Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards & Call for Artist

Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) has recently launched the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Award.  It is an annual program that recognizes, and celebrates excellence in various areas of the Arts, while building awareness of the contribution of artists to the region.

Do you know any artists that have had an impact on our Region?  If so, you should nominate them for this award before Sept. 16, 2016.  For more information on the Excellence in Arts Award, and nomination criteria please visit: www.artscouncilwb.ca/programs/wood-buffalo-excellence-arts-awards

ACWB is also looking for artists to submit work for the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards in 2 areas – the awards themselves, and/or for the art and wine pairing reception.  Artists are to submit a proposal to create 13 awards – one for each of the categories – and the work media should be 2D or 3D artwork / fine craft which reflects the following themes: Wood Buffalo; excellence in the arts; culture of creativity; courage and integrity; and/or collaborative leadership.  The pieces should be uniquely crafted pieces specifically for the awards program.   The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday, September 26^th.  Email submissions and directly related questions should be sent to diana.moser@artscouncilwb.ca

Women's Rights Workshop- Registration Open!

To celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10, 2014,  The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, in collaboration with the Regional Advisory Committee for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality, and the Canadian Women's Foundation, presents Women's Rights Workshop. 

This workshop aims to bring awareness of women’s issues in Canada as a whole as well as in our community and what steps can be taken to reduce discrimination. 

If you would like to learn about:
•       Women in Business 
•       Human Trafficking 
•       Sexual and reproductive health 
•       Domestic Violence 
•       Live in Care-giver’s rights 
•       Aboriginal Women’s Rights

To register, please click here

Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Canadian Multiculturalism Day was founded in 2002 by Prime Minister Jean Chretien.   June 27th of each year is designated as Canadian Multiculturalism Day for Canadians to celebrate their multicultural heritage, and deepen their appreciation of each other as individuals.  Many nationalities have helped Canada become the flourishing nation that it is today.  Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the country's diversity, commitment to equality and mutual respect.  Canada was in fact the first country to adopt Multiculturalism as an official policy.

In 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney issued the following statement about Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

Canada is one of the most ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse countries in the world. Our dominion, the true north strong and free, is formed by citizens from many cultural backgrounds who have come together to live in harmony in this free land. We should be proud of this accomplishment and that our model of pluralism serves as an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to reflect on both the contributions of Canada’s various cultural communities and the values that we all share: freedom, democracy, individual rights and the rule of law.

Canada’s future depends on us growing together. That is why our multiculturalism programs continue to encourage all Canadians to embrace our shared values, history and institutions and to build a strong, integrated society.

There are many different ways you can celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day; why not volunteer for one of the many events and programs with the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, or take part in one of the ethnic-cultural celebrations such as the upcoming Annual Philippine Independence Day occurring on June 28th.  Contact one of the schools to be a classroom volunteer and indulge yourself in the stories that children share from their own countries and traditions.  Canada's diversity distinguishes it from most other countries so lets celebrate on June 27th and get to know and appreciate your neighbors and fellow community members.