Press Release:
Ethnomedia Week Awards

National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Conseil national de la presse et medias ethniques du Canada Canada's Other Voices

Thirty individuals from the various cultural communities of Canada, are honoured this year by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, for their work and services rendered to their community during the previous years. Also fifteen ethnic publications are recognized on the occasion of ETHNOMEDIA WEEK 2005 celebrations, for their editorial concept or visual presentation (art work). The presentation of the Awards is planned for the 15th of September 2005, at 6:00 PM, at the Main Legislative Building of Ontario and is hosted by the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at the Lieutenant Governor's Suite. The ceremonies are to be attended by up to 250 individuals and the invited political leadership of the Province and the Country.

For more information please call
Thomas S. Saras at: 416-921-4229 or 416-854-4229
Or Email at saras@nepmcc.ca

NAMES AND BIO'S OF HONOUREES

1. Mohammad Masoom Hotak Mr. Hotak was born in 1947 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He migrated to Canada in 1992 and was a cultural advisor with the Afghan Association of Ontario for many years. He is the author of more than twenty books and has written many articles about history and literature of the Pashto culture. Mr. Hotak is a member of the Afghan Post publication and contributes regularly.

2. Saber Fermand Born in Kabul, Afghanistan Fermand immigrated to Canada in 1977 and is a co-founder of the Afghan Association of Ontario. Mr Saber is the President of Council of Afghan Associations of Canada and has served on numerous advisory committees working with several levels of government officials.

3. Shamsuddin Masroor Shamsuddin Masroor is a well-known Afghanistan singer living in Toronto. He was born in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan. He has been a professional singer for the past 30 years. In 2001, he migrated to Canada. Since then he is actively involved in the promotion of Afghan folklore music and in the Afghan community. He recently had a concert at the request of CBC Radio and Television program.

4. Ruwan Jayakody, Ruwan Jayakody, is well known in the culinary circles of Canada. Ruwan has been selected for the Canadian team to participate in the 2006 Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg. He has made the 'Canadian National Day Cake' for Queens Park for 6 years each one enough to feed 3500 people and also baked the 'City of Toronto Cake' for three years. His culinary wonders have earned him a chapter in the World Celebrity Chefs published in the United Kingdom.

5. John Cartwright John Cartwright is the President of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, representing 190,000 union members. He helped initiate the Campaign for Public Education and the Toronto Waterwatch campaign to defend vital public services in Toronto. He was recognized by the City of Toronto Award of Merit for efforts in promoting apprenticeship for equity- seeking groups. Since becoming Labour Council President, John has worked with affiliated unions to craft an aggressive equity agenda for Toronto's labour movement. The Council initiated ground-breaking Workers of Colour Conferences, and has elected the most diverse leadership of any central labour body in the country.

6. Melpa Kamateros Melpa Kamateros was born in Nicosia Cyprus. In 1991, she helped found "the shield of Athena" a non-governmental organization and established a shelter, where women and children of any ethnicity can stay in safety and security. She has co-ordinated the 'Ethnic Media Outreach Project' for the department of Multiculturalism Canada where videos and pamphlets translated in up to 16 languages have been produced. She has also written many articles on isolated immigrant families, family violence and community outreach strategies. Ms. Kamateros, was also part of the official Quebec and Canadian delegations to the UN at the "Bejing & 10" conference held in New York in February and March of this year.

7. Peter Capadoucas The great-grandson of Greek immigrants Peter is a 4th generation Canadian and his family today proudly admits as six generation in B.C. He worked as a high school teacher in Vancouver for 33 years and was involved in a number of educational projects. Peter served the Greek Community of Vancouver and was its representative to Vancouver multicultural Society. He served in the cultural society of "Pharos", and also member of the board of trustees of the Hellenic Community of Vancouver. He organized a number of Greek festivals in Vancouver and currently he is the Co Chair of the revival of the Greek day of the City.

8. John Theodosopoulos President of the Hellenic Community of Montreal since June 2004 John has done much to serve the community. He was a Vice President of Education for the HCM Socrates Schools. Originally from Pikerni, Arcadia, Greece, Mr. Theodosopoulos, an architect, who is Vice President Construction for Designespace Inc. in Dorval, Quebec, has not forgotten his roots and goes out of his way to help anyone in need.

9. Elise Sharabkhanian Elise Sharabkhanian was born in Aleppo, Syria. She is the daughter and granddaughter of survivors from the Armenian Genocide, who found refuge in Syria. Elise has done considerable volunteer work in the Armenian Community. She is one of the founding members of the Toronto chapter of the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society. As a volunteer journalist, Elise has contributed many articles and reports to the Horizon Armenian Weekly.

10. Arsho Zakarian Arsho Zakarian was born in Egypt of Armenian parents, who have survived the Armenian genocide in Turkey and found refuge in Egypt. Arsho immigrated to Canada in 1969, and is an active member in the Armenian Community. Her volunteer work has been recognized by the Armenian Community and the community at large. She promotes Armenian publications, organizes heritage festivals, produces plays, and serves in various committees. Arsho Zakarian contributes regularly to Horizon Armenian Weekly with her articles and photographs.

11. Hagop Simon Piliguian Hagop Simon Piliguian was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in July 1929. In 1969 he settled in Montreal. In 1980 he was elected vice president of the Sourp Hagop Armenian church, where he served until 1986. Today Hagop Simon Piliguian is the president of the recently founded Montreal's Armenian community center's Golden Age Association. Finally, as a volunteer contributor for 25 years, he has written and translated articles for Montreal's Horizon weekly newspaper.

12. Peter Foustanellas Arriving in Canada in 1965 the 17-year-old Mr. Foustanellas had only $40 in his pocket, and spoke just a few words of English. He did have a very strong work ethic, which he credits to his mother. His impressive rise from rags to riches started 30 years ago with Argos Carpets, which he built from a one-man operation. Ten years ago, Mr. Foustanellas formed Olympia Homes, after a business deal had gone sour. Mr. Foustanellas is proud to be a Canadian and in the past year has donated one million dollars to the University of Ottawa's Heart Institute, and another one million dollars to the Ottawa Hospital. Not forgetting his roots Mr. Foustanellas is very active in the Greek Community of Ottawa, where he donated time and again big amount of moneys to help the needs of the community.

13. Khosro Shemirani. A native of Iran Mr. Shemirani, has immigrated to Canada with his dream for freedom. He is holding o bachelor of Sciences from the Johannes Guttenberg University. He is an open-minded writer and prepares articles on the human rights. He published articles with critical views about the presidential elections in Iran as well about the violation of the children's rights. He published a number of articles on political killings in Iran and many interviews with political prisoners, one of them with Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize.

14. Tina Tehranchian A branch manager and financial advisor Tina is currently serving as an advisory council member at the Family Service Association of Toronto, and as a director of JVS of Greater Toronto. She is also one of the founding members and chair of the Iranian Canadian Network for Employment and Entrepreneurship Mentoring and is also a member of the Planned Giving Advisory Committee of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. She is holding a Master of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Portland. Tina and her family immigrated to Canada in 1990.

15. Andy Bakhtiari. Born in Iran Andy Bakhtiari, he grew in a family of six children; his dream was to succeed in business. In January of 1980 he arrived in Canada with very little money to his pocket and very few clothes in his back. In Canada he started from the beginning learning English and later graduated with a degree in Civil Engineer in 1985. He worked in many companies and later in 1993, he started his own technical company. No more than ten years later, Andy owns and operates more than four companies with over one hundred employees in Canada and U.S.A. He is an active supporting member of the Iranian community ready always to rent his help to every member in need.

16. Lucy Grigoriadis Born in Greece, Ms. Grigoriadis moved to Toronto in 1969. As a leader in the Greek Orthodox Community-at-large, she has devoted her life to volunteer work. A tireless member of the community she has served on many boards and works on issues affecting seniors, Family Violence and Women's Abuse, Women's Health Issues, and works as a volunteer translator in various hospitals, courtrooms and probation offices, for Greek families in need. The last few years she organized the cultural group "Heritage" with main goal the preservation of the popular folklore dances and song of the various regions of Greece, and for this reason she is organizing annually conventions in Toronto. Ms. Grigoriadis dedicated also time and energy to raise funds for the operation of the Greek Orthodox Schools in Toronto. Lucy is the friendly person to everyone in the community.

17. Michael Mouratides. Born in Macedonia Greece, Michael Mouratides, migrated to Canada 1966. Few years later in 1973, he elected president of the Brotherhood of Pontion Toronto an organization with members from the area of Pontos in the Caspian Sea. During his term he purchased a building on Danforth Ave, for the needs of the organization, and started the publication " Voice of Pontion". Later elected member of the Greek Community of Toronto with responsibility the cultural affairs. Mr. Mouratides is the one who started the Greek Parade on Danforth Ave on the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of Greece. He organized numerous historical exhibitions, edited and published the history of the Greek Community of Toronto and was the co-founder of the Pontion Federation of North America. Michael published a numerous articles in Greek and he was producing a radio program of free opinion.

18. Pratibha Bhole After arriving in Canada in 1998, Ms. Bhole joined the International Centre for Eradication of Poverty and coordinated their various activities. She was instrumental in organizing the function to commemorate UN International Day for Eradication of Poverty in Toronto in Metro Hall. She also participates in social service activities of different ethnic associates and organizations. Originally from India Ms. Bhole has dedicated her life to helping others establishing herself as a respected social worker.

19. Dr. C. J. Kurian President of Alpha Charitable Foundation dedicated to fostering and promoting good will and helping the underprivileged, especially in the field of health care and education. Born in India, Dr. Kurian is currently assisting physicians of Indian Heritage with forming the Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage. Dr. Kurian has received many community awards for both business excellence and his volunteer work.

20. Tom Michalopoulos Mr. Michalopoulos arrived in Canada in 1972 from his native Greece, with his dream for a better life. On his arrival to Canada he promised himself to avoid any involvement with the restaurants. Ironically after the first difficult years he spent in the real estate business he forced to take over the operation of a small coffee shop that was abandoned by the previous owner, in order to save his money. Later he created the "Coffee Time" company and went into franchise business. Twenty years later today Mr. Michalopoulos' company operates 380 branches all over Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and few in B.C. Few years ago he extended his operation also in Europe where he opened the first eight shops. Over the years Mr. Michalopoulos' company, created a non-for profit foundation helping financing humanitarian and athletic projects. He donated money to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, helped Canadian athletes to participate in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, also to the Greek Community of Toronto and other worthy humanitarian causes.

21. George Seretis. George was born in Greece. He migrated to Canada in 1961, in his search for better life. After the very hard work of his first years in the country he created the "Easy Plastic Containers LMT", with one more partner. Through the years the business has been successful and he was able to give back to community. He served several terms as President of the Hellenic Community of York Region. He is co-founder and resent president of the York Region Athletic and Social Club and also President of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, which donated 2.000.000 dollars for the creation of a Chair of Modern Hellenic Studies at York University. George remains a very active member of the community and continues his humanitarian efforts.

22. Valéria Sales Valeria Sales came to Canada from Brazil 9 years ago. She is holding a degree in Speech Pathology and also a post graduate degree in Psychomotor Function. She has been working at the Abrigo Centre for 5 years as a counselor where she works primarily with newcomers and also with post settlement immigrants. Ms. Sales has developed programs focusing on increasing clients self esteem, and for families where she promotes discipline without violence. She has written articles in Brasil News for the past 7 years and is part of the Citizenship Council of the Brazilian Consulate in Toronto. She believes that humility and a positive attitude are allies to those who go to distant countries, where culture, language and traditions are different.

23. Dr. Renato Harari Dr. Harari, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He graduated from the Dental School of Nova Friburgo, Brazil. Migrated to Canada in 1990 and later passed the Canadian Dental Board exams and started practicing Dentistry in Toronto. His patients are primarily of Portuguese, Brazilian, Italian and Spanish cultural background. Over the years he sponsored various cultural events of non-profit organizations and also he donated his work by attending new immigrants and citizens without dental coverage. He believes his contribution to Canada as a successful professional is to help persons in need. Your Honour, Dr. Renato Harari.

24. Ian Jones Mr. Jones has over 30 years experience and achievements as a manager and director of social service agencies in Toronto; as a cultural leader in the steelpan and calypso art forms, as well as a facilitator of Black community enhancement. Currently Director, Special Programs Services of Covenant House Toronto, Mr. Jones is a tireless social worker working hard to benefit the community.

25. Dr. Thomas W. Gallant Dr. Thomas W. Gallant holds the Hellenic Heritage Foundation Chair of Modern Greek History at York University, Toronto. He has published six books and over forty scholarly articles in English and Greek. In 2003, he was one of the founders of the Canadian Hellenic Historical Society. He sits on the board of directors of the Canadian Institute in Greece and is the Director of the Canadian Institute of Balkan Studies. On a personal note, his cultural background has prepared him well for dealing with issues relating to multiculturalism, being the son of a Greek mother and a French Canadian-Mi'kmaw father.

26. Kleber de Souza Born in Brazil Mr. De Souza, immigrated to Canada in 1987. The following years he started his involvement with the Brazilian soccer team in Canada. He created the first club named Sao Paulo Soccer Club, which today is known as Stellar Brazil. The club created a reach history in Canada and won many championships. With his vision Mr. De Souza managed to unite the Brazilian community of Toronto and across Canada. He volunteers many hours of his time teaching young Canadians to master the skill of soccer. He is organizing cultural events in order to raise funds for his team and many times he has to reach his own private finances to maintain the sport, which is very cultural to many Brazilians around the world.

27. Joanna Parris In her role as Event Manager/ Office Manager Joanna Parris skills' have contributed to making the Caribana Festival a success. She is an author and in was the major force in starting "Re-Claim Our Youth Through Education and Training" an organization which is focused on keeping Black Youth in School and for those outside the school system making sure that further education or training is available to them.

28. Ms. Xue Sheng Xue Sheng is a member of The Independent Chinese PEN Center; a non-political organization of writers who fights for the protection of freedom of expression and publication. In 2000, she won The Canadian Association for Journalists Award for Investigative Journalism and the National Magazine Award, for an investigative report on the lives of Chinese boat refugees published in the Canadian magazine Maclean's. She is the first Chinese Canadian to win such a prestigious award.

29. Mr.John Daperis After serving with the Greek armed forces in the WWII, John Daperis arrived in Canada in 1952 and settled in Montreal. In his efforts to help his fellow Greek immigrants understand what was going around them Mr. Daperis set on a course to create a means to do just that. So he started Broadcasting to Greek speaking Montrealers with daily communication, information, news, entertainment and most of all building a bridge between the new country and the old for the Greek immigrants of Quebec. From 1955 he started broadcasting in the Greek language over o French radio station in Montreal. 1997 he launched the CJNT television. 2003 John spearheads an application to CRTC for an FM commercial over the air Radio station license. In 2004 the CRTC grants John Daperis and Canadian Hellenic Cable Radio a radio station license. CKDG is born.

30. Luba Cherny Luba Cherny, president of media company Canadian Russian Courier is publishing since 1996, two Russian community weekly newspapers the Canadian Courier and the Russian Carousel. Since 2001 she is organizing the Russian Carousel annual event at Mel Lastman Square. Also since 2004 Luba is producing and broadcasting the Russian TV Show "The Morning". Luba Cherny is a member of the board and the treasurer of the Russian Speaking Congress of Canada.

NEWS PAPERS

31. HELEN WANG. Helen Wang, is the editor-In-Chief of the Manitoba Chinese Tribune, a community news/ magazine run entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers and reaches out Chinese immigrants across Canada. She born in China and came to Canada in the 1990's where she graduated with Masters degree in social work from the university of Manitoba. Besides the newsmagazine Helen serves as an International Student Advisor and Budged Manager at the University of Manitoba. She is also volunteer as a trustee with the Victoria General Hospital and the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Child and Family Services General Authority.

32. Maura McCay. As the founder, managing editor and publisher of the Celtic Connection, Maura McCay brings a broad range of experience in her position. 14 years ago, she established the Vancouver based monthly newspaper which now serves over 35.000 Celts across Canada and the United States. The focus of this publication is arts and cultural reviews, interviews and current events, along with community news. Maura over the years has been recognized for her excellent job and received many honours from the various Celtic communities of North America including the recognition of the Irish Woman of the Year Award.

33. Abeyewardene, Srimal Editor-In-Chief Sri Lanka Reporter A strong opinionated voice of the Sri Lanka Community of Toronto.

34. Logedralingam, R. N. Editor-In-Chief Uthyan Newspaper ( Tamil) An exceptionally strong voice of the Tamil communities of Canada

35. Gu, Cindy Publisher The Epoch Times (Chinese daily) A strong defender of the Human rights and the free democratic Values

36. Adnan, Hashmi Editor-In-Chief Sunday Times Canada ( South Asian Press) An exceptionally strong publication, expressing the concerns of the Canadians of South Asian origin.

37. Arasaratnam, Kangarajah Editor-In-Chief Tamil Senthamari (Tamil) The strong voice of the Canadian Tamil Communities

38. Uruena, Eduardo Editor-In-Chief El Popular (Spanish) The only daily and popular voice, of the Spanish speaking communities of Canada. Published for the last 35 years.

39. Wazda, Eva Publisher / Editor-In-Chief German Business and Trade Publications. A strong business oriented publication of the German, Austrian and Swiss business communities of Canada.

40. Nazir, Ebrahim Editor-In-Chief Community Digest Weekly ( South Asian) A national multicultural publication expressing the concerns of our South Asian communities.

41. Alamgir, Hussain Editor-In-Chief Weekly Shomoy ( Bengali) A very strong and popular voice, of the Canadian-Bengali speaking communities. 42. Ayiku, Emmanuel Editor-In-Chief Ghanaian News (Ghanaian) A truly leader of the Ghanaian communities of Canada, this publication remains one of the best.

43. Garcia, Hermie Editor-In-Chief The Philippine Reporter (Philippino) A strong opinionated voice of the Canadian communities from Philippine heritage, with struggles for equality and social justice for all Canadians.

44. Negrette, Jose E. Director "De Norte a Sur" (Latino) A Dynamic publication expressing the concerns of the Latino speaking communities of Canada, with an exceptionally perfect design.

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