“Culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities -” a quote from UNESCO that needs no embellishment. Culture is also diverse, influenced by our upbringing, migration, media, education, politics, and even our own individual dispositions. In a constantly transforming society such as Calgary, respecting cultural diversity has to be purposeful and inclusive.
“Cultural diversity” refers to the manifold ways in which the cultures of groups and societies find expression. These expressions are passed on within and among groups and societies. – Article 4.1 of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
The City of Calgary’s Cultural Plan outlines “a collective vision for the future” with the objectives of maximizing our diversity advantage, growing our cultural sector and creative industries, activating culturally vibrant neighbourhoods and districts, reinforcing Centre City as the cultural heart of the city, and conserving and celebrating our built, natural and Indigenous heritage.
During the Stampede, our organization reflected upon the influence of cultural exchange on us as Black people, and more specifically as Africans. We were inspired by the daily images of celebrations, and how these new and old faces are shaping the evolution of the Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede, which held its first exhibition in 1886, is one of the greatest experiences of Calgary’s culture and heritage. Our organization was proud to honour this culture, while showcasing how diversity can enhance heritage through a different interpretation on the classic Stampede pancake breakfast. Thanks to several community efforts, the Foundation for Black Communities , Caribbean Community Council of Calgary, and the Calgary African Community Collective (CACC) hosted the first Roots and Rhythms Breakfast in Calgary. The intention was to connect culture, and celebrate community, one breakfast at a time – and boy did it deliver!
We served breakfast foods typically eaten in parts of the Caribbean islands, West Africa and East Africa to accompany the traditional pancake breakfast. Supporting one another in times of unease and in times of joy has the potential to weave long-lasting bonds, which is why community gatherings such as this, are important. Even though we operate within the geographical boundaries of Calgary, we welcomed counterparts from Ontario, Nova Scotia, and other parts of Alberta. Calgary has gradually gained a reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and our diversity only enhances that desirability. We know we got it right with this event and hope we can do it bigger and better for years to come.
Here’s what some of the attendees had to say?
Thanks for having me at your event; it was pretty enlightening to see the community support and the agencies listening to the community needs and amplifying these conversations that foster unity in our multicultural Black environments.
Thanks for hosting the best Stampede BBQ I’ve been to, seriously! The style, vibe and weather were perfect. The people were friendly, MC was amazing, food was delicious and celebrated culture, and the atmosphere was so great.
Food was very good. The mix of different cultural food was a good idea. I was able to learn of other programs that are out there for people of color.
Resources
The City of Calgary’s Arts and Culture microgrant aimed at supporting the activation of culturally vibrant neighborhoods is the type of funding opportunity that could support your community initiative. The grant is offered in 2 tiers: up to $5000 which accepts applications on a rolling basis, and up to $30,000 which accepts applications in March and September. Learn more about this microgrant and application guidelines.
Need funding application guidance? Email christine.nanteza@calgaryafrican.ca to book a free 45-minute mentorship session.
Community Engagement
Be-Girl Summer Camp is still in full force with so many great activities and speakers that are guaranteed to add some excitement and inspiration to your child’s life. Ladies in the Family Foundation has organized an 8-week summer camp where participants are exposed to so many possibilities in arts, science, community service, business and music. The camp is free and runs until August 30th at Ghanaian Canadian Association of Calgary, 3936A 29 St NE, Calgary. Click the link for important details, a full list of activities and speakers, and registration forms.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a day filled with music, art, and culture that celebrates the richness of our community, organized by Black Inclusion Association. Network with local community organizations that serve and support Black people in Calgary! Entrance is free and donations are encouraged. Come out on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association, 1320 5 Ave NW, Calgary, for some family friendly fun. RSVP here.
Carifest is baaacckk! From August 16th – 18th, come out and enjoy all things Caribbean, from costumes to food, music vendors. Don’t miss the parade on August 17th starting at Olympic Plaza down Stephen Avenue and ending at Shaw Millennium Park. Don your favourite party outfit as this will be an exciting way to wind down the 2024 summer season. Get more details here.
Funding Focus
- Community Safety Investment Framework (CSIF) is closing applications soon. You have until July 18th to submit your application for an eligible project. Eligible projects are those that will help improve Calgary’s primary crisis response within the first 24 hours of contact and secondary crisis response providing coordinated access to immediate services. CSIF is a collaborative effort between The City of Calgary and Calgary Police Service, and supports Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy. Click here for details including dates for information sessions.
- Is your organization planning an event or a youth initiative? CRRF’s National Anti-Racism Fund’s Events and Youth Initiatives Program launched on June 6th, 2024, is still receiving applications! Please submit your application before July 31st, 2024, by 11:59 PM EST for funding up to $10,000. Find details and important information here.
- The Ward Community Event Fund (WCEF) assists community associations or community-based groups hosting events or undertaking initiatives to enhance their community, with funding up to $10,000. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis while funds are still available. Read the guidelines here.
Contact Us
Ujima News is an inhouse newsletter designed with our members in mind. Our aim is to make knowledge translation and knowledge sharing a core activity of the collective through free media communication.
