On this episode our correspondent, Aubrianna Snow, learns about the Black Equity in Alberta Rainforest (BEAR) initiative and how the philosophy of Ubuntu (meaning: I am because we are) can help us better understand their approach to health equity. BEAR was founded by the Ribbon Rouge Foundation to strengthen health equity in African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. ECF has been honoured to provide funding to help with the first three years of the initiative. BEAR takes an intersectional approach to securing the health, wealth and wellbeing of the ACB community. They engage with community members, conduct research and mobilize […]

On this episode, we hear an inspiring conversation about the power of plays and growing up in Edmonton’s scrappy theatre scene with Louise Casemore. Louise is an award-winning playwright and self-described “Prairie Nuisance.” She is a dramaturg, and in 2021 she published a national study on new play development titled “Surveying the Landscape.” Louise also has an interest in human resources. She is an artist advocate and consults with arts organizations around policy creation and organizational audits. Human resources in the performing arts is not only an area of focus for her, she is creatively inspired about the language and […]

On this episode, we meet The Melisizwe Brothers. Marc, Seth and Zacary James began training in music as early as ages 4 to 7. Encouraged by their families, and with each other’s support, they have since established themselves on the music scene. The Melisizwe Brothers have performed internationally and have appeared on several television shows including Netflix’s Mowtown Magic, Showtime at the Apollo, the Ellen DeGeneres Show and  more! And they are finding ways to give back to the community through their Gold Mind Programs. ECF is excited to help support their upcoming performance at the Winspear Centre on June […]

On this episode, our correspondent, Emily Rendell-Watson speaks to Professor Irshad Manji: Best selling author and founder of Moral Courage College, and a recipient of Oprah’s “Chutzpah Award” for boldness. Professor Manji is an accomplished leadership scholar whose work focuses on teaching people how to engage in constructive conversations. She will be presenting her talk: “From Polarization to Collaboration” on June 8th at the Citadel Theatre. This talk is part of Edmonton Public Library’s Forward thinking Speaker Series. Links: Get your tickets to “From Polarization to Collaboration” on June 8th at the Citadel Theatre. Learn more about Professor Irshad Manji. Get engaged […]