IAM - Folklorama Magazine 2008 - Indian Association of Manitoba

Rang Birangi (Assorted Colours) Dinner
National Chief Phil Fontaine, “Mahatma Gandhi Dr.” and the Indo-Canadian Community
On May 9, 2008, India Association of Manitoba hosted its annual Rang Birangi at the Royal
Crown Banquet Hall. As Chief Guest and keynote speaker, National Chief Phil Fontaine gave a
highly informational speech to the more than 300 persons who attended the function.
The evening was marked by greetings from Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, brief cultural
entertainment that culminated with dance and music. The Aboriginal student drummers’ group
from Churchill High School performed as well. An added feature to the event, on behalf of the
City of Winnipeg Councilor Russ Wyatt presented to the association the “Mahatma Gandhi
Drive” signage to mark the naming of a major street in Transcona.
Among the notable dignitaries who made time for the occasion were- Hon. Kerri Irvin Ross/
Manitoba Minister of Healthy Living, Chief Dennis Meeches/Long Plain First, Chief Glenn
Hudson/Peguis First Nation, Kevin Lamoureux/MLA, Chief of Police Keith McCaskill, Whelan
Sutherland/Tribal Councils Investment and Dr. Denise Koh/ Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory
and Advocacy Council (MEAAC).
Adarsh Bahri, President/India Association of Manitoba welcomed invited guests and members
of the community. While Rang Birangi is about spring and accompanying colours, it is also
an appropriate metaphor for the rich diversity of Canada and its people. There is need for
communities to interact with one another and explore mutually beneficial opportunities. First
Nations and its people will play a major in future economy and society in Manitoba and across the
prairies. It is therefore worth exploring how best to work together and realize opportunities.
Also introduced was the incoming Board of Directors of India Association. In connection to
Folklorama, also introduced were adult and youth ambassadors as well as members of the team
responsible for undertaking the work required to convene the India Pavilion.
National Chief Phil Fontaine
Submitted by Anupam Sharma.
National Chief Phil Fontaine began by commending India Association of Manitoba for its effort
to reach out to the First Nations and their people. An appreciative audience reciprocated in kind
as it listened to him with attention and respect.
The outreach initiative from IAM was seen as timely. It was deemed incumbent upon the First
Nations to reciprocate as well. The audience was informed of tremendous economic initiatives
that will place Aboriginal people at the forefront as drivers of economic development. Cited