uTurn Project Inc. held the 149th celebration of Canada at the Genesis Centre on July 1, 2016. The event included observing Canadian customs, immersion into Canadian diversity through artistic performances, interaction with elected officials, and engaging with various community organisations. The venue boasted a natural amphitheatre and accommodated over 500 guests and performers. In addition to the area where performances and speeches took place, there were four tents surrounding the main event space. These tents included the Calgary Transplant Association (CTA), M&M Food Market, the Genesis Centre, and a children’s area/Henna tent. The CTA tent addressed the need for organ and tissue donors and to inform the public of their importance in a modern society. Shauna Rivait -- CTA Provincial Director -- and Hirde Paul Jassal, a well-known local volunteer, operated the tent. The CTA tent handed out raffle tickets to individuals signing up as organ and tissue donor. The Genesis Centre tent was a source of shade and shelter for attendees and participants of the event. It was also there providing information about membership programs at the centre and their upcoming “Bring a Buddy” program. George Reimche -- uTurn Project Inc. Secretary -- ran the M&M Food Market tent and was assisted by Rani Arshi, wife of Treasurer of uTurn Project, Sam Arshi. The Cadets offered help with cooking, serving beef and veggie patties to guests at the festivities. There was also a children’s tent where youth could get Henna designs drawn on their hands; as well, the Girl Guides of Canada offered temporary maple leaf tattoos for the guests in celebration. Mini Canadian flags, Canadian flag pins, national anthem bookmarks, pencils and stickers were handed out too. The Girl Guides of Canada were awarded certificates for volunteering at the event. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank attended the event as well. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a non-profit organisation with aims to alleviate poverty in developing countries by educating farmers on crops and harvesting. Guests were able to sign postcards to send to the Canadian government in an effort persuade the government to provide agricultural assistance grants for the farmers. Volunteer Ravinder Sohanpal was responsible for managing the table and collecting signatures. There was also a table for forksmart.org. The table provided health and wellness information and had a variety of books detailing weight loss techniques and diabetes prevention. Among the books was “McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss, Road to Heart Disease, Prevent or Reverse Heart Disease” and “Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversible Diabetes”. Information and advice regarding nutritious food incorporation into daily diet were provided. The celebration started with a flag ceremony conducted by the air cadets and the singing of the national anthem. Following this, there was a traditional First Nations mother/daughter performance. Various federal MPs and provincial MLAs attended the celebration; they addressed the audience and general public and commented on celebrating Canada Day's significance. Elected officials in attendance included MP Jason Kenney, MP Darshan Kang, Honorary Ricardo Miranda (provincial Minister of Culture and Tourism), Honorary Irfan Sabir (provincial Minister of Human Services), MLA Prabhdeep Gill, MLA Prasad Panda and MLA Ric McIver. Each speaker commented on Canada Day from a personal perspective. Both MLA Gill and MP Kang discussed the vast opportunities afforded to them thanks to Canada’s generosity. MLA Panda echoed these sentiments and expressed his gratitude of Canada’s nurturing stance and acceptance. Hon. Miranda recounted his personal history and discussed how Canada allowed him to overcome adversity and was a pivotal contributor to his current success. He stressed how important Canada’s diverse history and why it's necessary for celebrating its backgrounds. Hon. Sabir echoed these thoughts and urged Canadians to continue to welcome and accept newcomers -- to immerse themselves in a tolerant and nurturing collective atmosphere. MP Kenney discussed -- from a Canadian perspective -- why celebrating Canada Day is important. He discussed how commemorating the Confederation and the unifying properties of this July 1st are what make Canada an attractive and welcoming place to live. Kenny elaborated that the reason Canada is a world leader is a result of the people who comprise it. MLA McIver took the stage to echo the previous thoughts and to add that Canada will continue to celebrate and commemorate its history while providing equal opportunity for all. At the speech's' conclusion, the leaders cut the Canada Day cakes and took pictures with guests along with the soundscape of saxophones. CBC and CTV news covered the event which gave individuals the opportunity to express to a larger audience how proud they are living in a safe, strong, and free country like Canada. A Syrian refugee who shared her story about a simple journey to school marred by unnecessary bombings echoed these values were. The cultural performances started with a traditional Korean drum performance played by individuals of all ages. Following the drumming was a delicate and captivating traditional Korean Scarf dance. Next came the high-charged and energy filled Epic Bhangra dance group who performed male and female dance routines. Ravi Prakasha, a local singer, also performed a medley of songs. There was also Philippines' performance which was a mini-concert. Individuals performed together and there was a more personal performance by a guitarist. Each performer showed attentiveness to slight tune changes and demonstrated the intricacy of Filipino culture. The conclusion of the celebration was highlighted by the Latino performers. Their hip moving music encouraged audience participation, regardless of linguistic barriers, proving that music is the universal language. The celebration concluded with a Latino performance. Their hip moving music encouraged audience participation, regardless of linguistic barriers, proving that music is the universal language.
International Development Week is to encourage Canadians -- especially young Canadians -- to engage and learn how to contribute to international development. An event for International Development Week was held at the Genesis Centre on February 7, 2016. Many organisations were present including, the Canadian Transplant Society, Insurance Depot and Financial Services, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and the Alberta Network for Immigrant Women. There was an engaging drum performance by an Aboriginal group that promoted cultural awareness, and a speech by Saima Jamal -- a well-known local social activist. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank collected signatures for their “Good Soil” initiative to support farmers in developing regions. The event raised awareness to international developments and allowed the public to help comprehend current events. It was an opportunity to engage with international development projects and proposed initiatives. The event was also an excellent networking opportunity that outlined the contributions made by associations, groups, and governments. These engagements lead to various programs that enhance food security, offer health programs, and provide economic opportunities for development being implemented. Due to the nature of this event, there was an outreach to eight-hundred people.
In 1983, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank was founded and broadly speaking, its goal is to conquer world hunger. In order to achieve this outcome, Canadian Foodgrains Bank provides emergency food relief during times of crisis to individuals in developing nations. It strives to educate families on sustainable crop production in the wake of the changing global climate. The organisation focuses on providing nutritional support to the malnourished and advocates for implementing public policies that contribute to capacity building efforts in affected nations. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank collaborated with uTurn Project Inc. on the “Good Soil” campaign. The initiative informs and advocates the need for the Canadian government to offer more support for small-scale agriculture in their international aid initiatives; as well, it increases awareness among members of the community about the crisis farmers face in developing countries. Postcards containing signatures were sent to MPs, MLAs and the Prime Minister of Canada to create awareness of the issue. The postcards were brought to several events: Flag Day, International Development Week 2016, and Canada Day 2015. With this campaign, the community is exposed to social issues in the global arena and it raises awareness about issues that require immediate attention. The “Good Soil” initiative plays a role in making the world more interconnected, bringing to light problems faced in developing countries. In addition, the ongoing nature of this initiative allows for a larger dissemination of current global events to the local community.
International Women’s Day is held each year on March 8th. It is a time to celebrate and show respect to women for their achievements in economics, society, and politics. The day strives to empower women and demonstrate their potential. uTurn Project Inc. held its International Women’s Day event on March 8, 2016, at the Genesis Centre. The event provided information about education access, community involvement, becoming financially independent, and exposure to women’s rights. It provided tools to make informed decisions that cater to their own needs in addition to family requirements. The information provides women with access to fundamental resources and materials to assist in contributing the most they can to society. It relays information about personal protection from hazards in the community.
uTurn Project Inc. made a donation to support the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta is a non-profit organisation that helps families fighting juvenile cancer in Alberta. The foundation’s programs are individually tailored. Each program's design is to assist families at each stage of the cancer patient's journey. uTurn Project Inc.’s contribution will help researchers work towards a cure for cancer and provide enhanced care to families in hospitals, engage children through a camp, and give educational scholarships. There is a large number of people affected by cancer and increased funding for projects designed to find a cure means a greater chance of saving lives. The camps held by the Kids Cancer Care Foundation are necessary to create an environment where kids with cancer can come together and enjoy activities while experiencing an inclusive community and environment. These camps help children forget about their illness and focus on just being a kid. For this fundraiser, there were around two-hundred-and-twenty participants.
uTurn Project Inc. celebrated the Multiculturalism Week festivities on Monday, June 27, 2016, at the Genesis Centre. The event recognises and celebrates Canada’s diversity and demonstrates the country’s inclusive and culturally sensitive landscape. Performances and demonstrations for the event promoted and appreciated different cultures and to endorse Canada’s dedication to equality, democracy and multiculturalism. A First Nation’s drum performance by Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes and her daughter kicked off the event; in addition to performing a traditional drum dance, the duo notified the audience that the land they were gathered on is First Nations Treaty recognised land. The performance was intended to create peace and create an inclusive space where gratitude and sincerity were appreciated. After the opening performance, a candid discussion surrounding the question “Has multiculturalism in Canada lost its way?” was held. The speakers were uTurn Project Summer Student and recent University of Alberta graduate, Jelena Macura, and RED FM “Good Morning Calgary” host, Rishi Nagar. Know local social activist and humanitarian Saima Jamal moderated the plenary session. Jamal is currently serving as the Social Capital Tournament Coordinator for the Calgary Centre for Global Community. Macura stated that tolerance is the heart and core of multiculturalism and that respect and acceptance stem from it. Fleeing her home country as a refugee and coming to Canada as an immigrant, Macura offered a unique perspective on the state of multiculturalism. Macura’s speech chronicled her juvenile experiences at Connaught Community School where she met immigrant children from all backgrounds. It was there she developed a respect and appreciation for others of various countries. Macura learned at an early age that she could co-exist with others, share her culture, and still have her own distinct identity that would give her the opportunity to flourish. Nagar discussed the dark side of multiculturalism; how newcomers selectively adopt certain values that are beneficial to them and not to the overarching Canadian culture. These individuals choose which characteristics to instil in their identity by evaluating their own culture as well as Canadian culture (including diet, dance and dress). In sum, Canadian culture is not strengthened by the arrival of all newcomers as it is not adopted by all those who come to Canada. This phenomenon has the potential to lead to an eventual elimination of Canadian culture as individuals integrate and make Canada their own miniature countries of origin. Jamal facilitated discussion between the panel members and assisted in coordinating the formal speech components of the event. Jamal also outlined the state of affairs in our community and discussed current events such as how an individual tore a woman’s hijab off in public or how a dead pig was left in front of a Muslim mosque. Jamal ended her speech by discussing the rise of xenophobia in the UK towards migrants and Polish people. The event included performances from Chinese, Indian, Persian, Tajikistan, Korean, Syrian and Latin America performers enjoyed by eighty people. Attendees were immersed in the different cultural song, dance and exposure to traditional instruments. The event allowed a larger community to be exposed to multiple cultures and traditions which allow accepting the distinct cultures in Canada.
On February 15, 1965, the Canadian flag raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. National Flag Day commemorates the first flag raising and honours the symbol of Canada. uTurn Project Inc. held its National Flag Day Celebration on February 15, 2016, to comprehend what it means to be Canadian. The event was held at the Genesis Centre with fifty people attending in the commons area. Speeches given outlined the value of the Canadian flag and how it is a prominent domestic and international symbol. During the event, Air Cadets attended and there was a traditional exhibition of our Canadian flag. Individuals gathered together to appreciate the value and unique qualities of the Canadian flag that represents its citizens and its importance as a symbol of Canadian identity. The celebration is a continuation of a fifty-one-year strong celebration and captured the determination of individuals that contributed to the fundamental building blocks of Canada’s history. This event played a vital role in establishing a sense of pride and a collective identity for the Canadian nation.
The Temple Cross Stampede breakfast was hosted by Honorary Ricardo Miranda -- Minister of Culture and Tourism -- at the Temple Crossing parking lot from 9-11 AM on July 10, 2016. During this event, uTurn Project Inc. promoted eradicating world hunger through programs by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. At this table, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank continued its initiative to inform and persuade the federal government to consider restructuring international development assistance and to urge them to invest in agricultural and sustainability programs in developing nations. In addition, the Calgary Transplant Association attended the event and sought to spread information about the increasing need for organ donors in modern society. There was also a truck from the Aspen Family that focused on youth assistance, outreach and education. The Stampede festivities allowed uTurn Summer Students to interact with Brian Pincott -- Councillor of Ward 11 -- Hon. Irfan Sabir -- Minister of Human Services -- and Hon. Miranda. Overall, this event embodied the Stampede experience, brought diverse communities closer and allowed for greater discourse with prominent civil servants.
MP Darshan Kang -- Calgary Skyview -- and MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber – Calgary Northern Hills -- hosted the Vivo Centre Stampede breakfast. The breakfast was held on July 9, 2016 at the Vivo Centre for Healthier Generations. From 8:30-10:30 AM, this event was filled with guests from various backgrounds and neighbourhoods. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to interact and network with active members of society, while enjoying a breakfast of Stampede staples. The programme included performances by young Bhangra groups, country music artists, in addition to an enthusiastic address by MP Kang. In addition, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Hon. Bardish Chagger, were in attendance, with the former giving a celebratory speech on Stampede traditions. uTurn Summer Student Jelena discussed increases in youth engagement and how to facilitate greater opportunities for younger audiences with Hon. Chagger. Several organisations were also present giving out freebies and other relevant information. Together, this event embodied community unification and belonging and promoted the unique experience of Stampede celebrations.