|
MCoS office is closed to the public due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Staff are working from home and are accessible by email or at 306-721-6267. It is so important to remain connected as we distance physically for our collective benefit. We have postponed many events, and are working on how we can offer some of them online. 
 |
|
Multicultural superheroes shine!
Darlene Stakiw, a professional volunteer has been an integral part of multiculturalism in Yorkton. Darlene is involved in various cultural activities, whether that’s working with the MCoS, Tourism Yorkton or volunteering in the community. Darlene finds new ways of interacting with people from different cultures. "Eating with people, sampling foods, going to cultural things" has always interested Darlene. But it’s the people who Stakiw is most interested in, she believes you learn that people have the same wants and needs, but you go about meeting them in different ways. Multiculturalism has positively contributed to Darlene's world, she embodies the fact that “Diversity makes us all better people.” Read more about it here |
|
|
Government of Saskatchewan resources for COVID-19 |
|
|
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy To help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, proposed the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This would provide a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. For non-profits and charities, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their specific circumstances. The new subsidy will provide up to 75% of the remuneration paid (between March 15 and June 6), to a maximum of $847 per employee, per week, whichever is less. Clarification is being sought on how the 15% revenue drop will be measured for charities and nonprofits. Read more about it here. |
|
|
Survey The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) has created a Cultural Organization Impact Survey regarding the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. The long-term impacts are of course uncertain, but as a first response, the SAA has designed this survey, in consultation with MCoS and others, to track the short-term impacts, which will help our sector when this is over and time to gather data of the long-term impacts. MCoS will use the data to support and advocate for the multicultural community. The survey will close on April 16th. To complete the survey, click here. |
|
|
 |
|
Want to be a Pro at using Zoom? Can you believe it has been over 2 weeks since everyone is working from home? We are sure that if you have not before now, you would crossed path with Zoom by now. Zoom has been a leader in the video conferencing space for the past year or so. Here are some tips that'll make you a Pro at using Zoom! Zoom Safety 101 Video conferencing services, especially Zoom are seeing an uptick in usage. It is easy to use and has easy video sharing features. But there has been an increase in pranksters targeting online platforms. 'Zoom-Bombing' attacks on live conferences, as well as privacy concerns, should be top of mind for those using these services to connect their workplaces as its a matter of critical security. Here are tips to work more securely from home using this popular video conference tool. Do not publish the link (or screenshot) publicly. For private meetings require a password. Remind participants not to share the meeting ID or password. Turn off video sharing and screensharing, and mute attendee audio. Find more cyber security tips here. |
|
|
The Face Mask Project Saskatoon Open Door Society is reaching out to newcomers with sewing skills in Saskatoon to come together in making cloth face masks in order to fight the transfer of harmful germs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need is urgent and ongoing! A modest payment may be provided at the end of the project. For more information about commitment, face mask size and pattern click here. |
|
|
 |
|
Sikh community efforts Saskatoon Sikh community offers free delivery for people who can’t go out or afford groceries. Regina Sikh community distributes free groceries during pandemic. |
|
|
 |
|
Has COVID-19 fueled Racism? Misinformation and paranoia has caused people in communities all over the world to physically and verbally attack members of Asian heritage. Racism against Asian Americans has surged as the coronavirus sweeps through the U.S. Albertan resident Anthony Michael Bilodeau shot dead two Métis men Jake Sansom and his uncle Maurice Cardinal, who were hunting for moose for their family. This tragedy proves once more that the prairies are not a safe place for Indigenous people. We have so much to work to do! Anti-racism resources and news: Tim Wise, Anti-Racism Activist, Media Commentator, and Author hosted a webinar, "Coronavirus and the Politics of Pandemic: What Does Race Have to Do With It?,” it's archived permanently for those wishing to access it. More US-based coverage on Coronavirus and Racism in The Racist History of Pandemics, Vice coverage on the racial inequities and social impacts of Covid19, and commentary on the current backlash against Chinese-Americans. From Winnipeg, Listen to Rick Harp on MEDIA INDIGENA: An Indigenous Historian's Take on Covid19. Check out episodes of "Colour Code: A podcast about race in Canada". Watch the recent debut documentary "There is Something in the Water" by Ellen Page, about environmental racism in Canada. Speaking of Netflix, have you watched "They've Gotta Have Us" about the history of Black representation in American film history? and "Self-Made" Madam CJ Walker series? They are fantastic films that deal with issues of colorism, white supremacy and anti-Black sentiments in the USA. Listen to this Ted Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- Danger of a single story. |
|
|
 |
|
MCoS has gathered some resources to help us learn, cope and dream
Stream 'One World: Together at home' to celebrate and support healthcare workers all over the world. |
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health has put together some resources to help you monitor and look after your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can find the resources here. Unlimited webinars and live book clubs with renowned artists, authors and motivational speakers from all over the world at Quarantine Book Club. Free home workouts, Yoga, meditation sessions and wellness at home for 90 days with Peloton. Apple is giving free 90 days trial of their professional audio/video editing software, for thevideo and music creators in you! Venture into the world of Art and Culture with Google's Art and Culture! Take Virtual Museum Tours! Exploring the world with The Louvre, the Guggenheim, the Van Gogh, the Smithsonian, and The British Museum with their virtual tours and digital exhibits that allow you to explore the museums within the comfort of your home. Immerse yourself in Virtual Museums of Canada here. Webinars to take at home for free. |
|
|
SaskCulture E-Update Poll SaskCulture wants to know how you are staying culturally connected in the time of social distancing? Click here to answer the poll. |
|
|
Sask Lotteries Subscription Remember that the operational funding for MCoS and over 12,000 sport, culture and recreation organizations comes from lotteries. In order to lessen the impact of reduced in person sales, consider a subscription to play draw based games – including LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, WESTERN MAX, WESTERN 649, DAILY GRAND and EXTRA – for up to a year in advance. Subscriptions can be purchased by phone, by mail, or on the Sask Lotteries website. Some additional frequently asked questions about Subscriptions can be found here. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Many faiths have celebration at this time. We appreciate all efforts for services and family gatherings to take place virtually. Happy Easter, Passover, Theravada Buddhist New Year, Vaisakhi and Ramadan! |
|
|
|
|
Deadlines The grants below have multiple and year-round deadlines. Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found in the links below. Recreation Infrastructure Funding Multicultural Initiatives Fund - Project April 10, 2020 | Communications Chair |
