Emcy Award Winner

Humanitarian Award

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.