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Welcome back to another exciting edition of Llama Tales!
Keep reading to learn more about the recipients of the 2026 Cultural Preservation Fund Awards as well as news about our new members, volunteer opportunities and so much more!
| | Announcing the 2026 Cultural Preservation Fund Award winners | |
Folklorama recently presented the Cultural Preservation Fund Award, an endowment held by the Winnipeg Foundation, to five of its members.
Launched in 2020, the Folklorama Cultural Preservation Fund Award (CPFA) program provides Folklorama members with access to monies to help grow youth initiatives for ongoing or new projects that celebrate, educate, promote, and preserve culture.
This year's recipients include Ghana Union of Manitoba Inc., KEFI Manitoba Inc., Magdaragat Philippines Inc., Romanian Society of Manitoba Inc., and the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association.
| | Introducing Folklorama's newest members | | Folklorama is happy to welcome new organizations to our members group! | | | |
Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba - Community Organization Member
The Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba exists to unite and represent Sri Lankans living in Manitoba while preserving and celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
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Stelle di Calabria – Performing Member (Group)
Stelle di Calabria is a community-based Italian folk dance organization dedicated to preserving, teaching, and showcasing folk traditions from across Italy’s diverse regions
| | National Volunteer Week: April 19 - 25 | Celebrating the volunteers that make Folklorama possible | |
Volunteers play a vital role in bringing our Ethno-Cultural celebrations to life. Whether you greet guests at the door, serve delicious cultural food and drink, guide tours, help in the office or support in any other way, THANK YOU!
Folklorama is currently accepting volunteer applications for the 2026 Folklorama Festival.
| | Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship deadline approaching |
The application deadline for the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship is getting close, with applications closing on April 24, 2026.
Presented with the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, this scholarship is awarded to eight individuals who are actively involved in preserving ethno-cultural heritage through volunteerism and/or employment.
"From a very young age, I have been performing and volunteering for Folklorama. Since then, this Festival has been an event I look forward to all year and is an integral part of my childhood and youth experience as a first-generation Manitoban." Read More.
Azra Hrncic, 2025 Scholarship Recipient
| | April is Sikh Heritage Month | Sikh Heritage Month is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the rich history, enduring legacy, and invaluable contributions of Sikh communities across Canada. In Manitoba, Sikhs have been part of the social and cultural fabric for generations, with stories that span decades, many of which remain untold. This month serves as an important time to recognize and honour those early pioneers whose resilience, service, and dedication helped shape the province we know today. | | |
Baisakhi, sometimes spelled Vaisaski, is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated by Sikhs and Punjabis that marks the Punjabi New Year and start of a new harvest season!
Often celebrated with dhol beats and bhangra, Baisakhi is a celebration of life, unity, and faith. It’s a day filled with joy, prayer, dancing, and gratitude.
This year Baisakhi falls on April 14.
| | Payworks Champions Folklorama through Sponsorship and Volunteerism | |
Folklorama recently presented five Manitoban organizations with the Cultural Preservation Fund Award (CPFA).
Heather Reid, who works in Events and Community Development at Payworks, serves as a jury member for the CPFA. “For Payworks, supporting initiatives like the Cultural Preservation Fund Awards is a natural extension of who we are as a Winnipeg-born and headquartered company. Winnipeg is one of Canada's most culturally diverse cities, and Payworks has grown alongside that community for over two decades.”
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Manitoba Arts Council: Support - Community Impact Grant
Attention Folklorama members! You may be eligible for up to $15,000 in funding through the Manitoba Arts Council’s Support – Community Impact grant program. This is an annual grant that supports community arts/cultural organizations in delivering impactful programming.
Applications are open until May 15, 2026.
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59th Folklore Anniversary: Portuguese Association of Manitoba
Join the Portuguese Assocaition of Manitoba in celebrating their 59th rancho anniversary! This event is all about the incredible folklore dancers and all the hard work they have put into their dances over the past year.
April 25, 2026 | 5:00 pm
659 Young St.
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Cinco de Mayo 2026: Mex Y Can Association of Manitoba Inc.
Come join Mex Y Can Association of Manitoba Inc. for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration at St Norbert Community Centre! Get ready for a day filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and fun activities.
There will be music with DJ Leo Salsero and DJ Chilango, and a Special surprise performance; don't forget to visit the vendors and food trucks.
May 3, 2026 | 12:00 pm
St Norbert Community Centre
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Hebrew Songs of Hope: Chai Folk Ensemble
Join Chai Folk Ensemble for an unforgettable afternoon of music and meaning in Al Kol Eleh, Hebrew Songs of Hope
Celebrate the timeless music of Naomi Shemer, brought to life by Chai members, alumni, and young performers from the community.
May 31, 2026 | 2:00 pm
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Ukrainian Beaded Sunflower Earring Workshop
We invite you to spend a few warm hours together creating sunflower earrings from beads — a small piece of Ukrainian beauty made with your own hands.
At this workshop, you will learn step by step how to weave bright sunflower earrings even if it is your first time trying beading.
April 30, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Pineridge Hollow
| | Welcome to the Folklorama Operations team, Kendra! |
Kendra Rein
Interim Executive Assistant
Kendra Rein has a deep love of culture, music, and travel. Before the age of four she had travelled three countries, immigrating to Canada from Europe in 1980. She has spent over 30 years in various roles, including tourism and non-profit. In 2008, she graduated college with an Administration Professional diploma and has been supporting teams of four to twenty-six.
Kendra has four dogs, three of them foster-fails, and enjoys spending outdoors with them. She loves to read and is always searching for a new book or author. She will often bring baking in to share with her coworkers. During the summer months you can find her at her trailer painting on the beach, stand up paddle boarding on the Assiniboine River with her husband or relaxing around a fire with friends.
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Folklorama acknowledges that we create, connect, and celebrate on Treaty 1 territory. We honour the unceded lands and waters of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We recognize and honour that our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation on Treaty 3 Territory.
We are committed to building relationships and sharing knowledge, and cultural understanding of all communities. Understanding our diversity fosters pride and mutual respect.
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