Celebrating Elmwood’s diversity

Elmwood

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This article was published 16/07/2025 (340 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On June 27, the Elmwood Community Resource Centre (ECRC) held its annual Celebrate Elmwood festival. Usually held on the same day as Canadian Multiculturalism Day, the event celebrates the diversity of cultures in Elmwood.

“We’re celebrating all the cultures that make this beautiful place unique and bring that sense of unity, that we all collectively work together and live together,” noted ECRC executive director Nina Condo.

The event was kicked off by a welcoming address and blessing by Elder Clayton Sandy. A number of community and public figures delivered speeches, including Elmwood-Transcona Member of Parliament Colin Reynolds and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.

“One of the strengths of our city is our resource centres scattered throughout Winnipeg,” the mayor said. “By coming together, we make our city stronger. The motto of our city is one with the strength of many … Our city is strong as we work together as one from different cultures, different faith communities, and different geographic neighbourhoods in our city.”

The event attracted dozens of families. Activities included a petting zoo, cultural pavilions, and a community world cultural kitchen with cuisines from different cultures.

Celebrate Elmwood also featured live entertainment. This included performances by the Dakota Hostiles drum group with an Indigenous grass dance, Quidel Chile Dancers, Philippines Ukulele, the Viento South duo, Congolese Star Dance Group, Latin Vibes Group, and the Columbian Dance Group.

Ryan Kochie, who lives nearby, attended Celebrate Elmwood with his wife and children. He enjoyed it.

“Nice, fun event, petting zoo is amazing. Kids are enjoying every aspect of it. Good music; good vibes,” Kochie said.

This festival has been organized by the ECRC each year for the last 18 years. For the past three years, Celebrate Elmwood has been held at the field by Polson School, which is across from the main ECRC office building. For a long time before, however, it was held at Ernie O’Dowda park. Given the family-oriented nature of the event, it was decided it would be safer to move to a venue not so close to the river.

This year the absence of the late Elmwood-East Kildonan city councillor Jason Schreyer was felt. A moment of silence was held in his honour.

“We want to honour Jason Schreyer. He was a pillar in helping (ECRC) move forward and grow, and also in helping secure a space for our organization to function in” Condo said.