U Radio

Utilizing the energy and political movements of Punk rock, a new bedroom band has one goal to lift spirits with their eclectic blend of fuzzed-out punk and deconstructed pop. Olenka Krakus and Jeffrey Moon created positive People. Their song "Praise Be" is about mental health journeys, mourning, and gratitude. Let's meet up with Olenka, who shares her journey with music, English literature, her Fa...

The past few years have been difficult for most people. We've heard stories of lost jobs and people losing everything. Homelessness, addiction, mental health, employment and food security have become much more apparent and a reality for many more. But these are things that people have been struggling with for much longer than during the pandemic.  Non-profits can go a long way in helping thos...

According to all scientific evidence, we will have to make some dramatic changes in the coming years to ease the impact of the imminent climate emergency. Scientific approaches are important, but we can also learn a lot from elders and knowledge keepers of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. That's where the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective comes in. https://www.lwic.org/ Intro and out...

Established in 2001, Returning to Spirit provides healing and reconciliation workshops nationwide. A mother, grandmother, and residential school survivor, Executive Director Lisa Raven applies her experiences and expertise to the idea of reconciliation, working with people to help them move forward from what has been keeping them stuck in life. https://www.returningtospirit.org/ Intro and outro mu...

Chubby Cree is a Grandmother-Grandson duo that uses the healing power of music to empower women and youth and increase awareness of social issues across their hometown of Edmonton. The group has released its first single, “Rock Your World.” Carol and Noah share their musical journey and how they are bringing both women and children to the drum.  https://www.facebook.com/chubbycree/ Intro and...

It can be a struggle when one has a long-term illness. It eats away not only your physical self but your mental health. An independent artist is taking the pain of illness and emotional loss and turning it into music.   Here's Vivek Mehmi telling us about his journey and his new release, "Around Your Finger."  https://www.vivekmehmi.com/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire...

Making a difference in your community can be tricky. Where do you start, and what should you even do. An initiative through Volunteer Manitoba is helping Youth achieve that goal, making a difference in their community. Small or big, every project can make a difference. Three members of a team project shared why they wanted to get active in their neighbourhood. For Black Youth interested in partici...

Having been a member of several bands over the years, Jesse wanted to create a passion project with his wife, Tessa. In an independent release, I Think You, And Maybe Me, the songs were written to explore new ways of making noise and facilitating unique manners of imagining possible futures.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we take you on a journey of understanding our connection to music, the...

Humans have done amazing things, building massive structures, creating mesmerizing art, and witnessing the cosmos. However, we've put an enormous strain on our planet with these accomplishments. A musician has released an album to evoke the healing nature of trees and encourage listeners to think about their world and the climate. The album is called Songs for Trees. https://norinebraun.com/ Intro...

In 1987 Manitoba passed the Human Rights Code, protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation, prompting the official Pride March in Winnipeg. 🏳️‍🌈 Thirty-five years later, Pride Winnipeg has grown to include communities of diverse sexualities, gender identities, and relationships. Although society has developed tremendously since the first Pride event, we must continue to fight fo...

You don’t have far to experience the magic and beauty of Iceland, with Gimli host to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.  In anticipation of the festival, a poetry and shorty story contest is held, inviting writers worldwide to showcase their creativity in the written arts. This year’s theme is the Spirit of Iceland.  To tell us more is festival board member Angela Collins. https://www.i...

Since 2016, a women-led group has been keeping the North Point Douglas community safe through community service, activism, and engagement. The women of Mama Bear Clan have done so much to support their community, donating time and energy to make a difference.  Grace Akerstream Laing is the Coordinator for the Mama Bear Clan. Find out what is needed to help improve the conditions of others, cr...

Dorothy Visser is a residential school survivor. Almost 83 years old, Dorothy remembers life before residential school and shares what she experienced in the residential school, both good and bad. Dorothy's focus is on healing her communities through Language, culture and faith. If you are a residential school survivor, please, share your story and speak freely with us. Contact U Multicultural at...

Whether performing to an audience, a small group, or himself, Justin Lacroix creates music merging Francophone and Anglophone communities. The importance of supporting our communities, celebrating diversity in music, and tangents on ancient Neolithic instruments and how sounds are made in movies is what you can expect in this episode of U Talk. http://www.justinlacroix.com/ Intro and outro music:...

Three talented and accomplished musicians created a new EP, The Walls. Myana draws inspiration from its Cuban and Canadian members' roots in its post-pop sound. Bassist Ernesto, Drummer Roselin, and vocalist/guitarist Nicholas share their story from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. https://www.instagram.com/myanamusic/ Intro and outro music: Mind Games - Mathew Mcguire.

The past few years have seen an explosion of diversity in the film industry—films featuring diverse creators, stories, and cultures. What if I told you there were creators from the Asian diaspora creating movies here in Manitoba? Starting May 13, the FascinAsian Film  Festival showcases films in Winnipeg and Calgary made by creators in  Manitoba, across Canada, and the United States. htt...

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week for the Canadian mental Health Association. In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness. By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness. The pandemic has only increased the challenges people face with mental health. There are services and programs available if you or someone you’re close to is struggling,...

Incorporated last year to address different needs in the community, Community Helpers Unite has three goals: 1) Open a permitted community kitchen to upcycle food into meals; 2) Deliver free cooking and grocery classes to marginalized groups; 3) Provide volunteer opportunities to those with barriers to employment. Want to volunteer or support? Contact communityhelpersunite@gmail.com . Intro and ou...

June is almost here! Not only does it bring the promise of warm weather and sunshine, but cultural festivals.  For those in the Greater Victoria area out in B.C or those looking to plan a summer vacation, Folktoria will be taking place from June 4 to 5.  Members of Folktoria are ecstatic to hold an in-person multicultural event once again. Even more exciting, it's Folktoria's 5th anniver...

Thursday, February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Ukrainians watch in horror as their friends, family, and culture are ruthlessly attacked. Many Ukrainian-Canadians are doing what they can to support the brave Ukrainians fighting to preserve their way of life. Yevgeniya Tatarenko and many community members have created Help Ukraine: Morden, an organization collec...

A lack of representation is the highest reported barrier to Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour workers’ sense of belonging in the Canadian live music industry.  Closing the Gap is a research study led by the Canadian Live Music Association that provides evidence on the nature of inequalities experienced by IBPOC live music workers and actionable policy recommendations to improve represen...

Spring is here, and a lot is happening. Of course, not just the change in weather but community events and initiatives eager to stretch their legs after the long winter. With Covid restrictions continuing to ease, there is a tremendous desire to reconnect.  Jennifer Chen is one of those people. She is always dedicated and passionate about giving back to her community. Involved in several non-...

For many years we've seen a lot of pain within the Indigenous community. Murdered and Missing Indigenous women and girls, unclean drinking water, the fight to protect Indigenous land. More recently, the news of children's graves found at residential schools. Native Women's Association of Canada is a voice for many within the Indigenous community. They are doing a lot of good work. Lorraine Whitman...

What was life like before? No matter how much we ponder, it will always be an alien reality to our own, another world. Some things help, and fossils are one of them.  A new announcement sheds some light on the mysteries of Manitoba millions of years ago. Tucked away in the city of Morden, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre has unveiled a nearly complete shark specimen. Executive Director Ad...

Everyone knows about Jamaica. Its tropical beaches, Reggae, fantastic food, and memorable people like Bob Marley or Usain Bolt. However, some may not be aware of the Jamaican High Commission in Canada. The High Commissioner is Her Excellency, Sharon J Miller. We sat down to discuss Jamaica's 60th year of Independence and the high Commission's collaboration with Winnipeg organization Pegcity Steppe...