Episodes

On this episode, we look at how bias in data gathering can impact representation of communities. Our correspondent, Emily Rendell-Watson, speaks with three incredible community members with experience in data research, urban planning and activism. ECF has been exploring the history of racism in this year’s Vital Signs topic. Vital Signs is a check-up to see how the community is fairing on various issues. This work is done in collaboration with Edmonton Social Planning Council and with guidance ...

Note: Due to extenuating circumstances, we have had to delay the posting of this docuseries on our web show. We will be sure to update these show notes once the series is released. On this episode, our correspondent Oumar Salifou speaks with Dr. Mawien Akot, from Edmonton’s the South Sudanese community. In the fall of 2020, ECF was approached by leaders from Alberta’s South Sudanese community. At the time, more than a dozen South Sudanese Albertans had died from a range of causes exacerbated b...

On this episode we’re revisiting the Alberta Community Bat Program, where we get up close with these fascinating nocturnal mammals. We go to the Glory Hills Conservation Site to learn more about bats in Alberta, why they are so important to our ecosystem and the white-nose syndrome that is putting them at risk. This story is a throw-back, originally posted back on October 17, 2019. Links: Help our local bats with the Alberta Community Bat Program. Learn more about bats with Cory Olson. Beco...

On this episode, Our correspondent, Amal Mohamud, introduces us to musician and community organizer: Ahmed Ali, AKA Knowmadic. Teachers can play one of the most significant roles helping youth find their callings. For Ahmed, it was an ESL teacher who used Maya Angelou and Tupac Shakur to teach English that helped the Somali-Canadian poet, writer, actor, musician, and activist find his voice in his new country. Since then, Ahmed has become one of Edmonton’s most celebrated artists. In 2020 he ...

On this episode, our correspondent, Emily Rendell-Watson, introduces us to Windmill Microlending. This innovative charity provides micro loans to help immigrants and refugees continue their careers in Canada. Great for individuals who are making a new home here, and great for our community’s labour and economic needs! Links: Find out more about Windmill Microlending. Check out their 2021 Impact Report. Have questions? Connect with Sarah Stuewe, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Windmill ...

On this episode our correspondent, Emily Rendell-Watson, explores long term care in Canada. In January of 2022, the Health Standards Organization (HSO)released a draft of proposed changes to Canada’s Long-Term Care Services Guidelines. The draft opened an important discussion around senior care amid the COVID-19 pandemic. How we advocate for seniors today defines what our experience will be as we age. So, we asked Emily to find out more about how Edmontonians are feeling about the proposed cha...

On this episode, we scratch the surface of Edmonton’s history with racism: a huge topic that impacts many communities, each in unique ways. Our correspondent Emily Rendell-Watson explores this topic with Dr. Bukola Salami, Dr. Yvonne Chiu and Nneka Otogbolu. The history of racism in Edmonton is the focus of our latest Vital Topic. It isn’t possible to tell the whole story of this history in just an episode, or a single Vital Signs report. But we want to bring attention to a few aspects of this ...

On this episode, our correspondent, Oumar Salifou, finds out about the award winning, non-profit, online magazine: The Narwhal. The Narwhal publishes investigative journalism about Canada’s natural world. The Narwhal first launched in 2018 and has since won several awards and grown its coverage across Canada. Most recently opening a Prairie bureau here in Edmonton. Links: Check out The Narwhal’s stories from the Prairies. See more stories from The Narwhal. Find out more about their journali...

On this episode, we speak with celebrated journalist, Anna Maria Tremonti. Anna Maria hosted CBC’s The Current for 17 years and in that time brought us compelling interviews and important stories about politics, societal changes and the personal journeys of individuals. Anna Maria is also a seasoned foreign correspondent and war correspondent, having spent nearly 10 years covering international affairs. She is the holder of two Gemini Awards, and she is now wielding the medium of podcasts to ex...

On this episode, we meet Jessica Vandenberghe, the Assistant Dean of Engineering and P. Eng at the University of Alberta, and a survivor of the 60s scoop. Speaking very broadly, the 60s Scoop refers to a period in Canada’s history where mass numbers of Indigenous children were taken from their homes and families and placed in the child welfare system. Jessica is born from the Dene Tha First Nation and was raised in an inclusive German family in northern Alberta. Jessica will be presenting her ...

On this episode, we head over to the Al Rashid Mosque to learn about two programs that are helping the community. The first is A Taste of Ramadan. This event will see Al Rashid provide food and entertainment to hundreds of Edmontonians. A Taste of Ramadan was started more than a decade ago as a way to counter Islamophobia by providing non-Muslims with a chance to learn more about the holy month of Ramadan. The second program we will learn about is Al Rashid’s Door-to-Door Iftar program. In 202...

On this episode, our correspondent Paul Blinov visits Northern Light Theatre to learn more about its upcoming production of Two-Headed/Half-Hearted. Written by Artistic Director Trevor Schmidt with music by Kaeley Jade Wiebe, this American Gothic song cycle tells the story of conjoined twins, Juno and Venus Hollis. In their conversation they explore the history of exploitation that conjoined twins have faced in pop-culture over the centuries, issues of identity, and how families create mytholo...

In 2011, Steph Fedoruk was grieving the recent loss of her grandfather. As the funeral approached, she found herself at the Edmonton Humane Society where she made a special connection with very special puppy. In the following weeks, Dash provided comfort to Steph and became an inseparable member of the family for the next several years. When Dash passed away suddenly in March 2019, Steph’s close friends got together to create something special in memory of Dash that will last for generations. O...

On this episode, we find out about the Radical Inclusion Program created by John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. In August of 2021, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights released a report on the Status of Rights of People Living with Disability in Alberta. Our correspondent, Karli Drew, shows us why disability rights are human rights, not privileges. Links: Read the report on the Status of Rights of People Living with Disability in Alberta. Learn more about Radical I...

On this episode, we find out how the annual 5 Days for the Homeless event supports Youth Empowerment and Support Services here in Edmonton. Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) provides shelter and community resources to young people who are struggling with trauma and dealing with housing instability. 5 Days for the homeless is a student-led campaign that raises awareness about youth homelessness and raises funds in support of YESS. This year, the event runs from March 14th – 18th. Cl...

From its humble beginnings in 2007, to growing into one of Edmonton’s premiere film festivals, the Mosquers has been highlighting stories from the Muslim community through film and art for more than 10 years. On this episode, our correspondent Amal Mohamud finds out how The Mosquers Film Festival’s journey in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslims and gets a sneak peek at what they have planned for this year’s festival. The 2022 Mosquers Film Festival will take place on March ...

On this episode, our correspondent Amal Mohamud speaks with Fowzia Isse to find out how the Somali Canadian Women & Children Association (SCWCA)is helping immigrant and refugee women overcome family violence through their Women’s Empowerment Program. Links: Find out more about Somali Canadian Women & Children’s Association. To inquire directly about the Women’s Empowerment Program, contact SCWCA. Check out their other community services. ECF Happenings: Read the latest on our blog. See our ...

On this episode, we listen to a rebroadcast of the Early Career Artists Panel Discussion hosted by the Art Gallery of St. Albert for their exhibition titled In Good Company. The discussion features artists Lauren Crazybull, Emmanuel Osahor and Preston Pavlis, and was moderated by Christina Battle. We learn about each artists’ practice, what they love about art-making and the challenges they face as they make their place in the art community. The discussion was originally aired live on Jan 15, 20...

On this episode, our correspondent, Aubrianna Snow finds out how the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is working to conserve and protect Alberta’s natural environment. CPAWS is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. The Northern Alberta Chapter was the first regional chapter and was established in 1968. Links: Find out more about Canadian Parks and Wild...

On this episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Flying Canoe Volant Festival! We hear the legend of La Chasse Galerie, and sit down with Daniel Cournoyer to hear about how the Flying Canoe Volant Festival celebrates Francophone, Métis and Indigenous culture with all Edmontonians. Links: Register to attend Flying Canoe Volant (opens Feb. 3rd). Find out more about La Cité Francophone. Learn more about Daniel Cournoyer. Listen to Les Raconteurs full audio project for Rendez-Vous de la...

On this episode, we learn about the Roozen Family Hospice Centre. Operated by Pilgrims Hospice Society, it is the first freestanding, residential hospice in Edmonton. Grief is big, and weird, and hard. It is also a reflection of the love we carry for one another. This new hospice designed to help families with end-of-life care and grieving. It is designed to feel more like a home. And, there is a focus on providing compassionate support and programming for patients and their families (including...

On this episode, we learn about The Way In – a mental health initiative that is being piloted by Edmonton Public Schools. John Holmes, Principal of Kate Chegwin School, tells us about out how having a professional therapist on site can provide support for students, build mental health capacity for teachers and staff, and create a social return on investment for the whole community. Links: Here are some articles and resources to learn more about the return on investment for mental health resour...

On this episode, we explore our latest Vital Topic: The Effects of Intersectionality on Making Ends Meet in Edmonton. Our correspondent, Emily Rendell-Watson, speaks with three Edmontonians to find out what kind of obstacles people who experience multiple forms of discrimination must overcome just to make ends meet. Links from this episode: Check out our latest Vital Topic: The Effects of Intersectionality on Making Ends Meet in Edmonton. See the full 2021 Vital Signs Report: Making Ends Meet...

On this episode, we follow the life and career of Greg Davis, publisher of Melanistic Magazine and co-founder of Edmonton’s Black Community Fund (EBCF). Join us as we learn about his journey from growing up in Jamaica and taking one of the strangest college courses in Toronto, to cutting his teeth in the publishing industry in Japan and becoming a pillar of strength in his community here in Edmonton. Edmonton’s Black Community Fund will provide long-lasting support to Black-led and -serving org...