Neepawa Set to Host First-Ever Multicultural Day Celebration

NACTV recently spoke with Thea Duka from the Neepawa Settlement, who is also serving as Chair of the Multicultural Planning Committee, about Neepawa’s highly anticipated Multicultural Day.

“For this event, I was delegated to be the Chair of the Multicultural Planning Committee,” Duka explained. “That means I liaise with various cultural groups from around the community and the surrounding area, and help organize the overall logistics of the event.”

The idea for Multicultural Day first came out of internal discussions within the Neepawa Settlement team. They aimed to create an event that would help newcomers feel connected, supported, and engaged within the broader community. “We wanted to find a way to engage newcomers and make them feel part of the community,” Duka said, noting that events like this can help break down barriers and foster friendships.

According to Duka, the festival has several important objectives: to celebrate cultural diversity, build awareness of different traditions, and promote social inclusion. “We want everyone, including those who’ve moved here from other provinces as well, to feel they belong and that this is a place where they’re included,” she emphasized. “It’s about showing that Neepawa is a community where every culture is valued, every voice is respected, and all cultures are represented.”

When it came to planning, Neepawa Settlement leaned on its existing partnerships throughout the town. Local groups, businesses, and the Town of Neepawa all stepped forward to offer their support. “The response was overwhelming,” Duka shared. “Through these partnerships, I was able to navigate the ins and outs of building a festival. We also reached out to cultural groups both within and outside the area. It’s amazing to see the level of support, especially from local businesses. It really shows how welcoming Neepawa is.”

Recognizing that not everyone feels comfortable performing on stage, the committee also encouraged other forms of participation. “A lot of newcomers are quite shy — and that’s completely understandable,” Duka said. “So we offered different ways to get involved. For those who weren’t comfortable with performing, we suggested setting up a cultural booth with artifacts, traditional clothing, food, games, or anything they’d like to share from their heritage.” This flexible approach has encouraged more people to take part in ways that feel authentic and safe.

Duka also wanted to ensure that even smaller cultural groups feel represented. She shared the example of reaching out to Neepawa’s Ukrainian community. “Since there aren’t many Ukrainians here, one person told me they sometimes feel isolated. So, I contacted other towns with established Ukrainian festivals, like Dauphin, to ask if they’d be willing to perform here.” By drawing on both local and regional talent, the festival hopes to create a well-rounded celebration of cultures.

Looking ahead, Duka hopes Multicultural Day will become an annual tradition in Neepawa. “The Lily Festival was once a big event here, and everyone always anticipated it,” she said. “Now, as the diversity in town grows, this can be something that we celebrate together. I want it to strengthen the sense of belonging for newcomers while expanding cultural literacy for locals as well. It’s about encouraging ongoing partnerships, supporting cultural programming, and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.”

With strong community support and a clear vision, Neepawa’s first Multicultural Day promises to be the beginning of a new tradition that reflects the town’s growing diversity and spirit of inclusion.