YORKTON - Yorkton’s Darlene Stakiw has been recognized for her contribution to multiculturalism.
Stakiw was selected from among three nominees – the others being Giri Sankar from Regina and Joem Weinkauf from Lloydminster -- for the Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award presented by the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan.
The Leadership Award is presented “for outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in Saskatchewan. Priority will be given to nominees who have demonstrated sustained periods of commitment in their contributions.”
Stakiw said she had been asked to approve the nomination, so she knew about the possibility, but added when she was the recipient it was still a good feeling.
One does not volunteer for most of their lives just to be potentially recognized one day, but there is still pride in recognition, offered Stakiw.
Certainly in Stakiw’s case she has always been willing to volunteer.
“It’s been about 40 some years, but I’ve always been involved to be honest with you,” she told Yorkton This Week.
Stakiw said it was almost a family tradition.
“My dad was that kind of person,” she said. “We were all involved . . . I grew up with it in essence.”
Stakiw said her interest in multiculturalism probably began in her home town.
“I grew up in a small town, (Hafford, Sask.) in the 50s,” she said, adding it was a diverse community with French, Polish, Belgium, English, Ukrainian, Metis and others.
“I grew up with it. Everybody worked together and did things together,” she said.
While in her youth the cultural diversity was mainly still a Caucasian mix. Today though, here in Yorkton the face of the city is changing with more recognizable culture.
Asked if the growing diversity pleased a long-time cultural advocate, Stakiw smiled and responded, “absolutely, absolutely, absolutely.”
Stakiw said through her lifetime she has come to truly appreciate cultural diversity – from an early job in The Pas post school to time spent in New Zealand, a daughter born during time in Trinidad.
“It’s all about meeting people, enjoying people, breaking bread with people,” she said.
It’s a case where when one gets to know even a little about the culture of others they become more tolerant because of that knowledge.
That is why events such as some 44 events during the recent Culture Days in Yorkton, and the cultural-centred June Days events hosted by YBID are important, she said.
“When I started working with the Yorkton (multicultural) Council we did have events but they were all white,” she said.
But the city today is different and she embraces that.
“I think I was hoping there would be (events liked those noted),” said Stakiw.
So when there are events around things such as Diwali, it simply broadens what the city is today, she said.
“It’s all about diversity. It’s making a more inclusive community,” said Stakiw. “It brings so much to our community.”
That doesn’t mean Stakiw is not aware racism still exists too.
“It’s scary out there. While it might not be happening here, who would have thought it would be happening anywhere in Canada,” she said, adding ultimately “we’re so naive.”
But, Stakiw said she also chooses to believe it will be better.
“We can only hope,” she said, adding people simply have “to work on it,” to achieve a better future.
Stakiw’s award was part of Saskatchewan Multicultural Week Nov. 18-26.
A release noted the week was “an opportunity to recognize our diversity, the benefits of multiculturalism, and demonstrate the five streams of multicultural work that are at the basis of our ongoing efforts at creating communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is able to fully contribute.”
This year’s theme – ‘Celebrate Community, Honour Diversity, Act for Equity’ encouraged people to share and celebrate stories of community, diversity and equity that enrich Saskatchewan communities.
The Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act, recognizes the rights of every community to retain its identity, language and traditional arts and sciences for the mutual benefit of all citizens. MCoS further promotes the need to address racism and injustice, and to celebrate our diversity as collective strength in building welcoming and inclusive communities.
MCoS Executive Director, Rhonda Rosenberg noted “Saskatchewan Multicultural Week is helping people see the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism. We want to think about what relationships might look like to ensure we’re creating a sense of belonging and value for everyone around us,” she said in the release. “Everyone deserves to live in dignity and to be treated with respect. We’re always enriched by diversity in our communities, our businesses and organizations, and through our stories, values, beliefs and traditions, and how we express them. It's important we examine how we can remove barriers for participation and to make sure that everyone’s contributions are really valued. With the theme Celebrate Community, Honour Diversity, Act for Equity, we encourage everyone’s individual and community involvement throughout the week, and all year long.”
