community grants for participation ~ Africa Day & 2,500 2,500.00

Mosaic 2013 (10x250)

10 Publicity and promotion 350 299.23

11 Contigency 250 218.46

12 Project Communities - funds for follow up work 3,000 3,122.38

(10 @$500 paid on successful completion).

Wrap up Reports ~ BBQ on Aug 24, 2013 200.00

Total Expenses 18,350 26,039.40

THE WAY FORWARD: A number of project areas have been identified with the goal to sustain this collaboration and they were endorsed at June 16, 2013 workshop that focused on the way forward. Each of the project area is led by an interim Committee made up of leaders from the participating communities. These committees are looking for resource to ensure their success. The project activities will be aimed at benefiting the larger African Canadian community and the Canadian society as a whole. Proposed formation of the Saskatchewan Council of African Arts and Culture to promote the development and preservation of

African Canadian arts and culture in the province. Committee members include Dr. Chide Igwe, Mustafa Khassim, Sovi AhouansouOrganizing an annual Africa Day Event and / or African Canadian Annual Festival. Committee representatives include: Jimmie

Githegi, Elizabeth Emeke, and a representatives from the Francophone African community.Start an African Canadian dance school or schools. Committee members to oversee this initiative will include: Pauline Nzaramba,

Steven Musa and Rebecca OtitojuCommittee to promote and support increased participation in annual Mosaic Festivals – include Asfaw Debia, Margaret MukakigeliDevelop a program to promote and support leadership development & civic participation plus economic development.

Committee members include: Mike Luti, Meka Okochi , Getachew Woldeyesus, Venerand Harimenshi and Christine Lwanga

Project Budget & Statement ~ 2013

On challenges participants agreed that although on the outside the African community looks like one community – we have diverse backgrounds and most often we meet each other in Canada for the first time even when we speak the same language. At other times we may come from the same country but we have different ethnic backgrounds that may have been or may be at war back in Africa. As part of their evaluation reports, all communities related about the challenges arising from personality differences, culture, religion, age, gender, etc. plus understanding how to form “new” and functional communities and how to succeed in the Canadian system. An elder of one of the communities remarked “we have worked hard and for a long time, but no or little concrete progress has been achieved, we need to change.” He added that, “the African Canadian community is hungry for positive change” urging for resources to allow dialogue and opportunities for collaboration and build trust, and participation at cultural, intercultural and multicultural levels.