Changing Times a Magazine Made by Newcomers to Southwest Saskatchewan SPRING 2012

Changing Times A magazine made by newcomers to Southwest Saskatchewan SPRING 2012

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY

from the editor spring Welcome to spring! Doesn’t this newfound sunshine cheer you up? GREETINGS! It sure puts a smile on my face. Spring always feels like a refreshing reward for surviving the long and gloomy winter. I wish Saskatchewan springs lasted a little bit longer even if it meant shorter summers.

I had lots of fun working on this spring issue of the Changing Times magazine, as there was so much to tell and report on. I hope you will enjoy reading our stories and perhaps also learn something new or gain a new per- spective.

I am also very grateful for the wonderful contributions of our new volunteer writers. If you Spring is an excit- like writing, designing, taking pictures and if ing season! Every- you would like to volunteer thing is starting to some of your time, please let green, the weather me know! is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer! Happy Easter! Another bonus: it’s ~ Agnese Vilde almost summer! ~ Emilia

Spring: The changing of the weather always amazes me, especially from winter to spring. It’s like a big theatre production set unfolding before my eyes, with the basi- cally black and white winter suddenly changing into this colorful set-not just in nature but in people as well. Seeing the perennial plants that hide all winter months come out is really looking at life and how it must go on after a deep slumber. ~ Icasiana de Gala

Inside this issue Mabel R. Derksen is an educator at heart, with an interest in mathe- matics, science, spirituality, Spring Greetings 2 and global issues. Her What’s New! 4 teaching career is delight- fully on hold as she parents Immigration News 5 her two beautiful children Have Your Say! 5 in Swift Current with the help of her husband, a full- Racism, Harassment & Discrimination 6 time teacher. Mabel also Family Literacy Week Celebrations 9 enjoys reading, scrapbook- ing, cooking/baking, nature Our Stories: Journeys From There to Here 10 hikes, and travelling. Fusion of Flavors 12

Spring is my favorite season! It is a pleasure to Cooking Culture 13 witness nature resurrecting itself with brilliant color. Financial Literacy Workshop 14 And I love exploring puddles with my two kids! Immigrant Access Fund 16 Community Volunteer Tax Program 17 Avanzando Unidos! Hispanic Heritage Month 18

Spring time is here What is Zumba? 19 and is coming with Katimavik = Cultural Experiment? 20 changes in our lifestyle and eating habits. A Reminders 21 time to enjoy outside Announcements 22 and try what nature of- Families Reunited! 23 fers. Definitely on my favorite seasons of the Coming soon... 24 year. Let’s get out, eat A preview of our website healthy and enjoy life! yours truly, Rafa Diaz

We would like to officially thank Austin for spending three months with us as part of his Katimavik experience.

We appreciated his humor, easy going attitude and dedica- tion when it came to tutoring French, proofreading, making photo copies (his favorite assignment) and doing all the heavy lifting around the Welcome Centre. We wish him luck as he pursues his dreams in Canada, Bolivia and elsewhere.

Message from the Board of Directors!

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Icasiana de Gala will be continu- ing her great work in the position of Executive Director of the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre for our upcoming fiscal year (April 1st, 2012 to March 31st, 2013.) Permanent director Anika Henderson has extended her leave for one more year for personal and professional reasons.

Icasiana has been with the Centre in the capacity of Executive Director for the past year and has overseen all of our services as our operations continue to grow. We are pleased to have her continue in this capacity and expect continued success for the Centre.

Kind Regards, Keleah Ostrander, Chairperson Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre Board of Directors

Meet Mary Jane! Our Website Please meet our new volunteer, Mary Jane Gonzales. As part of her Coming Soon! high school course she is volun- teering with us two hours every We are happy to day and we are very grateful to announce that we will have her here. be launching our web- Originally from Philippines, Mary site on May 1, 2012 Jane has called Swift Current home since 2008. She is 18 years old and Sneak preview on the is graduating this year. She loves basketball and hanging out with last page! her friends, and hopes to become a nurse in the next few years.

Meet Emilia, HOLIDAY HOURS our new Katimavik Southwest Newcomer Welcome volunteer

Centre will be closed on Emilia is from Guelph, Ontario. She enjoys reading and talking April 6 and April 9 to people in order to learn Happy Easter everyone! more about the world. She’s excited to spend time in Swift If there are any immediate Current and to meet the peo- concerns, please contact us at: ple that make Swift Current [email protected] or such a great place to be. [email protected]

IMMIGRATION NEWS have your

Conditional permanent residence proposed to deter say marriages of convenience Here are some of your ques- In order to prevent marriage fraud, the Ministry of Citizenship, Immi- tions along with our answers gration, and Multiculturalism is proposing a condition that would require that the spouse or partner being sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must live with their sponsor in a legiti- Q:“What do we need to bring mate relationship for two years after they receive their permanent when we come to the Welcome resident status. Centre for the first time?” This condition would apply to spouses who have no children and A: “There are no documents re- have been in a relationship for less than two years. If this condition is quired when you come to the not met, the sponsored spouse’s status may be revoked and criminal Welcome Centre. However, there charges may be laid. After the two years, the condition no longer are some forms that you will be applies. Furthermore, sponsored spouses are ineligible to sponsor a asked to fill out requiring some new spouse for five years from the day they are granted permanent data like your address, contact residence. information and SIN number. We Proposal to assess foreign education credentials before would appreciate if you bring that information with you.” skilled workers arrive This would require that applicants who want to immigrate as Federal Q: “How does public transit Skilled Workers to have their foreign education credentials assessed work in Swift Current? Is there and verified by a designated organization before arriving in Canada. just one bus?” This assessment does not guarantee that Federal Skilled Workers A: “Yes, at the moment there is would automatically find employment or become licensed to practice only one bus operating under the in a regulated occupation. Rather, it would allow applicants to know “Tel-a-Bus” service, unless it is how their education credentials compare to Canadian credentials and very busy, then they will put their how employers will value their education before they arrive in Can- second bus in service. Rumor has ada. is that the City is planning to ex- pand this service by acquiring Government of Canada transforms economic immigration new busses and providing a program scheduled bus service.” CIC (Citizen and Immigration Canada) is eliminating the former Fed- For now, to get a ride, you have eral Skilled Workers Program and will refund applicants that applied to call 773-1448 and request a before February 27, 2008. In its place, CIC will implement a system pickup. At that time they will let that fast tracks applicants that have the right skills to meet Canada’s you know how long the waiting labour needs. For those that have passed the selection criteria stage time will be. There are 3 stops, with the former program, CIC will continue to process their applica- that are made every hour: tions. The goal of the new program is to eliminate the backlog of the 1) downtown, 1st Ave NE & former program and bring skilled workers into the Canadian work- Chaplin St. E, 2) Wheatland Mall, force faster and with better efficiency. 3) Swift Current Mall. To read full press releases go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/ HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon- department/media/index.asp day to Saturday, 7am - 5:30 pm One ride costs $ 1.50

ASK US! We are still working on our FAQ section on the website. Send us your questions and we will try to answer them. The best questions along with our answers will be published.

RACISM · HARASSMENT · DISCRIMINATION By Icasiana de Gala & Agnese Vilde

Racism, Harassment and Discrimination are very big words. In a multi- A stereotype is a generalization used to cultural environment, these three words are often used and heard of. define a group of people based only on the Whether the use of these words is appropriate in the circumstances words or deeds of one member of the group. When we oversimplify an individual involved is another issue. It cannot be denied that harassment and dis- or a group through generalizations, we’ve crimination happen every day. There are victims as there are perpetra- stereotyped, not bothering to consider the tors. There are also enough bystanders who just don’t care or choose differences between all of us. to ignore what is happening around them. Racism, Harassment, Dis- crimination… are loaded words that when used incorrectly hold conse- Prejudice is an attitude, almost always negative, about a whole group of people. quences. We should not use these words lightly. Not every situation Prejudice is a pre-judgment based on involves harassment or discrimination and usually people don’t want to stereotypes that we create with incomplete or don’t mean to be racist. A certain clash of personality or difference or inaccurate facts. in opinion does not automatically translate to harassment or discrimination. When someone does not agree with or even simply does not Discrimination can be the result of stereotyping and prejudice. It’s the action we take like someone from a different culture, it does not automatically make against others that humiliates or belittles their actions discriminatory or a form of harassment. them, or puts them at a disadvantage. Dis- crimination denies people benefits and op- It is always best to have respect for another person regardless of who portunities that other people enjoy in areas or from where he/she is. RESPECT is the basis of understanding and like housing, employment, education and harmony. Everyone deserves it. public services. Racism is a combination of stereotyping, If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination or any other serious prejudice and discrimination that makes some people think they are superior to peo- problems at work, contact the Labour Standards Branch for more infor- ple of other ancestries. It is demeaning and mation and find out if your employer is treating you unfairly. If you want debilitating. Having to live and work in an to file a complaint, they will explain how to do that. You can contact La- environment covert discrimination can bour Standards without giving any personal information, your conversa- cause victims to suffer a range of physical tion will be confidential and no one will report you to your employer. and mental health problems. Harassment is any behavior that demeans, More info is available at www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/ls humiliates or embarrasses a person. Discriminatory harassment includes: Swift Current Branch  Unwanted physical contact (touching, Provincial Building, 2nd floor grabbing, hitting or pinching) 350 Cheadle St. W  Written or verbal abuse or threats Swift Current, SK S9H 4G3  Unwelcome remarks, jokes, slurs, or taunts Phone: (306) 778 8246 about a person’s ancestry, national or eth- nic origin, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited ground  Insulting names or comments  Jokes, cartoons, or pictures that embar- rass or insult someone  Ignoring, isolating, or segregating a person or group  Negative treatment because of sex, ancestry, disability or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.

Discrimination in Employment on the Basis of Nationality or Place of Origin Most employers know they can’t refuse to hire someone because of their ancestry, but many don’t know that The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (the Code) also stops employers from asking certain questions on application forms or in interviews which might allow them to eliminate candidates based on nationality or place of origin. After all, these questions won’t help employers find the best candidates because they are not relevant to the job. During the hiring process (recruitment advertisements, job application forms, and job interviews), potential employers are entitled to ask applicants if they are legally entitled to work in Canada but not about their specific citizenship status or where they were born. To be “legally entitled to work in Canada” you must be a citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit or visa. Asking this question ensures the potential employer that the applicant is not applying for work illegally.

Inquiries before hiring: Inquiries After Employment dian citizens in order to en- During the hiring process, poten- or Conditional Offer of Em- hance the meaning of citizen- tial employers cannot ask ques- ployment ship as a unifying symbol tions related to: Even though there are some for Canadians and to encourage • Birthplace and nationality of an- questions employers should not permanent residents to natural- cestors, spouse or other relatives be asking during interviews and ize. • Citizenship & naturalization on application forms, it is often • The Government of Sas- • Permanent resident status okay to ask those things once katchewan does not have a • Requests for proof of Canadian someone is an employee or has citizenship preference for citizenship, or a Social Insurance been offered a conditional offer provincial jobs and merely Number (SIN) which may contain of employment. asks if applicants are legally information about an applicant’s These include asking: entitled to work in Canada. place of origin or citizenship status • For proof of legal entitlement • “Canadian experience” for a par- to work in Canada; Employment agencies are sub- ticular job which is indirect prefer- • For the employee’s birth cer- ject to the Code, as well. If they ential treatment based on nation- tificate or social insurance num- screen someone out on the ba- ality or place or origin ber; sis of nationality or place of • Membership in organizations • About religion to determine origin, they could have a which are identified by a prohib- when leave-of-absence may be human rights complaint brought ited ground of discrimination, required for the observance of against them. That’s also true if • The name and location of religious holidays. they ask questions that are pro- schools the applicant attended hibited during the hiring process. • The candidate’s mother-tongue Applying for Federal or • Where or how a person learned Provincial Government Jobs another language • The Government of Canada • The candidate’s religion. can give preference to Cana-

Under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, it’s illegal for any employer, educational institution or service provider under provincial jurisdiction to dis- criminate on the basis of race or perceived race, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, or religion in schools, housing, public services, contracts, or publications, or on the job.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission enforces the Code to protect victims of discrimination, and provides public education to prevent discrimination from happening. If you believe you are a victim of racial discrimination, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission can help.

Source: Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission 7

Racism Equals Ignorance By Emmanuel De Gala

Go back to the Philippines you freakin Nazi A couple of drunk guys once told me They might think it hurts like the sting of a bee But it’s actually kinda funny Because I am not a freakin Nazi

We are all victims not just me And I know this because I see it It is not how it is supposed to be We should never have to talk about it

I am Filipino and maybe a little Spanish in blood It might be your country but you can’t treat me like mud I would give you all of my respect if you give me some Thank you for sharing your lunch I hope you treat better those who are about to come break with us on March 21st!

We are all victims not just me And I know this because I see it It is not how it is supposed to be We should never have to talk about it

Some sung the song of the Natives to my brother And one said “make sushi” to the Filipino boxer They think their insults are very intelligent They try so hard to be racist but they can’t

We are all victims not just me And I know this because I see it It is not how it is supposed to be We should never have to talk about it

As for my fellow immigrants who try to build walls that separate yourselves from them in the school halls Back stabbing with our own language is never okay Just because they cannot understand them Maybe you did something wrong and they’re afraid to say

because all you do is accuse them of racism

Cultural diversity is a We are all victims not just me And I know this because I see it fact of life in Canada – It is not how it is supposed to be it’s what makes our We should never have to talk about it country so rich.

Family Literacy Week Celebrations By Agnese Vilde

As part of the Family Literacy Week celebration the Welcome Centre hosted an afternoon of fun games and learning. On Tuesday afternoon (January 24), nine boys came and turned our centre upside down. They were reading, coloring, playing and running around all while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate (thanks to the kind donation from Tim Hortons). The slogan for this year’s literacy week was: “Play for Literacy!” Play for Literacy includes all types of play that encourages literacy and numeracy. Card games, puzzles and skip- ping are examples of fun activities that promote reading, spelling and

To promote reading, we also had a draw of some very nice children’s Family Literacy Olympics was books at the end of the week. Any child that came to the Welcome held on January 26 at Great Plains Centre during the Family Literacy Week was able to participate in the College cafeteria and was well draw. Our lucky winners were: Brycen, Marvin, Ghrandozz, Alex and attended by newcomer as well as Andrei. Congratulations! We hope you keep reading and keep local families. Children of all ages learning in everything you do. could participate.

Family Literacy Day Celebration “Reading With Stars” was held on January 27 at the Swift Current Mall Center Court. As part of the celebration, four local stars read books to Grade 1 & 2 students from all elementary schools. 9

Our Stories: Journeys from There to Here By Mabel R. Derksen

My name is Mabel Renuka Derk- in Swift Current?” you might won- ecstatic! Finally, they had left the sen. I am a second generation Ca- der. Here is my journey from there isolation behind. Now, they were nadian. My parents immigrated to to here. only twenty minutes north-east of Canada from India in the early Saskatoon. My mother was dizzy I spent the first twelve years of my 1970s. I was born in Toronto. My with excitement! After so many life in and around Victoire, Sas- father was an educator and he years, she had immediate access katchewan, a little hamlet on the tried desperately to find a teach- to better conveniences, an East- outskirts of Big River First Nation. I ing position in the big city. Unfor- Indian grocery store, and other was the only East-Indian Canadian tunately, in spite of his excellent families of the same culture. My in my community, except for my English, he faced barriers to em- father found joy in teaching at two younger sisters and infant ployment due to his accent, his Valley Christian Academy, a semi- brother. I remember feeling color, and his Indian college cre- private school outside of Osler. “brown on the outside, white on dentials. Frantically, he sent out This was the learning institution the inside”. I desperately wanted numerous applications all over where I obtained my high school to fit in with my Caucasian friends! Canada, determined to get a job education. Even though I intermittently spoke to support his new bride and six- Hindi at home and enjoyed eating It was a bit challenging growing up month old daughter. And he did, curry and roti, I was ashamed of in a town that was mono-cultural. approximately 3000 km away, at my ethnicity in public. Thus, I was My siblings and I received many Se-Se-Wa-Hum School, Big River “Mabel” at school, not “Renuka”. “looks” when we walked into local First Nation, Saskatchewan. businesses. Eventually, we were We eventually moved from Vic- Big River First Nation is about a known and respected as “Mr. toire, a French-Canadian settle- six hour drive north-east of Swift David’s children”. I recall correct- ment, to Osler, Saskatchewan, a Current. “How did Mabel end up ing many misconceptions of my Mennonite town. My parents were home culture as a youth. “Are you a Hindu?” I was asked. “No,” I re- plied, “I’m a Christian. A follower of Hinduism is called a Hindu.” “Do you eat monkey brains and eye ball soup?” an impetuous classmate queried. “No, that’s just in the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” I cor- rected, shaking my head in frus- tration. Eventually, my classmates accepted me as one of their own. To this day, I am friends with two wonderful women whom I met at Valley Christian Academy. My family moved to Saskatoon when I started to attend the Uni- versity of Saskatchewan. I fol- lowed in the footsteps of my parents and became a teacher as well.

my husband and cherish him as a son. I am grateful that my husband loves me and my family. I am thankful that my husband is willing to learn about my culture. And I cherish every time my husband calls me “Renuka”. My husband and I have brought two beautiful children into this world, a daughter (age 4) and a son (soon to be 2). Scott received a teaching position at Swift Current Comprehensive High School the year our son was born. We moved so that I could fulfill my desire to be a stay-at- home Mom. We are excited to raise our family here in Swift Current. I have full confidence that my My career took me far and wide. I with Saskatchewan all over again. children will thrive in this com- was privileged to work in Edmon- I appreciated the wide open munity. However, there are ton, Alberta and Hong Kong, spaces, glorious sunsets, and days I wonder if my daughter China. The further I travelled clean, crisp air to a deeper de- and son will struggle with being from my family, the prouder I gree. I also met my soul mate, “mixed”. Will they be teased became of being an East-Indian Scott Derksen, who has Dutch- about their Daddy being Canadian. I donned my salwar Mennonite heritage. Our common “White” and Mommy being kameez with delight. I adopted faith and love for teaching sci- “Brown”? Will they refuse to curries and rice into my reper- ence united us, amongst other practice the Hindi they are cur- toire of cooking. I practiced my things. We were engaged nine rently learning as they seek to Hindi every chance I got. And I months after we met and married fit in with others? Will I be the even put on my East-Indian ac- seven months later. last non-Caucasian ancestor in cent to get a laugh. It is not surprising that I have their genealogy? Only time will Years later, I returned to Saska- married outside my ethnicity. reveal the answers to these toon to reconnect with my family Most of my life, I’ve had to adapt questions. In the meanwhile, and complete my Masters of Edu- to cultures other than my own. we will teach our children the cation degree. Afterwards, I re- All of my close friends, save a beauty found in their dual heri- ceived a teaching position with few, are Caucasian. Thus marry- tage and common faith, while Saskatoon Public Schools. Even ing a man who is a different color making Swift Current our new though I missed the synergy of than me was not a huge leap. I home. large Asian centers, I fell in love am blessed that my parents love

Do you have a story to tell of how Swift Current has become your new home? We would love to hear from you!

Please contact Agnese at (306) 778 6262 or [email protected]

You may be featured in a future edition of Our Stories: Journeys from There to Here.

Fusion of Flavors! By Rafa Diaz

What does Fusion mean? Some people say it is about combining elements of various culinary methods and forms of cooking. Personally, I think it is more than a combination of taste, but mixture of cultures and lifestyles, sometimes bringing a blend of various regional cooking styles into one single dish.

I have always told my friends and customers that there is no confusion when it comes to “fusion.” It’s about adding a touch of different elements with a little twist.

Why to fusion flavours? A lot of home cooks and chefs around the world find it interesting way of “rediscovering” or “reinventing” a classic dish taking it into the next level with a new combination of flavours and art. Maple Chipotle Tacos with pickled onions & sesame seeds,

A great mix of foreign ingredients with local products.

CORN TORTILLAS FILLING SAUCE ½ cup corn flour 100 g diced grill chicken. 100 g of smoky chipotles ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp chopped green onions. or dry jalapeno peppers 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro 1 cup water ½ cup warm water ¼ red onion finely sliced 1/2 cup brown sugar ½ cup canola oil 1 cup maple syrup Mix everything and 1 teaspoon salt Mix everything and form garnish with some red small balls of 30 g and cabbage and jalapenos Take smoky chipotles or roll flat. Heat the tortillas or banana peppers. dry jalapeno peppers and in a lightly oiled skillet blend with water and and cook for one minute Tbsp - tablespoon brown sugar. Mix puree each side. tsp - teaspoon with maple syrup. Add salt.

A little fusion of chipotle pepper & maple syrup it creates a unique “smoky tangy” spicy delight.

Chinook Regional Library & Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre are proud to present: COOKING CULTURE

Bringing newcomers and established community members together by

interacting through food and showcasing personal cultural meals.

Food, especially traditional published book which will be The creation and layout of the food, can bridge a gap and cre- distributed in the community. book is also dependent on the ate a tie into a culture to estab- We will be creating a high chefs and sharing the personal lished community members; quality cookbook that show- culture. Stories of home, coin- traditional food is as indicative cases a number of cultures ciding with recipes, is what will of a country as language is. while having strong images of make this project stand out We will be holding a number of food, culture, preparation and from other contemporary meals created from a variety of personal experiences. In the cookbooks. newcomers for the established book layout the food photo The book assembly and publi- community members. While will reside on one page, the cation will fall directly into the preparing dishes the newcomer opposite page will list recipes, hands of the participants. Par- will discuss the food, the spic- personal stories and images on ticipants are expected to or- ing and other nuances about other pages. ganize materials, work with the life in their homeland. Newcomers will describe why photographer, book meal We will be hiring a professional they chose the particular dishes plans, clean dishes and areas, photographer to take cook- and what those dishes mean to and more, all the while inter- book quality photos of the them on a personal level. acting with each other. food to be used in a self-

We are looking for recipes with a story, a recipe that is a family favorite, or has been passed to you by your This program is a mother or grandmother, a recipe that tells about where bridge, through food, you are from and your culture. to an insight into the We would like to invite anyone who wants to share a rec- lives of all participants. ipe with the rest of the Southwest Saskatchewan. Your recipe might just be perfect for a cookbook. You not only get to share your recipe and culture, but also to enjoy it together with your friends. Please do share with us your delicious home-made recipes. You will be providing a great contribution to the food culture in the Southwest Saskatchewan. If you are interested, please give us a call at 778-6262 or send us an email at [email protected]

Financial Literacy Workshop by Icasiana de Gala

As newcomers to Canada, there mortgage, what types of insurance After a few meetings, we were are many aspects of life here that should we get, or what do we do if able to get the participation of we are still not very familiar with - our spouse dies, and so on. three (3) very generous and knowl- it could be the weather, the food, edgeable persons: Mr. Russ Sie- the school system, certain sports, These are not easy questions, and mens from the Innovation Credit and of course the financial system. they would be best answered by Union Board of Directors, Ms. Carla Everything that we do here practi- people who are experts in these Carlson from the Nimegeers Carl- cally involves banking, making pay- fields. While looking for the right son Law Firm and Mr. Bob ments, securing loans or mortgage resource persons, we sought the Jamieson from Sunlife Insurance. and others. There are also other help of Pastor Kevin Snyder of the questions that came up such as: Eastside Church of God, who had Finally, we had the Financial Liter- how do we start applying for a organized workshops of this kind in acy Workshop on March 1 and 3 the past. here at the Welcome Centre.

First to speak was Mr. Siemens. piece of advice: we must be able 2. Critical Illness Insurance covers He discussed the basics of fi- to “DISTINGUISH WANTS AND costs for treatment expenses (includes travel, meals, rooms, nances, credit cards, credit scores, NEEDS.” Often we confuse our etc.), and replacement of some wants with our needs and end up and some practical ways of saving lost income. and investing our money. Since incurring debt for things that we 3. Disability Insurance covers in- banks in Canada are the most se- really do not need. come replacement when sick or cure in the world, keeping our injured and unable to work. Next, Mr. Jamieson discussed in- money in banks or credit unions is 4. Health and Dental Coverage is surance. He said that a big part of the best way to safeguard it. In- very useful. It covers ambulance the financial planning process costs, massage therapy/ vesting our money in some way is should include insurance. There physiotherapy, prescription also a smart move. If we want a are different types of insurance drugs, dental check-ups and secure investment, we could that we must be aware of in order other dental costs like crowns, choose Mutual Funds instead of the to make an informed decision on caps, bridges and orthodontic Stock Market. He also mentioned which type to get or which one we work and other miscellaneous need the most. Types of insur- RRSP’s as a very good investment. costs. ances include: He emphasized that when securing 5. Home owner/Tenant Insurance is a very wise investment for loans, financial institutions usually 1. Life Insurance, which would protection against fire, liability cover final costs of burial, ac- look at the 4C’s – Credit Rating, coverage and loss or damage to counting, legal fees and others. Capacity, Collateral, and Charac- property. It could also pay off mortgages ter. So, it is necessary to protect 6. Vehicle Insurance includes acci- and other debt, kids’ education dent coverage, theft and other our credit score by paying bills on costs and income replacement expenses. time. He also gave a very sound for survivors.

Ms. Carlson was the last to speak. month’s rent and can be paid in keep the deposit. She explained the legal back- 2 installments – the first half  The landlord has seven (7) busi- ground of the most common con- upon possession and the other ness days to return the deposit. cerns of newcomers. She talked within 2 months; about renting a home and all as-  Take a picture of the apartment Another topic that she stressed pects related to a rental agree- upon taking possession as proof upon was the issue of Common- ment such as security deposits, of its condition at that time. Law relationships. In Canada, two payment of rent, rent increases, This would be very helpful later (2) persons who live as spouses for and the quiet enjoyment of the if there is an issue about the two (2) years are considered as rental space by the tenant from condition of the property. spouses as far as property relations the landlord and other individuals.  Rent Increase – landlord must are concerned and the same rules Any person who has an issue about give tenants 6 months notice be- for married individuals would ap- the rental agreement or how it fore any increases can be made; ply; for income tax purposes, they was being executed should resort  Notice to terminate rental agree- need to be in the common-law rela- to the Rentalsman for settlement. ment is best put in writing and tion for only six (6) months. Pre- nuptial agreement also applies to Some things to remember: must be given before the end of the month. common-law partners as long as The Rental law does not require  they applied for it before their sec- that a rental agreement be in  One must provide with their new ond year as partners. The issue of writing; however, it is always address with the landlord upon abuse between a couple in a com- best to put it in writing. the termination of the contract so that damage deposit cab be mon-law relationship is also treated  Damage deposit should not ex- returned. If no forwarding ad- in the same manner as that of a ceed the equivalent of one (1) dress is left, the landlord can married couple.

There was also a discussion on pur- cerned, there are three very im- tant, especially when we have lost chasing a house. It is always best portant documents that we need to the capacity to decide on issues of to know from a financial institution prepare to protect us and our de- health. Do you have any of these if we qualify for a loan and for how pendents as well. documents already? Now is the much. If we have searched around The first important document is best time to go and seek some ad- for our ideal home and found one the WILL. It usually contains such vice regarding these matters. that we like, we must make sure details as who the EXECUTOR of She also introduced resources to that our deposit is conditional on the estate is going to be, who are get some legal help. The Public our approval for a mortgage by the our BENEFICIARIES, who is going to Legal Education Association or financial institution. In the even- take care of our children, and PLEA is a non-profit, non- tuality that we do not get ap- other important details about our government organization that ex- proved, we can always get the de- property. ists to educate and inform the peo- posit back. If we are wondering Another important document is the ple of Saskatchewan about the law how much the legal fees are, we SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY. In and the legal system. Check out must remember that the Law Soci- this document we authorize some- the website at www.plea.org. The ety limits the price that a lawyer one to act on our behalf in case of Pro-Bono program or free time can charge on the sale depending absence or incapacity to act. with a lawyer is also available at on the value of the property. It is the Salvation Army. The Law Soci- The third important document is best to ask the lawyer how much ety website provides a complete the HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE. This the legal fees will be and he/she list of lawyers in Saskatchewan. document outlines our end of life should be able to clarify. There is also a legal aid program health wishes and is very impor- As far as Estate Planning is con- for specific types of cases.

It was indeed a very informative session. Those who attended learned a lot from the workshop and took some new information with them. We are very thankful to our resource persons for sharing their time and expertise on this topic. We would also like to thank the Literacy Committee for its support to this Financial Literacy Workshop.

To be eligible for a loan, you must:

 Be an immigrant living in Saskatchewan  Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person, or a temporary resident with a valid work permit, who are nominees under the Saskatchewan Nominee Program)  Have worked in another country in the field you wish to return to (this program is not designed to help you learn a new career) To apply for a loan:  Have English skills that enable you to complete your employment plan 1. Contact an IAF representative to confirm that  Have a plan that sets out what you must do to you are eligible to apply and to find out what be able to work in your field information you need for your application.  Be accepted into the program you are applying 2. Download Application Form at the loan toward (if applicable) www.iafcanada.org  Have a reasonable chance of obtaining employ- 3. Complete & Submit Your Application. The ment in your field Loan Review Team will review your com-  Lack access to comparable financial resources pleted application within two weeks.

 Not have an undischarged bankruptcy For more information, please contact:

 Agree to repay the loan, with interest Sergio Manrique | Loan Manager  Complete an application and satisfy all require- Immigrant Access Fund of Saskatchewan Inc ments C 306 491 07 30 | [email protected]

Need a hand?

The Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre is once again We can’t prepare tax returns for partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the complex situations such as: Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. This program  returns for deceased persons; offers free tax preparation services to low-income individu-  individuals who file for bankruptcy; als, seniors and pensioners, newcomers, people with dis-  self-employed individuals; abilities and social assistance recipients.  individuals who report capital gains Are you unable to prepare your income tax and benefit return or losses; OR yourself?  individuals who report employment We can help you to complete your income tax and benefit expenses, or business or rental in- return if your income is low and your tax situation is simple. come and expenses. This service is FREE of charge. You are not eligible to participate in To find out if you are eligible or to make an appointment, call this program if your income exceeds Agnese at (306) 778 6262 or stop by the Welcome Centre. $ 30,000 (single person), $ 35,000 (married couple/single parent, plus Make sure to bring all your tax papers, receipts and forms $ 2,500 for each dependant) with you!

¡Avanzando Unidos! Together We Are Moving Forward!

by Emilia Main

April is Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada and to celebrate, the Canadian Hispanic Business Association runs the awards program “10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians.” Since 2007, the awards program has honored Hispanic Ca- nadians (third largest minority in Canada) that have made an impact in all areas of life, such as science and technology, volunteer contributions, and the arts. Here are a few former award winners:

Born in Toronto, Rodriguez has Born in Havana, Cuba, been a principal dancer with the Hilario Duran began Hilario Duran National Canadian Ballet since playing piano by ear at 2000. She has been a dancer in the age of eight. To- many major productions with day, he is a multiple- the Ballet since 1990, including award-winning pianist, Swan Lake, Don Quijote, Romeo composer, arranger, and Juliet, La Fille mal gardée, orchestra leader, edu- Sonia Rodriguez and Cinderella. cator and recording artist. In addition to winning three Juno Born in El Salvador, Julio Torres- awards, Duran is a volunteer teacher at Humber College in Recinos is an accomplished poet Toronto and he performed at the Vancouver 2010 Cultural and writer. His poetry and sto- Olympiad. ries have been published all over the world. He is also an Associate Professor at the Uni- Mario Perez came to Can- versity of Saskatchewan and ada from Cuba seeking a received a Teaching Excellence better life for his family. Even though he ended up Julio Torres - Recinos Award by the U of S Student Union. homeless at one point, Perez became a software developer for organiza- Dr. Ivar Mendez, Director of the tions such as Nestle and Neural Transplantation Labora- the US Embassy. He then tory at Dalhousie University in Mario Perez created a software com- Nova Scotia, is a pioneer in the pany and consulting en- use of robotics in neurosurgery. gagements with AT&T. He was also a founding member of His work moves doctors closer Yak Communications. He has provided opportunities for to the possibility of brain repair young Hispanics with interest in entrepreneurship and soft- and solutions to problems in- ware development. volving disease and injury of the Ivar Mendez brain and spinal cord. Alberto Elmir has shaped Canada’s Hispanic media Alberto Elmir Eva Avila, whose father is of for forty years. He was an Peruvian origin, was born in editor at El Popular news- Gatineau, Quebec. In 2006, she paper and a broadcaster at won the fourth season of Cana- CHIN Radio, a multicultural dian Idol. She has since had broadcasting station. In several number successful Cana- 1984, Elmir influenced the dian singles and is the first Ca- creation of Telelatino TV nadian face for Maybelline New (TLN), and in 2000, he cre- York. She also sung at the clos- ated Ondas Hispanas, a ing ceremonies for the 2010 Eva Avila Vancouver Olympics. Spanish speaking radio and Internet station.

The Toronto District School Board, where over 5000 of their students speak Spanish as a second language, chose “¡Avanzando Unidos!” or “Together We Are Moving Forward!” as their theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2012. 18

with Tommi

Ditch the workout and join the party. Zumba Fitness® is the only Latin- inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive. Some examples of rhythms are Salsa, Merengue, Samba, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Funk and hip- hop.

Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the My name is Tommi-Lyn world's largest – and most successful – dance-fitness program with more Ortega. I am from Swift than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba Current and have been a cer- classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries. Some- times great ideas are born from accidents. In the mid-'90s, no one could tified Zumba instructor since have predicted the success of the Zumba®program, not even Alberto "Beto" September 2011. The first Perez, who created the Zumba experience, after what many have called a time I tried Zumba I became true "happy accident." addicted. More on Zumba at www.zumba.com I love Zumba because I love Check out to dance and have fun. It the Welcome Centre doesn’t matter about doing to see when the next all the right steps, it just Zumba classes matters about moving your are posted. body. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Zumba gives a sense of joy Don’t miss out and confidence for people of on the fun! all ages, cultures, shapes and sizes. It feels like a party, To celebrate and not exercise. I also love the Hispanic Heritage Month, Latin music and can’t help the Welcome Centre will be but want to move my body hosting SALSA NIGHTS when it’s plays. Zumba on April 13 and April 20 brings me lots of joy and I want to share it with others. @ 7:00 - 9:00 Bring your dancing shoes and https://www.zumba.com/en learn some hot moves with -US/profiles/308381/tommi- experienced dance instructors lyn-ortega/ John and Victoria. See you there!

Katimavik = Cultural Experiment?

By Austin Hawkins-Seagram

We have, once again, a group of devoted young volunteers in our community. In the spirit of diversity, here we have 11 youth between the ages of 17 and 21, from different races, with different primary languages, and from all over different parts of Canada, living in one house right here in Swift Current. These youth are involved in all sorts of activities here in the city; from helping to recycle alongside special needs employees, to welcoming new members of the community, to assisting the elderly, to help to put on concerts and events, to promoting healthy active family time and helping out at Broncos games. The Katimavik group of Swift Cur- rent provides support to the community, and helps it grow along with the volunteers themselves. Katimavik, the government sponsored program to bring volunteers to different communities throughout Can- ada and give youth an opportunity for firsthand life experience, has been around the area for years, and this season we have another group of volunteers willing to help where they’re needed.

They are an interesting group of people each with their own quirks. Some have heavy French accents when they speak English. Some have heavy English accents when they speak French. Some like to dance in the kitchen. Some like to play chess. Some like to yell and make a lot of noise around other people who are trying to play chess.

To put 11 young arrogant hormonal people in a small house, tell them they are responsible for themselves and one another, that their every action will affect everybody else, and stand back to see what happens, would at first glance look like a cruel psychological Stanford experiment. But the disagreements between these people are insignificant compared to the tolerance and mutual understanding given and received; whether the difference is in culture, race, language or lifestyle. The way these youth have adapted and grown to suit the needs of one another in a few short months is nothing short of fascinating. A lot of Kati- mavik houses crash and burn because of the internal conflict between its members. This one, though, is really starting to come into its own. And the group has many to thank; one another, their supervisor, but the community as well, and the wonderful influence from having good, selfless relations with Swift Current. And on their behalf, I would like to do just that. Thank you, to everyone who has helped our group to grow; and thank you for giving us the opportunity to return the favor.

Austin Hawkins-Seagram, Katimavik Volunteer 2012

REMINDERS

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENTS WHO IS NEW?

Want to take an ESL class? Don’t forget to tell us who is new in Need to improve your English for your our community. If you know someone job? (neighbor, friend, colleague or family member) who is new to Swift Current and Ask us about our language assessments South West Saskatchewan, please let us and to see if you qualify! For more infor- know so that we can welcome them and mation and to sign up, please contact assist them in any way we can. Agnese at (306) 778 6262 or May the NWC be the first stop towards [email protected] their settlement.

International Women of Don’t miss out on impor- Swift Current tant events, announce- get together ments and opportunities for support and for newcomers living in friendship. Southwest Saskatchewan.

Add us and keep in touch Activities include: discussion groups, exercise with all that is going on! programs, movie nights, cooking demonstrations, and cross-cultural exchanges.

Meeting Place & Time Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre HOMEWORK CLUB 237 Central Ave N, Swift Current If you would like your kids to take part in the September - April on most Wednesdays program, please send us their names and grade @ 7:30 p.m. level, as well as the subject that they would need help in. CONTACT INFORMATION Myra Leyshon (306) 773 – 5068, We are also looking for volunteer [email protected] tutors! To apply and for more info, Anne Moola (306) 773 – 1711 please contact us at 778-6262 or email [email protected] [email protected]

We welcome our newest newcomers:

Maricar & Abisha Belle Adriana Carrillo & Sofia arrived on December 30, 2011

Jhoanna & Fatima

PARDO family arrived in February, 2012

& new babies!

Families Reunited

coming soon...