About E.M.S.
 

History Facts&Activities Services Annual Report

In the summer of 1981, retired sea captain Bill Hooper, “in an effort to stamp out prejudice”, founded the Millwoods Multicultural Society. After a preliminary meeting held on December 7, 1981, a committee was formed to set up by-laws and a constitution. By May of 1982, the Society matured to include approximately 100 individual members. By December of 1982, the name and the scope of the Society changed, and officially became known as the Edmonton Multicultural Society (EMS). What began as a small project in Millwoods has matured to a downtown location with a membership of approximately 1000, consisting of both individuals and organizations. The mandate of EMS is to study, promote, and publicize the concept of multiculturalism as a reality of daily life in Canada. As Edmonton’s representation of minorities increases, topics such as multiculturalism, human rights, equal access, cultural preservation, and citizenship to name a few, must consequently receive appropriate representation as well. EMS strives to ensure that all multicultural views and concerns are voiced and represented at all levels of governments and communities.

Facts & Activities

Facts:

  • Incorporated May 1982 "to stamp out prejudice.

  • Operated by a volunteer board of directors elected from the membership.

  • Membership open to everyone who subscribes to the objectives of the society.

  • The current membership includes individuals, private and corporate businesses and organizations including many of Edmonton's cultural communities.

Activities:

  • Publicly advocates for multiculturalism.

  • Publishes quarterly newsletter on topics of interest.

  • Provides advice, guidance, referrals, information and networking facility to the Edmonton and outlying area communities.

  • Provides a resource center of publications on multiculturalism.

  • Organizes forums, panel discussions and meeting on current topics related to multiculturalism.

  • initiates and/or supports activities promoting multiculturalism.

  • revenue sources:

  • Federal / Provincial / Municipal funding

  • Casino fundraising events

  • Bingos

  • Membership dues

  • Other fundraising events

EMS Services

  • Provide support services (secretarial, office computer, photocopying, meeting space, etc) to members and the public.

  • Publish “Multicultural Connections” newsletter, which provides information on activities and concerns regarding Multiculturalism issues in Edmonton and Canada.

  • Compile research on multicultural education, integration, and inter-cultural communications, to be posted on the EMS website.

  • Organize, in collaboration with others, cultural expressions and enrichment activities such as songs, dances, poetry, literature, media participation and food exchanges.

  • Host Open House activities to promote multicultural awareness, understanding, and education in Edmonton.

Annual Report - (2005-2006)

Edmonton Multicultural Society's Strategic Plan was made possible by funding from WILD ROSE FOUNDATION FROM JULY 2005 TO JUNE 2006. The Wild Rose Foundation, was able to fund EMS for a one year [1 FTE] fund developer.