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Lessons
Lesson 89: Domestic Violence
Soup Sisters makes soup and delivers it to grateful recipients at Osborne House, a shelter for women and children in Winnipeg. Listen to an interview with the founder of the local chapter of Soup Sisters and find out more about this charitable organization. Learn about domestic abuse myths and facts and about the services that are available to help Manitobans who are in abusive relationships.
Lesson 88: Peace-Building Through Sport
Can sport build peace? That's the central question of this lesson. Listen to Jewish and Palestinian students who participated in a curling match in Winnipeg talk about what they discovered about each other as they curled together.
Lesson 87: Blood, Tissue and Organ Donation
Have you ever donated blood? Have you thought about signing up for bone marrow or organ donation? Learn more about these topics in this lesson. A father talks about why it's important to consider being a donor and how you might be able to help his daughter or others in need.
Lesson 86: Libraries are More than Books
What role do libraries play in our community? More roles than you might think! Listen to an interview with Diane Driedger, a volunteer in a special project called the "Human Library" where real people are "books" that readers "borrow" for short conversations. The human book volunteers share their experiences with prejudice or stereotyping with their readers.
Lesson 85: Canadian Citizenship
What does it mean to be a citizen? What do you think should be the requirements of citizenship? In this lesson, you'll find out about Canadian citizenship requirements and how they have changed in recent years.
Lesson 84: The Christmas Season
What does the Christmas season mean to you? Do you celebrate it? Participate in any of its traditions? This story is about one gift-giving tradition and about sharing cultural traditions in a multicultural society.
Lesson 83: November 14th is World Diabetes Day
Diabetes rates are rising around the world, In this lesson, find out about things one company is doing to increase diabetes awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Lesson 82: The Separation of Church and State
Winnipeg's new police chief created a controversy recently by talking publicly about how his faith affects his job. In encouraging people of faith to pray to help their city (as well as act), some people said Chief Clunis's remarks were inappropriate. They felt he wasn't respecting Canada's tradition of the separation of church and state. Learn more about this tradition and about Chief Clunis' views in this lesson.
Lesson 81: Driving Ability and Age
A recent accident involving a senior driver raised some important questions about driving ability and age. Are seniors more of a risk on the road than other drivers? Should we re-test older drivers when they reach a certain age? These are among the questions addressed in this lesson.
Lesson 80: The Changing Classroom
What are the pros and cons of bringing more and more technology into the classroom? Should all high school students have a laptop on their desk? Is more technology in the classroom always the way to go? These are just some of the topics you'll talk about in this lesson.
Lesson 79: Community Fundraising: Kids Helping Kids
When Ayla (grade 7) and Van (grade 2) found out that newcomers on work permits in their community needed help to pay for flights to bring their children to Manitoba, they decided to do something. They brought the whole community of Russell on board to help them fundraise. As a result, 23 children will be re-united with their parents. Find out how it happened in this lesson.
Lesson 78: Fighting Homophobia
Do role models help make our society more open to people of different sexual orientations? That's the view of one Winnipeg teacher who is out in his school. It's also the view of a new public awareness campaign called You Can Play. And it's the question explored in this lesson.
Lesson 77: The World of International Adoption
Adoption has been happening for thousands of years, but international adoption is a relatively new concept. Famine, war, earthquakes and other events have led to waves of adoption since World War 1. Although there are many success stories, international adoption remains controversial. This lesson explores different perspectives on the topic.
Lesson 76: Fire Safety
What can we do in homes to prevent tragic fires? Who do we call to report a fire? How can we be sure everyone in our home knows how to escape if there is a fire? These are the topics addressed in this lesson.
Lesson 75: Weedless Wednesday - Kicking the Smoking Habit
How hard is it to kick a habit like smoking? Listen to an interview with a former smoker about her experience. Should smoking be banned in multi-unit dwellings? Prepare your debating points for the next big debate on the rights of smokers and non-smokers.
Lesson 74: Learning from the Experiences of Others
In today's technological world, we have information and advice at our fingertips. But there was a time, not long ago, when our elders were our only source of advice. How can we ensure younger generations learn from those who came before them? This is just one of the questions explored in this lesson.
Lesson 73: November is Financial Literacy Month
Did you know that November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada? Listen to financial guru Gail Vaz-Oxlade talk about the problems she has with high credit card limits, find out how to write your own financial goals and complete a budget worksheet in this lesson.
Lesson 72: Living in a Fast Speaking World
One key to speaking well is to listen well. When people speak very quickly, listening well is a challenge. This lesson is about the kinds of learning strategies we can use to help us improve our listening skills.
Lesson 71: Special Delivery by Midwife - Winnipeg's New Birth Centre
A new birth centre is opening in Winnipeg. It will be staffed by midwifes. In this interview, an expectant mother talks about the benefits of midwifery and why she hopes to deliver her baby at the birth centre.
Lesson 70: You're Never Too Old to Go Back to School
In today's economy, learning doesn't stop. Find out about a program in Manitoba that supports adults who return to school and helps them turn their life around.
Lesson 69: Talking about Mental Health and Mental Illness
Different cultures have different views of mental health and mental illness. In this lesson, hear a young woman talk openly about her own experience with an anxiety disorder and find out more about mental health.
Lesson 68: Habitat for Humanity Comes to Dauphin
Habitat for Humanity first came to Winnipeg in 1987. Now, 200 homes later, Habitat is also expanding to other Manitoba communities including Dauphin. Find out about this small city's plan for Habitat homes and learn more about Habitat's mission.
Lesson 67: The Immigration Balancing Act
Immigration has been in the news in Canada lately. On the one hand, the current generation of immigrants is having more economic difficulties than the previous generation and some believe this is a good reason to scale back immigration. On the other hand, many believe that Canada's labour force growth and economic prosperity is dependent on immigration. It's a difficult balancing act for governments.
Lesson 66: Trends in Love and Marriage
There are lots of new trends in love and marriage in Canada. People are waiting longer to get married or are living common law. Marriage celebrations are combining different cultural and faith traditions. Find out more about these trends in this lesson.
Lesson 65: The Housing Challenge
Finding good housing is one of the biggest challenges newcomers to Manitoba face. New Journey Housing helps newcomers find and keep housing. Learn more about their organization and about the housing challenge in this lesson.
Lesson 64: Food Banks
How important are food banks to Manitoba? Do newcomers use food banks? Find out about food bank facts and myths in this lesson.
Lesson 63: Keeping Kids in School
Why do students drop out of high school? How important is a high school education? How do newcomer students fare in the education system? These are just some of the questions discussed in this lesson.
Lesson 62: Manitoba's Immigration Success Story
Why do so many newcomers to Canada choose to immigrate to Manitoba? What does the province have to offer newcomers? And what do newcomers bring to the province? Learn more about a very successful immigration program in this lesson.
Lesson 61: Mentorships Offer a Leg Up in Life
Do you need a mentor? Could you be a mentor to someone else? Learn more about mentoring and how it helps newcomers to Manitoba learn about education, training, jobs, careers and the community.
Lesson 60: Distracted Driving - Are You At Risk?
Manitoba has banned the use of hand-held devices while driving. So how dangerous is it to dial, talk, text and drive? What about the other kinds of distractions drivers face? Learn more about distracted driving and what we can do to make drivers more aware of the risks in this lesson.
Lesson 59: Where Are the Voters?
Fall municipal elections are on the horizon. One question the media is asking is how many people will actually vote? And why is it so many of us decide to stay home? Listen to an interview with a teacher who is doing his part to try to increase voter interest and voter turnout in Winnipeg's municipal election.
Lesson 58: Hockey, Newcomers and Visible Minorities - Racial Incidents on the Ice
Hockey is known as Canada's national sport and many newcomers and immigrant populations are becoming interested in the game. But are they actually playing hockey or are incidents of racial harassment on the ice keeping young players away?
Lesson 57: Brandon - Manitoba's Second Largest City
Ninety-five percent of the foreign workers who come to work for Maple Leaf Consumer Foods in Brandon decide to settle in the city. Find out more about this southwestern Manitoba city and learn how Brandon is meeting the challenge of welcoming so many newcomers to the community.
Lesson 56: Job Search Advice
Newcomers to Manitoba face numerous challenges finding employment that matches their skills and experience. Listen to an interview with Human Resources Consultant Barbara Bowes and learn tips to help you with your job search. Consultant Barbara Bowes talks about ways to develop and talk about your skill set.
Lesson 55: Telling Stories About Human Rights
What kinds of stories should the Canadian Museum for Human Rights tell? Can a museum change the future? Explore these questions in this lesson.
Lesson 54: Aid For Haiti
Ever since the earthquake happened, the attention of the world has been on Haiti. In this story, Sister Rose Desrochers of Winnipeg talks about her work in the country and what she thinks is needed to help Haiti rebuild.
Lesson 53: Elsie's Good Samaritan
What kind of experiences have you had at airports and on airplanes? This is the story of eighty-year old Elsie Clark and the Good Samaritan she met on a recent flight.
Lesson 52: Once a Refugee, Always a Refugee?
Refugees flee difficult and terrifying situations. What happens when they settle in a new country? What challenges do they face? Is there a point where they no longer consider themselves refugees? These are some of the questions explored in this lesson.
Lesson 51: Where have All the Children Gone?
Each November, Canadians are reminded of the sacrifices made by soldiers in past wars. However, after WW1, more civilians than soldiers have died in war efforts, and more than half of the civilians have been children. Artist Tamara Weller has found a way to get students thinking about how war affects children like themselves. Find out about her unique art project in this lesson.
Lesson 50: The H1N1 Vaccine
What is H1N1? How are people responding to the pandemic and to the vaccination program? Find out more about H1N1 and vaccines in this lesson.
Lesson 49: How Government Works
Learn a little about Manitoba's new Premier Greg Selinger and find out more about the responsibilities of Canada's three levels of government.
Lesson 48: Second-hand Smoke
Smoking has been banned in most indoor public places across Canada. In 2010, Manitoba will ban smoking in vehicles when children under the age of 16 are passengers. Concern about the effects of second-hand smoke is also leading to calls to ban smoking in outdoor public spaces. In this lesson, you learn more about the issues and get a chance to express your views.
Lesson 47: The Pope Apologizes
Two aboriginal Manitobans talk about their personal reaction to the Pope's apology for past wrongs at church-run residential schools and about the impact residential schools have had on their families.
Lesson 46: The Hidden Job Market
Did you know that only 20 percent of the jobs in Manitoba are advertised? If you're looking for work, it's important to develop a network of contacts so you can find out about opportunities in the hidden job market. Get started with this lesson!
Lesson 45: The Role of the Police
The role of the police and public perceptions of the police are not the same in every country. In addition to solving and preventing crime, police forces across Canada also face the challenge of policing an increasingly culturally, ethnically and racially diverse population.
Lesson 44: Your Senses, Your Hearing
Imagine how challenging it would be to try to learn English if you couldn't hear the language! Listen to an interview with a teacher who teaches sign language and English to newcomers. Learn about how you can protect your own hearing at home and at the workplace.
Lesson 43: Manitoba Homecoming 2010
Manitoba is planning a year long party in 2010 to celebrate the province's 140th birthday. The organizers hope that Homecoming 2010 will encourage former Manitobans to come back and take a fresh look at what the province has to offer. Find out how you can join in the festivities!
Lesson 42: Romance Across Cultures
How does romance differ across cultures? What qualities are you seeking in an ideal partner? Listen to Manitoba author Mary George talk about her career as a writer of historical romance novels and find out what she thinks is true romance.
Lesson 41: Weathering the Economic Storm
Find out how Steinbach and the rest of Manitoba is weathering the current economic storm. Listen to an interview with the president of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.
Lesson 40: Religious Beliefs and Human Rights
A lesbian couple has filed a human rights complaint against a doctor who told them homosexuality is against her religious beliefs. This lesson explores myths, facts and attitudes toward homosexuality and human rights.
Lesson 39: The Story of Minnedosa's Piano
Manitoba small towns are famous for their community spirit. Learn more about living in a small community and find out how the CBC radio program The Vinyl Cafe helped the town of Minnedosa get a piano. (You can listen to the show which was taped in Minnedosa on CBC on March 21, 22 and 24, 2009.)
Lesson 38: When Someone Goes Missing
The family of a young man who is missing has put up a billboard in Winnipeg and other Western Canadian cities so the public can help them find him. Find out more about what happens when someone goes missing.
Lesson 37: Out in the C-C-C-Cold!
What's it like to live and work in some of the coldest parts of the world? The host of Discovery's Channel's TV program Out in the Cold says his guests love what they're doing and where they live.
Lesson 36: Off to the Movies
Listen to a movie reviewer talk about three recently released movies and find out about a website that helps parents decide whether movies are appropriate for their kids to watch.
Lesson 35: Can Immigrating to Canada Make You Sick?
Studies are showing that the longer immigrants live in Canada, the greater their risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Find out what a doctor thinks is affecting the health of immigrants to Canada.
Lesson 34: Music: The Universal Language?
A famous musician visits the former Winnipeg home of another famous musician. Find out how the visit went and learn about Manitoba's musical roots.
Lesson 33: Inspired by Obama's Victory
Listen to a Manitoba resident of Kenyan heritage talk about what U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama's victory means to him. Find out how others around the world are reacting to Obama's win.
Lesson 32: It's Time to Fix Aboriginal Education
The education levels of Manitoba's Aboriginal population are falling behind the rest of the student population. Learn about historical and current challenges faced by Aboriginal students.
Lesson 31: Staying Healthy: The Zimbabwe Hand Jive
Learn about the Zimbabwe Hand Jive from a dietician and find out how you can develop healthier eating habits.
Lesson 30: Citizenship and Voting
Meet Manitoba's youngest Member of Parliament and learn about the northern riding she represents. Find out more about voter turnout. Just how important Is it that citizens in a democracy go out and vote?
Lesson 29: Living in Rental Housing
What are the responsibilities of landlords and tenants? What do tenants need to know? Learn more about rental housing in Manitoba.
Lesson 28: Second Generation Immigrants
How are second generation children of immigrant parents doing in the labour market? The findings of this Statistics Canada study may surprise you!
Lesson 27: What Are You Doing This Summer?
There's lots to do in Manitoba in the summer! Find out about events taking place across the province and learn some summer safety tips.
Lesson 26: EAL - More Than A Language Program
English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs in Manitoba help students adapt to their new culture while they learn the language. Hear how the program works at one Winnipeg high school.
Lesson 25: Action on Climate Change
Learn about the causes and effects of climate change. Find out what you can do to help the planet.
Lesson 24: What's in a Name?
Find out about the latest trends and traditions in naming babies.
Lesson 23: The Arts and Artistic Expression
What's the link between the arts and gender stereotyping? Listen in and find out more about both!
Lesson 22: Three Kinds of Bosses
Learn about the personalities of three different kinds of bosses and decide which one you would rather work for!
Lesson 21: Getting to Know Each Other
What are the best ways to build understanding across cultures? Find out about a public awareness campaign which aims to dispell myths and encourage dialogue.
Lesson 20: Weaving History
Carol James weaves replicas of the sashes worn by Louis Riel and the Voyageurs. Learn more about her craft and about Manitoba's history.
Lesson 19: A Unique Gang-Prevention Program
Learn about a new program that aims at helping tackle the problem of youth gangs in Winnipeg.
Lesson 18: Blending Cultures and Flavours at Cafe Dario
Visit a small restaurant in Winnipeg's west end, meet the owner and be introduced to Nuevo Latino cuisine.
Lesson 17: Why are Canadians Increasingly in Debt?
A recent survey shows that Canadians are more and more in debt. Find out why this is happening and whether you should be concerned.
Lesson 16: Embracing and Celebrating Winter - getting the most out of the season
Learn about things you can do to enjoy winter. Cheer on a reporter who tries a new winter sport.
Lesson 15: You're Never Too Young to Volunteer - a group of children help out at a food bank
Learn about poverty, food banks and volunteering. Join a group of children who are helping out at Winnipeg Harvest.
Lesson 14: A Successful Businessman Decides to Retire - learn about retirement in Canada
Learn more about retirement in Canada and how to prepare for retirement - hear a personal story from a successful Winnipeg businessman.
Lesson 13: The Changing Face of Manitoba
Learn more about Manitoba's increasing immigrant population - and hear a personal story from one of the province's largest immigrant groups.
Lesson 12: Altona Welcomes Newcomers - Immigrating to Rural Manitoba
Learn how the Town of Altona actively recruits newcomers and makes sure they feel welcome in the community.
Lesson 11: Hijabs and Sports - Accomodating Culture in Sports
Listen to an interview with a young woman who designs firm fit hijabs for sport and fitness.
Lesson 10: Troy finds his dream job - Finding work in Manitoba
Listen to an interview with a young man who overcame many obstacles and found his dream job.
Lesson 9: A Church for the Eritrean Community - Religious Customs in Manitoba
Listen to parts of an Eritrean church service and find out about religious customs in Manitoba.
Lesson 8: Collaborative Family Law - Marriage and Divorce Customs in Canada
Listen to an interview with Winnipeg lawyers about a a new way to resolve issues in a divorce without going to court.
Lesson 7: Love and Logic - Parenting with respect and control
Listen to a Winnipeg doctor give advice about raising children - and read about issues immigrant parents have when raising children in Canada.
Lesson 6: Globix - A Made in Manitoba Healthy Snack
Find out about a new healthy snack created by a group of University of Manitoba students.
Lesson 5: You Know You're in Winnipeg When...
Find out about a Facebook group that celebrates the uniqueness of Winnipeggers!
Lesson 4: Hockey in Winnipeg's North End
Hear about starting the first ever hockey team at St. John's High School in Winnipeg's North End.
Lesson 3: Visit to an Asian Supermarket
Go shopping for Blue Crab at an Asian Supermarket.
Lesson 2: Road Trip to Rolling River First Nation
This lesson is about newcomers who take a trip to Rolling River First Nation.