Last year, we came together virtually through our Safe at Home programming in partnership with the Manitoba Government, virtual workshops, and Fusion - One Unified Virtual Experience. One Multi-Cultural Fusion Event, presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts. Folklorama members and volunteers demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to sharing cultural understanding and celebrating diversity through their ongoing support and participation.

Here’s to an exciting 2022 as we reunite the world!
 
In this month’s newsletter, meet the new faces of Folklorama, read stories from the community, learn about our upcoming FREE virtual workshops, and watch the first episode of our new VLOG series – Cultural Conversations!
Say hello to our 2022 Ambassadors General!
From left to right, we have:
Sudan Parke (Youth Ambassador General)
Sudan is a 17-year-old high school student of both Filipino and Jamaican descent who is currently in her graduating year. Sudan has an intense love of dance, and since the young age of 7 has performed at Folklorama’s Pearl of the Orient Philippines Pavilion. 

Nicolas Tamayo (Youth Ambassador General)
Nicolas is a first-year student at the University of Manitoba who is currently studying to apply for the Asper School of Business. His involvement with Folklorama and the Pearl of the Orient Philippines Pavilion began even before he was born, as his mother was a dancer for Magdaragat Philippines Inc. while he was still in her belly! 

Sarahdelle Galera (Adult Ambassador General)
Born in the Philippines, Sarahdelle immigrated to Canada at the age of 11. Recently, she was the co-chair of the National Visible Minority Network and a finalist for the Awards of Excellence at the Canada Revenue Agency. For Sarahdelle, volunteering with Folklorama is a family affair and the Galera family has been active members of the Pearl of the Orient Philippines Pavilion since 2014. 

Karman Sidhu (Adult Ambassador General)
Karman is an Accounting and Marketing student at the University of Manitoba. After moving to Canada at the age of 6, he began taking part in Bhangra and eventually became a performer at the India Pavilion and Punjab Pavilion. In 2014, Karman became the Youth Male Ambassador for the Punjab Pavilion, and you may have even seen him acting as Emcee for their shows. 

Keep an eye out for these four superstars in the media and at events around the city leading up to and throughout the 2022 Festival!

Program presented by Cambrian Credit Union
Folklorama Tales
Sister Dorothy: Inspiring Creativity Through Music
“I love performing for audiences of all ages,” states Sister Dorothy. “I share my original songs and talk a bit about what inspired me to write them. I hope audiences will hear something they like and be inspired to create something themselves, in whatever art form they choose. As a child, I loved to go to concerts and watch performers. I always wished it was me on stage. Now it is me, and I hope someone watching will think, ‘I could do that too’”... (Keep reading)
Giving To The Community As a Community
Whether Gallagher team members are partnering with clients to deliver pizza to health care workers during National Nurses Week, encouraging local hockey fans to support the Winnipeg Jets Toy Drive by dropping off an unwrapped gift or cash donations to Gallagher locations, raising funds for Danica and Abby’s Village: Buddy Benches, a space for children in Manitoba to go to, or partnering with Folklorama, they always put community first... (Keep reading)
Do you have a Folklorama story to share? Send yours to marketing@folklorama.ca!
NEW: Cultural Conversations: Sharing of Intangible Heritage - Episode 1
A special vlog series featuring Folklorama performers sharing what engaging with intangible heritage means to them and their favourite Folklorama memories. Press play to get to know Michelle from Manitoba Korean Dance Group!
Back by popular demand: Folklorama Safe at Home Workshops!
Every Friday at 7:00 pm, tune into our social media channels to relive the same fun from 2021! We are airing back the beloved workshops that kept you and your family busy while we stayed home to stay safe!

Paska Workshop - Traditional Ukrainian Bread & Dough Decoration airs at 7:00 pm this Friday, January 7th on our Youtube channel, Instagram, and Facebook page.

Visit the event calendar on our website for workshop dates and details - more information coming next week.
Youth Council and Team Folklorama give back
In November 2021, our Youth Council, along with Team Folklorama, volunteered at the United Way #KoatsForKids program. Koats for Kids helps to ensure youth in the community are warm during the cold winter months.

In December 2021, the Youth Council planned a Cultural Connections painting workshop where much fun was had by all! Thank you to artist Jorge Figueroa for creating such a memorable paint night!

Have an event that requires volunteer support? Ask for Team Folklorama! Members of our team volunteer their time in the community to give back and support a variety of causes and organizations throughout Winnipeg. To inquire, email Katie Green, Coordinator, Member & Festival Services at KGreen@Folklorama.ca.

Team Folklorama brought to you by Manitoba Hydro.
#GivingTuesday2021 Update
Thank you for your contributions to the Folklorama Cultural Preservation Fund during #GivingTuesday! Because of your generosity, Folklorama will be able to support the ethno-cultural communities that are close to your heart. Every donation, post share, and conversation that takes place supports our mission and we couldn't do it without YOU. Thank you!

The granting process will be announced in 2022. Stay tuned.
Ethno-Cultural Arts Program Highlights
During the last weekend in August, Folklorama programmed and produced the main stage at the grand opening of "The Gardens at the Leaf" at Assiniboine Park's Diversity Gardens. Over the course of three days, Folklorama artists participated in various cultural diversity activations including stage performances and traditional cultural demonstrations.
In November, Folklorama helped program the pre-game celebrations for the brand new #InThePlaza project at True North Square! Before every Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose home game, Folklorama members performed in True North Square or, depending on weather, in Hargrave Street Market!

Performers:
Clyde Heerah
Drum Café
Hoop dancer Brian Clyne
La Troupe Jeunesse
Simon Reimer & Joel Rivard
SPK Iskry Polish Dance Ensemble
Steve Kiz Ukrainian Duo
In November, our members headlined Folklorama Night at the Zoo Lights Festival in partnership with Assiniboine Park & Zoo! Patrons who attended were able to warm up in the heated tents and experience world-class entertainment before heading back out to enjoy the light show between sets.

Performers:
Duo Cochi
Marco Castillo
Sister Dorothy
The High Profile Dance Band
Trio Bembe
Winnipeg Steel Orchestra
Member News & Events
If members wish to submit news or upcoming events for inclusion in Llama Tales, please do so no later than the second week of the month before the event takes place. Event and details can be sent to our Coordinator, Marketing, Communications & Engagement, Christena Leachman at cleachman@folklorama.ca .
Winterruption WPG 2022
From January 25 - 30, 2022, take in the incredible roster of diverse artists at the Winterruption festival, including Folklorama members Papa Mambo and El Leon and the Strangers!
FOLKLORAMA
2nd Floor - 183 Kennedy Street
Winnipeg, MB
204-982-6210