Neepawa

Business Survey Results Show Growth and Optimism Among Local Businesses

RrainNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:49:43 +0000

Business Survey Results Show Growth and Optimism Among Local Businesses RrainNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:49

While Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe already had a strong sense of how things were going in Neepawa’s business community, she recognized that personal impressions and anecdotal conversations could only go so far. Feelings, while important, are not a substitute for hard data, and she understood that there might be blind spots in her understanding of the broader local landscape. To address this, the Town of Neepawa undertook a formal Business Retention and Expansion Survey over the summer months. Conducted by a third-party firm, the survey reached out to a representative sample of businesses across a range of sectors, asking detailed questions that touched on many aspects of daily operations, future growth, and overall satisfaction.

Now that the results have been made public, Crewe says she is encouraged by what the data shows. In fact, across nearly every metric that the consultants examined, the town received positive results. Even the response rate for the survey itself was a highlight, coming in at more than four times higher than the industry average—an indicator, Crewe believes, that Neepawa’s business community is not only engaged but also eager to have their voices heard. Among the areas measured were growth opportunities, access to human resources, and the effectiveness of the town’s marketing and promotional efforts. In each case, the numbers pointed toward a healthy and optimistic business environment.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the study is the overall health of Neepawa’s business sector. Compared to national benchmarks, Neepawa performed well above average. Even more telling was the level of contentment among respondents, with an impressive 94% of businesses expressing satisfaction with their current situation in the community. This, Crewe notes, speaks volumes about the stability and vitality of Neepawa’s local economy.

That said, the survey did not shy away from identifying challenges. Crewe was candid in pointing out three key areas that require ongoing attention: the availability of affordable and suitable housing, the need for accessible and reliable child care, and the importance of expanding post-secondary educational opportunities that align with local market demands. These are not new issues, she added, but ones the town has already been working to address. For example, the opening of a post-secondary training facility in 2023 marked a significant step toward bridging the education gap, and further initiatives are in the works to tackle the other concerns.

Even beyond the results, the very act of conducting the survey has proven valuable. “For Neepawa to take a moment to listen to business in a comprehensive way that only a study like this can do is a huge step forward,” Crewe reflected. The process not only validated much of what the town already suspected but also provided concrete evidence to guide future planning. With clear data in hand and a strong base of community support, Neepawa is well-positioned to continue building on its successes while strategically addressing the challenges that remain.

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Prairies

Mon, 08/25/2025 - 12:00

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The Results of this Summer’s Business Retention and Expansion Survey Paint a Bright Picture for Neepawa.

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Economic development; small business; industry;

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:36:37

Initial Air Date

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:00

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Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Neepawa’s Children’s Business Fair

LiwayNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:48:21 +0000

Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Neepawa’s Children’s Business Fair LiwayNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:48

The Children’s Business Fair is an annual one-day market event in Neepawa that gives kids the chance to step into the role of entrepreneurs and showcase products from their very own small businesses. Organized by Marilyn Crewe, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Neepawa, the fair invites participants between the ages of 6 and 15 to dream up, design, and sell their own creations. A key rule is that all products must be handmade, encouraging creativity, skill-building, and originality.

This year’s fair featured 17 youth-run businesses, each with its own unique flair. Shoppers could browse a wide variety of items ranging from fresh-baked goods and handmade jewelry to hand-painted crafts and creative décor. Many families and community members came out to support the young vendors, and the event quickly became a lively hub of activity and conversation.

Beyond simply selling their products, the fair provided a valuable hands-on learning experience for the participants. Young entrepreneurs had the chance to practice essential skills such as business planning, customer service, and basic money management—skills that will serve them well in future endeavours. They also experienced what it means to connect with customers, explain their products with confidence, and take pride in their own hard work.

NACTV was on site throughout the day, speaking with the young vendors about their experiences. Many eagerly shared stories about the effort it took to prepare for the fair, from baking and crafting to designing signage and setting prices. For some, it was their very first taste of entrepreneurship, while others were returning participants who had refined their business ideas from the previous year.

For both organizers and participants, the Children’s Business Fair continues to highlight the creativity and determination of local youth, while giving the community a chance to celebrate and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Neepawa Access Community Television

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Sat, 08/30/2025 - 12:00

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Children's Business Fair Held Once Again this Year in Neepawa to Showcase Young Local Entrepreneurs.

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local economy; young entrepreneurs

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:35:18

Initial Air Date

Tue, 08/05/2025 - 12:00

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Growing Local Nurses: ACC Brings LPN Training Back to Neepawa

LiwayNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:39:30 +0000

Growing Local Nurses: ACC Brings LPN Training Back to Neepawa LiwayNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:39

Assiniboine Community College (ACC) has reinstated its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program in Neepawa, responding to the strong demand from local residents who have long sought easier access to nursing education. The program, which returned in early 2024, is intended to reduce one of the biggest barriers faced by prospective students in the region—the lengthy and often difficult commute to Brandon. For many rural applicants, travel distance has been a deciding factor in whether they could realistically pursue post-secondary education, especially in a field as demanding as nursing.

To help potential students prepare for the upcoming intake, ACC hosted an information session on June 23, 2025, in Neepawa. The session offered residents the chance to learn more about the program structure, application process, and career opportunities, while also giving them direct access to ACC representatives who could answer specific questions. The meeting drew interest from recent high school graduates, mature learners, and internationally trained individuals, underscoring the wide range of people who see healthcare training as both a career opportunity and a way to support their communities.

During the session, several recurring concerns emerged. One of the most pressing related to English Language Proficiency Requirements. Attendees sought clarity on which test scores were acceptable, whether exemptions were possible for long-term residents, and what alternatives might be available for demonstrating proficiency. Another area of focus was educational prerequisites. Questions centred on which high school courses were mandatory, how previous post-secondary credits might be recognized, and what the process looked like for internationally educated applicants hoping to transition into the Canadian healthcare system.

Financial supports were also top of mind. Many prospective students inquired about funding options such as provincial and federal student loans, bursaries, and scholarships. Others wanted to know whether targeted assistance existed for rural applicants, mature students returning to school, or those balancing family responsibilities. ACC staff emphasized that financial accessibility was a priority, and they encouraged attendees to explore the full range of supports available.

College representatives also highlighted the broader benefits of bringing the program back to Neepawa. Not only does it give students a more accessible path into the healthcare field, but it also helps rural communities address ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. Training students locally increases the likelihood that they will remain in the region after graduation, supporting hospitals, care homes, and clinics that continue to experience staffing shortages.

The return of the LPN program to Neepawa represents more than just an educational offering—it is a step toward building long-term healthcare capacity in rural Manitoba. By removing barriers and investing in local training opportunities, ACC is helping ensure that communities like Neepawa can meet the growing demand for healthcare workers while giving residents a chance to build meaningful, stable careers close to home.

Neepawa Access Community Television

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Thu, 07/31/2025 - 12:00

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Assiniboine College Held an Info Session to Reintroduce Licensed Practical Nursing Program in Neepawa.

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health care; licensed practical nursing

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:48:59

Initial Air Date

Sun, 07/27/2025 - 12:00

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New Events Centre Could Put Multiple Facilities Under One Roof

RrainNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:23:36 +0000

New Events Centre Could Put Multiple Facilities Under One Roof RrainNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:23

Neepawa’s aging recreation infrastructure has been a topic of discussion in the community for years, with facilities showing more wear and tear each season. A 2023 audit of the Yellowhead Centre recommended that the facility begin developing both short- and long-term strategic plans to ensure its survival. The idea of a new recreation centre isn’t new—but it needed someone to take the lead and turn it into action.

That’s where Wayne Jacobson stepped in. As president of the Yellowhead Centre board, Jacobson reached out to the curling club and the golf club to see if they might be interested in exploring a joint project. With both clubs on board, the next step was to approach Neepawa and the surrounding municipalities, who also agreed to support the effort. One of the key considerations, Jacobson notes, was to ensure the facility would serve the wider region, not just the Town of Neepawa.

The committee formed out of those early conversations has now developed a shortlist of potential sites for a new facility, each with its own advantages and challenges, along with a priority list of amenities it should include. They are now seeking public feedback on those options and on the project as a whole. The committee emphasizes that plans remain in the very early stages—there is no budget, no finalized site, and no timeline. At the best estimate, a new facility would still be at least a decade away.

Still, the community response has been encouraging. More than 100 people attended a recent public forum, Jacobson reports, and every single person who cast a vote at that meeting supported continuing to explore the idea of a new multi-use events centre. With that clear mandate, the committee will keep gathering feedback from residents beyond the forum and begin narrowing down what kind of facility the region truly needs.

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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A New Multi-Facility Community Events Centre Could be on the Horizon for Neepawa Residents.

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Municipal infrastructure; recreation;

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:28:01

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

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Volunteer Fair Showcases Local Opportunities in Neepawa

LiwayNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:35:56 +0000

Volunteer Fair Showcases Local Opportunities in Neepawa LiwayNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:35

Volunteer Manitoba, in partnership with the Town of Neepawa and the Yellowhead Centre, hosted a Volunteer Fair on September 16 with the goal of connecting local volunteer organizations with community members and raising awareness about the many ways people can contribute their time and talents. The event was designed to highlight not only the opportunities available but also the impact that volunteering has on individuals and communities alike.

According to Kamillah El-Giadaa, Training Manager at Volunteer Manitoba, the fair was as much a celebration as it was a call to action. “We are so excited to be in the Town of Neepawa today,” said El-Giadaa. “We are celebrating volunteers and encouraging people to get involved in their community. Today, we are at the Yellowhead Centre, where numerous non-profits are here, ready to talk with residents about the benefits of volunteering and the programs they offer.”

The event brought together a wide variety of organizations, representing a cross-section of community needs and services. Groups in attendance included the Neepawa Salvation Army, Prairie Mountain Health, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and the Minnedosa Lions Club, along with many other local non-profits and service groups. Each had booths and representatives available to answer questions, share information, and describe the unique roles that volunteers can play in supporting their missions.

Attendees had the chance to browse the booths, meet with organizational leaders, and learn more about the different kinds of work being done in the region. Some groups were looking for long-term commitments, while others welcomed short-term or event-based assistance, ensuring that people with a range of schedules and interests could find opportunities that suited them. From mentoring youth to supporting healthcare programs to lending a hand at community events, the fair demonstrated just how many avenues exist for people to make a difference.

Organizers noted that the event also provided a space for organizations to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that could strengthen community collaboration. By gathering so many groups under one roof, the fair underscored the collective impact volunteers have in keeping programs, services, and initiatives running smoothly in towns like Neepawa.

For residents, the fair was more than just an introduction to volunteer roles—it was also an invitation to feel more connected to the community. Volunteering not only supports essential services but can also create friendships, build skills, and foster a deeper sense of belonging. For newcomers to Neepawa, or those simply looking for ways to become more engaged, the Volunteer Fair offered a welcoming first step.

Overall, the event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to explore roles that align with their skills, passions, and availability, while reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and service that strengthens Neepawa and the surrounding area. With strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from both organizations and attendees, organizers hope the Volunteer Fair will become a recurring tradition in the community.

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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Volunteer Manitoba hosted a Volunteer Fair in Neepawa Participated by Local Organizations.

Tags

volunteerism; local organizations

mkp

Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

01:41:32

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

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Celebrating Indigenous Culture Day 2025 in Neepawa

LiwayNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:13:17 +0000

Celebrating Indigenous Culture Day 2025 in Neepawa LiwayNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:13

Indigenous Culture Day is an annual event in Neepawa that honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation while also celebrating the diversity, resilience, and traditions of Indigenous peoples. This year, the gathering was held on September 26, 2025, at The Flats, and was organized by ArtsForward in collaboration with the Town of Neepawa. The day-long event created a space where learning, reflection, and celebration could come together in meaningful ways.

The program featured an impressive lineup of presenters, dancers, and speakers representing a range of Indigenous communities across Manitoba and beyond. Their performances and teachings offered attendees a rich and immersive cultural experience that balanced education with celebration. Organizers estimate that this year’s event welcomed approximately 2,000 participants, the majority of whom were students from schools in Neepawa and surrounding areas, alongside educators, parents, and members of the wider community.

Proceedings began with a formal opening ceremony led by Manitoba Government representatives and community leaders. Remarks were given by MLA Robert Loiselle (NDP), MLA Jodie Byram, and several leaders from local Indigenous communities, who spoke about the continuing importance of reconciliation and the need for cultural understanding in building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Their words set a reflective tone for the day, encouraging students and attendees to approach the experience with respect, openness, and curiosity.

After the opening, students were invited to circulate through a series of interactive learning stations, each designed to showcase a different aspect of Indigenous culture. Workshops included beading sessions, where participants learned traditional techniques and patterns, as well as Indigenous art displays that highlighted both contemporary and traditional forms of expression. Drum-making demonstrations gave students the chance to see the care and meaning that goes into crafting an instrument that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Bannock-making stations provided a sensory and hands-on opportunity to connect with traditional foods, offering both taste and story.

In addition to the workshops, performances from dancers and drummers brought energy and vibrancy to the day. Elders and knowledge keepers were also present to share stories, teachings, and perspectives on Indigenous history and resilience. These moments provided powerful opportunities for students to hear directly from those who carry cultural knowledge and lived experience, adding context to what they may have previously only encountered in classrooms or textbooks.

The impact of Indigenous Culture Day extends well beyond the single day it is held. For many students, it represents one of their first opportunities to engage directly with Indigenous culture in such an immersive and respectful way. Teachers and community members frequently note how valuable it is for young people to witness living traditions, interact with cultural leaders, and take part in practices that emphasize creativity, connection, and respect for the land and for one another.

As the event continues to grow each year, it has become a vital platform for cultural exchange and education in the community. Organizers believe it plays a significant role in advancing reconciliation by creating meaningful experiences that build bridges of understanding. By combining celebration with education, Indigenous Culture Day ensures that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only acknowledged but is also actively lived out through dialogue, participation, and the honoring of Indigenous voices.

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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Indigenous Culture Day was Celebrated Once Again this Year in Neepawa with Speakers, Dancers and Presenters.

Tags

indigenous; truth and reconciliation

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

02:01:31

Initial Air Date

Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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Road Issues Continue to Plague RM of Rosedale

RrainNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:51:30 +0000

Road Issues Continue to Plague RM of Rosedale RrainNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 11:51

This month, the RM of Rosedale council heard from a delegation on road maintenance concerns, reviewed bridge repair funding opportunities, and addressed a longstanding non-compliance issue, along with other pieces of municipal business.

Road Repairs
Road conditions remain a frequent topic in Rosedale, which spans a large area but has a relatively small population. Most roads are gravel, making them especially vulnerable to seasonal wear. Snowplowing in the winter, flooding during spring melt, and summer grading and gravelling all contribute to ongoing challenges. Adding to this is the turnover within the public works department, which means new staff are often learning the most effective ways to manage local roads while facing immediate demands from residents.

Colin McDonald, a longtime resident of the municipality, attended the meeting to share concerns about the state of roads in his area. He also brought forward practical suggestions for improving their condition. Council also reviewed a work request from John Cversko, who voiced similar frustrations about road maintenance. Cversko had been maintaining a stretch of road near his property on his own and proposed continuing to do so to his own standards. The discussion centred on how the municipality could apply consistent road standards across the RM while also responding to individual requests. After some debate, council approved his request.

Provincial Funding for Infrastructure
Bridge maintenance also came up, as the RM has been steadily working to repair and replace structures that were heavily damaged by flooding in recent years. Council discussed applying to the Manitoba GRO program, which supports capital projects in roads, bridges, and active transportation. The program provides up to 50 percent of eligible costs for municipalities outside Winnipeg, making it a significant funding source for Rosedale’s infrastructure needs. Councillors noted that while significant progress has been made, several bridges still require urgent attention, and provincial assistance will be key to moving those projects forward.

Dealing with Non-Compliance
Council also revisited a case dating back to 2019 involving a property owner who had erected a fence on a municipal road allowance. Despite multiple instructions from council to remove it, the fence remained. More recently, the individual put up a gate across the same road allowance, drawing complaints from nearby residents who rely on the access. The administration has been directed to send a final warning to the property owner, notifying them that if the obstruction is not removed, municipal staff will clear it using equipment at the property owner’s expense.

Other Business
Additional items discussed included correspondence received and filed, confirmation of councillors’ attendance at the upcoming AMM 2025 Fall Convention, and approach requests handled under the municipality’s new bylaw. Council also received an update on the installation of fiber optic infrastructure across the RM, which promises to improve internet access for rural residents, and approved a correction to the tax roll.

Overall, the September meeting highlighted the familiar rural challenges of road upkeep and infrastructure funding, alongside the ongoing need to enforce municipal bylaws fairly and consistently across the RM.

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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Roads and Bridges are on the Agenda Again as the Municipality Tries to Keep up with Maintenance Needs.

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Municipal government; infrastructure;

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:52:43

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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Concerned Citizens Reach Out About Sale of Municipal Office

RrainNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:34:01 +0000

Concerned Citizens Reach Out About Sale of Municipal Office RrainNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 11:34

At the September meeting of the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford, councillors had a full agenda that ranged from rural policing updates to long-term planning decisions, including the proposed sale of the current municipal office building.

Rural Policing Update
Council welcomed Staff Sergeant Andrew Cowan, the new area commander for the Spruce Plains RCMP. Cowan is familiar with the region, having previously been posted in Neepawa in 2016, and took over the role from Colby Argue in May. Since then, he has been visiting municipalities across the detachment area to introduce himself and hear concerns directly.

Council’s main questions centred on staffing levels and rural crime rates. While three positions remain vacant within the detachment, Cowan said active efforts are underway to attract new members. Recruitment remains a challenge across the RCMP nationally, but incentives are being considered to bring officers into rural postings. He acknowledged that while rural crime rates have held relatively steady, they remain higher than desirable. Increased officer visibility, he noted, has been a useful deterrent and will continue as part of their strategy.

Dealing With a Deficit
Council also reviewed the recently received 2022 audit, which revealed a deficit of just under $500,000. The shortfall stems from a combination of uncollectible accounts and higher-than-anticipated costs for fuel and equipment repairs. A rejected Disaster Financial Assistance claim related to the 2023 fire was another significant factor, leaving the municipality to absorb those expenses directly.

Officials emphasized that addressing the deficit will not require new funds from taxpayers. Instead, it will be covered through transfers from the municipality’s accumulated surplus, which is maintained specifically for situations like this. While concerning, councillors noted that the municipality is still meeting requirements for surplus levels.

Planning Matters
Several planning issues also came before council. One item was once again tabled due to unresolved questions around potential ground contamination on a site connected to a retired scrapyard. The municipality has made it clear that no approvals will be granted until the province or landowners confirm there is no risk of contaminants leaching into the ground. The clock is ticking, however, as an extension granted for the work expires in October.

Another recurring challenge is the clash between agricultural operations and the growth of rural residential development. Setback bylaws meant to protect residents from nuisances like odours or noise often require variations or special accommodations, and this balancing act continues to be a common theme in council discussions.

Municipal Office Sale
One of the more widely discussed items has been the proposed sale of the current municipal office in Carberry. Notices of the sale prompted concern and some misinformation among residents. Council clarified that the listing was required under procurement policy after an unsolicited offer was received. Contrary to rumours, the municipality is not moving operations to Neepawa. Instead, the goal is to construct a new municipal office in a more central location within North Cypress-Langford. At present, the office sits on the southern edge of the municipality in Carberry, where the municipality pays property taxes to the town.

Municipal Open House
To address ongoing questions from ratepayers on this and other matters, council is considering hosting a municipal open house. A survey will be distributed to gauge interest and gather potential questions in advance. If there is sufficient support, the open house would likely be scheduled for late November or early December, giving residents a chance to meet council members directly and discuss concerns in a less formal setting.

Other Business
Council reports also touched on several smaller but noteworthy issues. The province is conducting additional traffic research around the PTH 1 and 5 intersection, including a six-day traffic count. Meanwhile, the municipality continues to deal with non-compliance cases involving derelict vehicles and neglected properties, which may soon require enforcement action.

Also on the agenda were a new stop sign policy, preparations for union negotiations, staffing updates, and a review of correspondence.

The meeting offered a mix of immediate concerns and longer-term planning, underscoring the balancing act of managing finances, infrastructure, and community expectations in a growing rural municipality.

Rrain Prior - Local Journalism Initiative

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Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:00

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North Cypress-Langford Addresses the Sale of their Office and Looks at Ways to Communicate Better with Residents.

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Municipal government; policing; municipal assets;

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:58:44

Initial Air Date

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:00

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Celebrating Pride Especially Important to Small Communities

RrainNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:52:05 +0000

Celebrating Pride Especially Important to Small Communities RrainNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 05:52

At the inaugural Neepawa’s Got Pride event last year, an estimated 300 people came out over the course of an afternoon to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ pride in a small-town setting. For organizer Rhian Beever, the turnout was both moving and surprising. “I was blown away by the response,” Beever reflected. “There was always the thought that maybe this couldn't be something you could pull off in a small town like Neepawa, but the reality is we did.”

The success of that first gathering set the stage for bigger plans this year. Organizers are expanding the lineup to include more kids’ activities, additional entertainers, and a broader range of community resources. New for 2025 will be a vendors’ market, offering space for local makers and small businesses to connect with attendees. The focus remains on celebration, but organizers are mindful that Pride’s roots are firmly planted in protest. In more conservative areas of the country, such as rural Manitoba, the simple act of showing up remains meaningful and sometimes even defiant.

“There are people that need to see themselves represented,” Beever explained. “Those of us who are able to be out and free can show them that you can live a life that is full, even though the negative comments in your life may say otherwise. It’s also a big piece of what we were missing as kids—having that representation. So I think showing up is our biggest weapon, in a way.”

Neepawa’s Got Pride will return on Sunday, September 14 at 1 p.m., taking place at ArtsForward. Organizers hope to see even more participation this year, creating both a welcoming space and a visible show of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the community.

Also in this week’s program, Town of Neepawa Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe shared details about the upcoming 10th edition of the What’s the Big Idea? entrepreneurship event. Over the past decade, the initiative has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in startup funding to new businesses in the region. Several past winners have since returned as mentors and speakers, offering advice and encouragement to the next generation of local entrepreneurs. The milestone 10th edition will take place on October 16 at the Legion Hall, continuing its role as a catalyst for innovation and small business growth in the community.

0:00 Introduction
2:45 Interview – What’s the Big Idea?
13:13 Interview – 2025 Neepawa’s Got Pride

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Wed, 09/10/2025 - 12:00

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Neepawa’s Got Pride Organiser Rhian Beever Talks About Representation in Rural Areas.

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2SLGBTQIA+ Community; Entrepreneurship;

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Total Duration of Civic content. format is hh:mm:ss

00:29:48

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Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:00

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Culture Connects: First Ever Multicultural Day in Neepawa

LiwayNACTV — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:22:00 +0000

Culture Connects: First Ever Multicultural Day in Neepawa LiwayNACTV Tue, 09/30/2025 - 04:22

NACTV had the opportunity to sit down with Thea Duka from the Neepawa Settlement, who also serves as Chair of the Multicultural Planning Committee, to talk about Neepawa’s highly anticipated Multicultural Day.

“For this event, I was delegated to be the Chair of the Multicultural Planning Committee,” Duka explained. “That means I liaise with various cultural groups around the community and surrounding area, and help organize the overall logistics of the event.”

The idea for Multicultural Day originated from internal discussions within the Neepawa Settlement team. They aimed to create an opportunity for newcomers to connect and to integrate more fully into the broader community.
“We wanted to find a way to engage newcomers and make them feel part of the community,” Duka said. “What better way to do that than by celebrating the cultures they bring with them?”

She emphasized that the event is not only about newcomers but about the entire community coming together. The goals include celebrating cultural diversity, building cultural awareness among long-time residents, and promoting social inclusion. “We want everyone, including those who’ve moved here from other provinces as well, to feel they belong and that this is a place where they’re included,” she added.

Another central aim is to showcase Neepawa as a town where every culture is valued, every voice is respected, and every tradition is represented. To achieve this, Duka and her team reached out widely to local organizations, businesses, and cultural groups.
“We contacted our community partners to see who might want to get involved, and the response was overwhelming,” she shared.

Key partners for the festival include various community groups, local businesses, and, importantly, the Town of Neepawa. “Through these partnerships, I was able to navigate the ins and outs of building a festival,” Duka said. “We also reached out to cultural groups both within and outside the area. The level of support has been amazing, particularly from local businesses. It really shows how welcoming Neepawa is as a community.”

She acknowledged that many newcomers can be shy about participating in public events, which is understandable. To make sure there were options for everyone, the committee offered several ways to get involved. “For those who weren’t comfortable with performing, we suggested setting up a cultural booth with artifacts, traditional clothing, food, games, or anything they wanted to share from their heritage,” she explained. This flexible approach has allowed people to contribute in ways that feel authentic and safe for them.

While some cultural communities in Neepawa are small, Duka made a special effort to ensure they were not overlooked. “I reached out to the Ukrainian community here, but since there aren’t many, one person told me they sometimes feel isolated. So, I contacted other towns with established Ukrainian festivals, like Dauphin, to ask if they would be willing to perform here.”

Looking ahead, Duka hopes this Multicultural Festival will become an annual tradition for Neepawa. She compared it to the town’s former Lily Festival, which once brought a sense of excitement and pride to the community. “Now, this can be something that we celebrate together as our town becomes more diverse,” she said. “I want it to be an event that strengthens the sense of belonging for newcomers. It will broaden cultural literacy for both locals and newcomers, encourage ongoing partnerships, and build programming that creates an atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.”

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Wed, 07/30/2025 - 12:00