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This is Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Its summer, but not yet in Regina ... it was cold this morning, no sun, mist making the whole world so much more beautiful. 

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Comments could be about your experience of the Emcy Awards Gala, the entertainment, the food, the people you met and any other comments.

Our son just got back from the round the world trip, and another trip this month ... one week in beautiful Paris and one week in London. I will post the address of the blog where his photos will appear, and of course experiences ... more later

The Emcy Award Winners

The Emcy Awards Foundation and its Board of Directors Congratulate all 2008 Emcy Award Winners! You make us proud, you make Canada Proud. You "Enrich My Canada and Yours" .. EMCY!

2008 Life Time Achievement Award

Emcy Award Winners

Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, April 16, 2008. It was a celebration of diversity. It was a celebration of Canada. It was a night to remember. Great food. Great entertainment and an opportunity to meet people from coast to coast to coast. Share great stories and how they are Enriching My Canada and Yours .. EMCY! 

The Gala Awards .. A Night to Remember

Emcy Awards Gala

Emcy Award Winners

Leader-Post employee Elmer Eashappie was honoured at the Enriching My Canada and Yours (EMCY) Awards gala. Eashappie, who worked to bring First Nations stories to a broader audience, was recognized for his contributions by being presented the media award in promoting Canada's rich diversity.

A member of the Carry the Kettle First Nation, Eashappie's commitment to equity is one that permeates his professional and his personal vision for himself. The role that he has take on is one of "cultural bridge'' between mainstream and First Nations communities.

When I thought about how important and powerful the media is, I thought it would be a good vehicle to transport and relate the messages about aboriginal people. "It was only probably in the last 10 years that I had an opportunity to talk to the elders and learn from them.''

Elmer has not lost sight of his primary goal, “we can use media to change mainstream attitudes toward First Nations people while at the same time showcasing our First Nations Community’s contributions to a vibrant economy in the province of Saskatchewan”. 

Braced with the simple truth “everybody should have a home”, Hannah Taylor is Canada’s youngest advocate for this country’s homeless community. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1996, Hannah is the third of four Taylor children. At five years old, Hannah witnessed a devastating scene. A man was eating from a garbage can while they drove by. Hannah was immediately filled with sadness and questions. Since that defining moment, Hannah has learned about hunger and homelessness. She believes that everyone deserves a roof over their head and enough food to eat, as basic human rights. She has spoken about homelessness to one person at a time and to groups as large as 16,000. Hannah believes that in caring we can all make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless. Under Hannah’s guidance, The Ladybug Foundation Inc. was founded in May 2004. Through Hannah’s efforts, well over 1 million dollars has been raised directly and indirectly for projects that provide frontline services to the homeless across Canada to help feed and provide shelter and safety for homeless people. Hannah continues to visit the shelters that the Foundation supports. It was during one visit to a teenage homeless shelter in Toronto that Hannah experienced a moment that she will never forget. As she was leaving the shelter, hugging each child, one of the quietest children stepped from the back and said “Until today I thought no one loved me and now I know you love me.” Hannah has inspired and is at the forefront of developing a National education project called “Make Change” that will launch this year. This program will be available to every school aged child in Canada, letting them experience that it is within all of us to “get involved to make a difference” in our world.

 

2008 Emcy Award Winners

EMCY AWARD WINNER

BUSINESS: Jeanne Martinson 

Sponsor: Canwest Global/Rawlco Radio

In 1992, Jeanne Martinson co-founded Martrain Corporate and Personal Development. Under Jeanne’s leadership, this company has grown into a business primarily focused on leadership and diversity in the workplace. Jeanne works with leaders and individuals to understand diversity issues. She has learned to work and understand the religious diversity of Canadians and brings that awareness to the workplaces of her client groups. 

Jeanne Martinson’s experiences in publishing diversity-related newsletters, articles, internet materials and books are impressive. She is enthusiastic about strengthening the organizational capacities of Canadian companies to celebrate and respect the diversity. Jeanne’s publications are insightful and timely. She presents complicated and contentious issues pragmatically, which provides managers with tools to embrace and celebrate, rather than fear, workplace diversity.  Her workshops, keynote presentation highlight the point that creatively preventing and resolving diversity-related workplace conflict is pivotal to recruiting and retaining employees.

EMCY Award Winner

Art/Culture: Menaka Thakkar, Thornhhill, Ont.

Presented by Linda Hale, sponsor: National Print It Centres

Dr. Menaka Thakkar has been a performing artist, choreographer, teacher, producer and cultural entrepreneur working in Canada for over 37 years. Through her school Nrtyakala, her company The Menaka Thakkar Dance Company, and her affiliation with the arts presenting organization Kalanidhi Fine Arts, she has consistently promoted equity and diversity, contributing to the enrichment of the fabric of our country. Dr. Thakkar’s school and company have earned a national and international reputation for excellence in East Indian Classical Dance and Music. Her students are from communities throughout Canada such as Toronto, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon and St. John’s Newfoundland. Menaka has introduced Canadians to the rich world of Indian music, dance and visual arts through ongoing workshops, discussion and performances. For this work, she was awarded an honorary D. Lit. degree from York University.  Over the past three decades, Menaka Thakkar has fostered successful and innovative collaborations with prominent Canadian artists such as Robert Desrosier, Claudia Moore and Danny Grossman. These performances have blended western and Indian practices and techniques to produce new “fusion choreography” that brings together the best of each artistic tradition. One particularly successful collaboration, The Land of Cards, fused five diverse dance cultures. Menaka created this work as a celebration of Canadian diversity, opening herself to the many cultural influences she has encountered in her personal and artistic life in Canada. The work embodied a sense of unity and diversity at the same time, a tribute to Canadian multicultural identity.

2008 Emcy Award Winners

EMCY AWARD WINNER

Humanitarian: Saskatchewan Intercultural Association

Presenter: Dr. Roberta McKay: Sponsor: Dr. Roberta McKay

Since it’s inception in 1964, the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association has demonstrated leadership in supporting diversity in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. This began with the promotion of multi-cultural activities which supported the establishment of a network of multi-lingual schools. In it’s pursuit of supporting a multi-cultural community the SIA was a founder of Saskatoon’s annual Folk Fest. This event has grown over the years and has allowed performers from diverse communities to present their artistic efforts. From it’s roots as a multicultural organization, the SIA expanded it’s vision to include the promotion of equity and antiracist advocacy. Over the years this has included advocating the establishment of a Race Relations Committee by the City of Saskatoon and an early supporter of employment equity – encouraging the establishment of programs by employers designed to challenge the barriers to the employment of racialized Canadians. A significant program that SIA delivers is the MY WAY project which is an 8 month employment program designed for immigrant and refugee women between the ages of 17 to 30 who live in Saskatoon. This unique program empowers women with knowledge and assists them in finding meaningful first-time employment. This project is also aimed at enhancing the participants’ essential skills as identified by the Government of Canada, and introducing them to employment related life skills such as resume writing and interview skills.

EMCY AWARD WINNER

Sports: Rick Engel, Regina

Presented by the Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff  Sponsor: Saskenergy

Rick Engel has taught English in China for two years, and has since been traveling to south east Asia for 20 years – which is where he first came into contact with Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball). He developed and piloted a hands-on Asian Cultural Presentations Program and then founded a

Saskatchewan provincial cultural association “Asian Sport, Education & Culture (ASEC) International”, whose mandate has been to “Build Bridges of Understanding Between Cultures” through four main programs, including Sepak Takraw, School Asia Presentations & Exchange, Asian Materials/Resources Development and Asian Language & Arts. To date Rick has been

involved in conducting diversity and Sepak Takraw Clinics to over 35,000 students across the country. Rick also helped establish, and is President of the Sepak Takraw Association of Canada, which is the organizing and governing body of this new sport in Canada. His efforts have seen the sport grow from nothing to now coming into more than 1000 schools across Canada, with an estimated 100,000 students having now participated in playing the game at various levels, including at provincial and national championship tournaments. Rick has also been a player/coach of Canada’s national team, leading them to 8 world championship events and 3 culture/training camps in Laos, Thailand and Malaysia since 1999. Recent local initiatives have also seen Rick helping young newly settled “Karen” refugees get involved in Sepak Takraw, with tremendously positive personal, social and education benefits for these youth. He is also an internationally certified Coach and Referee. He has authored 3 Sepak Takraw books and produced 5 videos for the sport. Rick is considered one of the key pioneers in the promotion and development of Sepak Takraw world-wide. Amazingly, much of what Rick has accomplished for diversity and the sport of Sepak Takraw has always been and continues to be on a volunteer basis.

EMCY AWARD WINNER 

University: University of Regina

Dr. George Maslany receives the EMCY  Presented by Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, Sponsor: Sasktel

The University of Regina is a modern, comprehensive University with a growing national reputation for excellence in teaching and research. As an institution that prepares its students to excel in the global community, the University of Regina also cultivates diversity through a number of initiatives and programs. Maintaining a representative workforce is a priority in the hiring practices with emphasis in the employment equity program and diversity program. The University

recognizes that there is a need to identify discrimination that exists, take steps to eliminate it and crate an equitable and fair employment system for all employees by celebrating peoples’ differences and viewing these differences as valuable and beneficial. From an academic perspective, the University of Regina has 101 international agreements in 24 countries for faculty and student exchange, research and collaborative programs. Their researchers are involved in joint research projects around the world. The University participates in various development projects such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) project in South America and a project through the Faculty of Education in Malawi. There are visiting

scholars at the University every year from a variety of countries, particularly from China. International experiences are promoted for the students and every year many students participate in study tours to various countries. The English as a Second Language Program which provides English language training to individuals from many countries is well known. Among its many accomplishments, the University of Regina has also established the Aboriginal Student Centre.

 

EMCY AWARD WINNER

City of the Year: London

Gina Barber, Controller, City of London accepting the Emcy, Presented by Herman slotsve 

Sponsor: Saskculture

Diversity is at the forefront of the City of London’s work. This is evident in its inclusion as a strategic priority of London’s City Council (Creative, Diverse and Innovative City). Recognition and appreciation of the diverse nature of their community brings strength to the City of London. They have made a number of outstanding contributions through innovative policies, events, programs, initiatives and community partnerships. A core value of the corporation’s more than 2500 employees is to embrace diversity. Diversity training for staff is a cornerstone of the professional development focus and they have hosted volunteer placements of students with special needs from a local high school. In 2006 the City of London was recognized for instituting international best practice in the area of Facility Accessibility Design Standards.

The City of London played a leadership role in facilitating the development of a community plan entitled Welcoming Cultural Diversity in London. This plan has become the framework for the implementation of many local initiatives. Other notable events hosted by the City of London include the launch of the Mayor’s Task Force to End Woman Abuse and the Celebrating London’s Cultural Diversity Conference (attended by 350 representatives of community, business and service agency organizations). Another highlight is the focus groups the City conducted with members of cultural communities to gather information about barriers to participation in recreation programs. 

EMCY AWARD WINNER

Life Time Achievement: Insp. Kai Liu, Ottawa

His Worship Mayor Pat Fiacco presenting

Sponsor: City of Regina

Inspector Kai Liu is a community leader who truly embodies the spirit of diversity. In June 1986, Kai became the first Asian police officer in the City of Ottawa. He recognized and embraced the responsibility placed on him to be a positive role model and champion for the multicultural community. Today he is the highest ranking visible minority officer on the service. As a junior Constable with 4 years experience, he took on the challenge to set up the first Community Policing Centre in Eastern Ontario. This police center located in Ottawa’s Chinatown quickly became the vehicle for building

relationships and trust between our Asian community and the police. Because of Kai’s ability to demonstrate the value of this first community police center, many other police centers were established throughout the city and 18 years later remain a vibrant part of the community.

During Kai Liu’s career, he has supervised the Diversity and Race Relations Unit, Crime Stoppers and Firearms section, High Tech Crime, Domestic Violence Unit, and others. He is a sought after panelist at seminars where valuing diversity is the topic and is also sought after by various multicultural leaders in the community as an advisor who has a unique ability to clearly understand the differences and issues faced within the various communities. Of significance is Kai’s positive proven impact on the social awareness of Violence Against Women. Kai recognized that immigrant women were a key sector in the community who were underreporting domestic violence offences and as a result were underserved by the police. In response he helped introduce a number of innovative policy changes and legislation by working with community advocates and government agencies. He developed and instituted a two-way exchange and cultural awareness program. Under his leadership, the Domestic Violence Unit was nominated for two prestigious international police awards and Kai Liu’s achievements were recognized by the Canadian International Development Agency and the United Nations.

Emcy Awards - Our Vision

2008 EMCY National Awards Gala
Regina, Wednesday, April 16, 2008

EMCY Awards recognize, celebrate and affirm the achievements of individuals, organizations, businesses, governments and agencies that see diversity as a strength—the driving force of economic growth in Canada. The recipients of the 2008 EMCY National Awards will be announced in this gala awards event—where the EMCY Awards Foundation will recognize, celebrate and affirm the contributions of individuals, organizations, businesses, governments and agencies that create well being, prosperity and the enrichment of the social, economic, political, academic or cultural fabrics of Canada.

THE CRITERIA
Vision & Leadership
Innovation & Achievement
Impact
Community Leadership

Members of the Executive Council
DIVERSITY: CANADA’S ENGINE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH!

Peter Dielschneider
pj.jm@sasktel.net

Rodney Ashfield
rodneyashfield@gmail.com

Laura Debassige
lauradebassige@hotmail.com

Bob Friedrich
bob@bobfriedrich.ca

Renu Kapoor
rkapoor@sasktel.net

Dinesh Kashyap
306-721-2767
2008emcy@gmail.com

Wade Luzny
wluzny@hotmail.com

Charlotte Morrissette
morricha@uregina.ca

Ray Ruth
baberuth@sasktel.net

For more information please visit: www.emcy.ca

What does EMCY stand for?

Enriching My Canada & Yours
With Aplogies to Linda Hale of Print-it Centres!

What does EMCY stand for?

EMCY stands for

Enriching My Canada & Yours

Welcome to 2008 Emcy Awards

The EMCY Awards Foundation presents the
2008 EMCY National Awards Gala
On Stage—Conexus Arts Centre
200A Lakeshore Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan
Wednesday, April 16 @ 6:30 p.m.

Great entertainment. Great food. Grand Celebration of Winners.

www.emcy.ca

Award Catgories:

Emcy Award for Lifetime Achievement • Emcy Award for the Humanitarian of the Year • Emcy Award for Sports/Fitness Excellence • Emcy Award for the University of the Year • Emcy Award for the Business Corporation of the Year • Emcy Award for Arts/Education Excellence • Emcy Award for the Media Excellence • Emcy Award for the Province/Territory of the Year • Emcy Award for the City/Community of the Year • Emcy Award for the Youth of the Year

Guest Speaker
Marva Wisdom
She is a recurring guest as a television
political panelist. She has made
presentations and guest lectured
on issues of political advocacy,
civic engagement and diversity.

Tickets: Corporate (table of 8) $520; Individual $65
email: 2008emcy@gmail.com or call (306) 721-2767

EMCY National Awards celebrate the rich diversity of Canada which is all inclusive. Our perspectives, history, geography, art, business and culture reflect this diversity. Canadians are doing their part to promote diversity and the world recognizes Canada as the leader in this area. EMCY Awards recognize, celebrate, and affirm the achievements of individuals, organizations, businesses, governments and agencies that see diversity as a strength—the driving force of
economic growth in Canada.

SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
EMCY Awards Foundation offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities to meet the needs of your organization. Sponsoring EMCY Awards will allow you to align your brand/your organization with the fastest growing segment of the market. Join the current trends and increase your market-share, profit and goodwill. Please visit www.emcy.ca, click "sponsorship package."