The BIPOC Lens: An Anti-racism Forum and Social Gathering

Program Schedule

11:30AM | Doors open

12:00PM – 12:30PM | Live music

Preformed by Indigenous folk-alternative artist Fabian Villeneuve (he/him)

Featured presentations/Q&A

1:30PM – 2:00PM | “Why Canada needs newcomers”

Presented by Oyin Ajibola (she/her)

Oyin Ajibola is the founder and managing editor of Immigrant Muse Media Inc., a media and tech company that advocates for immigrants and provides the information, insight and inspiration they need to thrive in Canada through the Immigrant Muse Magazine and the soon to launch iConnect App. Oyin is passionate about exposing policies and practices that are discriminatory against immigrants in the hopes of educating the perpetrators and influencing change, one person, policy and organization at a time.

2:15PM – 2:45PM | Intermission (includes a game with prizes)

3:00PM – 3:30PM | “Being a Black entrepreneur in the fashion industry”

Presented by Paula Collins (she/her)

Paula Collins is the CEO and Director of MASALA Model & Talent and Personal Development Training Center.

Paula is a prominent leader thriving as a health and wellness mentor, motivational speaker, community activist, creative director, model/talent agent, fashion consultant, and an in-kind sponsor.

Paula led the first ever Black Lives Matter March #YXE, in June 2016.

Being an advocate for the Black community, Paula’s professional skills are empowering in supporting & building her community for a brighter future.

3:45PM – 4:15PM | “The effects of climate change on Indigenous Peoples”

Presented by Dakota Norris (he/him)

Dakota is a member of the Gwich’in Nation and a current Master of Environment and Sustainability student and Coordinator, Northern and Indigenous Sustainable Energy Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan. He is also a Youth Climate Lab Associate, Indigenous Representative on the federal Sustainable Development Advisory Council, and involved in various volunteer roles. He brings several years of experience working across youth, Indigenous, and climate spaces, often leading research and projects at their intersection.

4:30PM – 5:00PM | Intermission (includes a game with prizes)

5:15PM – 7:00PM | Bachata dance lessons, followed by social

1-hour Bachata dance lesson starting at 5:15PM instructed by Saskiz.

Leo Liendo & Leah Frei

Leo and Leah are the owners and Directors of Saskiz. During the Fall and Winter, they instruct a style of dance called Urban Kiz. Urban Kiz is a branch of a traditional partner dance Kizomba. Kizomba comes from Angola. Leo & Leah have been teaching Urban Kiz for several years and are the only dedicated Urban Kiz instructors in the province of Saskatchewan.

In addition, to Urban Kiz, Leo & Leah also teach the popular style of dances Salsa and Bachata.

Leo is originally from Venezuela where he acquired the love for dancing Salsa. During his time living in Toronto, he performed for a company at several local events. Currently, he is involved with the University of Saskatchewan where each semester he is asked to deliver Latin dance instruction to Kinesiology students. Leo is the owner and main coach at Lakewood Indoor Tennis Centre. He has been teaching tennis for over 40 years.

Leah was born in Alberta. Besides her day job as a veterinarian, she is very passionate at keeping current with the music and dance moves of Urban Kiz. Leah’s strength in teaching comes from her attention to detail and solid technical knowledge.

Together, Leo & Leah are excited to bring you fun, and teach you basic tools so that you can enjoy dancing. They will be teaching basic moves of bachata.

Board games, karaoke, Pool, Ping pong, and foosball table are available for the social portion.

Primary Sponsor

Sask Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation (funder)

SaskCulture

Community Sponsors

SURJ Saskatoon (YXE)

Broadway Collective