For me, as a civic journalist it is important to make a difference in the lives of newcomers from Ukraine. As the war in their homeland displaced thousands, Manitoba has already welcomed more than 20,000 Ukrainians since the start of the war, it is expecting to welcome 7,000 people by the end of March.
U Multicultural recognized the challenges that these Ukrainian families faced in adapting to a new life, in a new country, with different customs and language. It was a complex journey, one that required more than just physical relocation. U Multicultural initiated a groundbreaking project – the first Ukrainian Language podcast in Winnipeg, aptly named "УКанаді" (In Canada).
Through "УКанаді," U Multicultural provided a platform for experienced immigrants to share their insights, advice, and experiences in building a life abroad. The podcast aimed to be a beacon of hope, dispelling the myth of instant success and acknowledging the struggles that accompany immigration. Each episode featured real stories of individuals who had faced adversity, and experienced setbacks, yet triumphed through resilience and determination.
The impact of civic journalistic content was profound, fostering a sense of community among Ukrainian newcomers. The podcast generated meaningful dialogues about the challenges of immigration, breaking down barriers and creating connections between different groups within the population. It became a source of information, guidance, and inspiration for those navigating the complexities of starting a new life in Canada.
As the Ukrainian community in Manitoba continues to grow, I believe this project will play a crucial role in strengthening civic life. The podcast addressed practical aspects of immigration, offering insights into integration, overcoming language barriers, and finding a sense of belonging.
Moreover, "УКанаді'' became a source of empowerment, encouraging listeners not to lose hope even when faced with daunting challenges. The stories showcased the resilience of individuals who had faced the unknown with courage, offering a beacon of optimism for those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of rebuilding their lives.
In light of the ongoing Ukrainian refugee crisis, my work as a civic journalist and the impact of "УКанаді" took on even greater significance. The podcast served as a bridge, connecting Ukrainian newcomers with the information they needed and fostering a sense of unity within the community. It contributed to the broader civic discourse, raising awareness about the experiences of immigrants and their importance in the fabric of Canadian society.
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About LJI
LJI Impact is the section of commediaportal.ca where the journalists and their organizations participating in CACTUS' Local Journalism Initiative can share their greatest successes.
Through the written stories, photos and videos you see in the LJI Impact section, you'll be able to read first hand accounts about how the presence of a community journalist is making a difference in communities across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative and the Community Media Portal.
The Community Media Portal is a gateway to the audio-visual media created by community media centres across Canada. These include traditional community TV and radio stations, as well as online and new media production centres.
Community media are not-for-profit production hubs owned and operated by the communities they serve, established both to provide local content and reflection for their communities, as well as media training and access for ordinary citizens to the latest tools of media production, whether traditional TV and radio, social and online media, virtual reality, augmented reality or video games.
The Community Media Portal has been funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (the LJI) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) in association with the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec (the Fédération). Under the LJI, over 100 journalists have been placed in underserved communities and asked to produce civic content that underpins Canadian democratic life.
