On this episode, correspondent Emily Rendell-Watson introduces us to three Edmontonians to explore how COVID-19 has impacted each of us differently. We’ll meet Marco Luciano, Director of Migrante Alberta, Métis singer and songwriter Brandon Baker, and Tobi Obatusin, President of the Black Pharmacy Students’ Association. We’ll hear about how their communities and families have navigated this past year. Links: Read our Vital Topic: COVID-19 in Edmonton, and see our sources. See all our of our past Vital Signs reports. Find out more about Marco Luciano’s work with Migrante Alberta. Check out Brandon Baker and his music Electric Religious. Follow Tobi […]
Episode 90 – For the People of Alberta: a conversation with Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani
On this episode, we speak with the Honourable Salma Lakhani. Her honour is the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and is the first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history. She is also the first Lieutenant Governor who is an immigrant to Canada in Alberta’s history. We speak about her honour’s approach to the role as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and her commitment to connecting with Albertans along this journey. Links: Find out more about the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Read the Honourable Salma Lakhani’s bio. Follow her honour on Twitter. Contact her honour through her office. Listen back to […]
Episode 89 – Anti-Black Racism and Youth Mental Health
On today’s episode, we explore how anti-black racism effects the health of Black Youth in our province. We talk with Dr. Bukola Salami. She is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. She tells us about her research project to Promote The Mental Health of African, Black and Caribbean Youth in Alberta. And we speak with Noreen Sibanda. She is the Executive Director at the Alberta Black Therapists Network and is a registered provincial psychologist. She helps us better understand some context around mental health and the black community. A community full of diverse […]
Episode 88 – Jeff Chalifoux (Silent Walker)
On this episode, we meet Jeff Chalifoux. Jeff is an Indigenous Two Spirit father whose Cree name is Kimwewehtew (Silent Walker)*. Jeff joins us to talk about his career in social work, supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community in reducing harms associated with sexualized substance use. He shares his story of navigating substance use and correctional systems, and tells us how embracing his gender, sexuality and Indigenous heritage empowers him. Jeff is a member of the Métis Nation and an advocate for sexual and gender diverse minority communities. Currently in graduate clinical social work studies, Jeff is also a Co-Founder and former […]