JOB FAIR

For the past six years the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba has organized an annual Job Recruitment Fair in the hopes of creating an atmosphere where those seeking employment can meet prospective employers. The event is held during the month of February and has become an important symbol of ACAM's involvement with the community. The Job Fair is the pet project of Jim Ogunnoiki who has served as coordinator every year since it's inception. What began as a modest event has grown annually and this past year included 17 potential employers. Media exposure continues to raise the profile of the Job Fair and, as its organizing body, ACAM is committed to making it a continued success.

FOLKLORAMA

Since 1970 ACAM has been a chief participant in Folklorama, Winnipeg's annual two week celebration of culture. Along with the India, Greek, Poland, Portuguese and Ukraine pavilions the Africa/Caribbean Pavilion was one of the festival's original six. The pavilion has endured many changes over the years as the event started out on Morley Avenue before moving to Crescentwood Community Centre, River East Arena, Tec Voc High, Sargent Park School and finally to Grant Park High school for Folklorama 2005. As the largest cultural celebration of its kind in Canada, Folklorama attracts Winnipeggers and out of towners alike to sample the exotic foods and to witness the entertainment, which includes the ACAM's Afro-Caribbean dancers. Every year the pavilion selects two youth ambassadors (12-17), one male and one female along with male and female adult ambassadors (18+). As an ambassador one serves as a representative for both ACAM and the Africa/Caribbean pavilion both during the festival and throughout the year by making appearances at various events. As with most of the events organized by ACAM, we rely heavily on members who volunteer their time in order to make the event a success. The week that the Africa/Caribbean pavilion runs during August a busy yet fulfilling time.

FOOTNOTE:
Prior to 1990, each pavilion's queen filled the role of today's adult female ambassador and the pavilion's mayor was the equivalent of today's adult male ambassador.