Meeting With the Mex y Can Association of Manitoba

Fernanda Vallejo joins as another host on U Multicultural’s "Community Hour".

Fernanda will focus on the Latino-Canadian community in Winnipeg to explore Mexican culture and people who contribute greatly to building a strong community and uniting people within it.

In the first episode of a series of interviews, viewers have a chance to meet the President of the Mex y Can Association of Manitoba, Alene Tezcucano, and the Event Coordinator of Mex y Can, Pamela Salas. When was the Mexican Association started? What does Mex y Can do to promote Mexican culture in Canada? Let’s find out!

Alene Tezcucano joined the association in 2009 as a volunteer. Since then she has put her soul, her spirit, her effort and helped build the strong community. 

“It’s not an easy task, but it’s something that must be volunteer driven, and it’s so rewarding to be able to participate and engage the community and provide your skills, that helps to add something to your resume, that shows your Canadian experience, what is really important for newcomers. So you start to build relationships, you get exposed”, says the President of the Mex y Can Association of Manitoba, Alene Tezcucano.  

Based on Alene’s experience, in Canada volunteers are so appreciated because of all the passion and dedication they give to the things they do. Alene believes that the Association is like a platform to promote that opportunity for volunteering. 

Tezcucano says that the Mexican Association of Manitoba started back in 2003, so this year is very important to her and all members, because they are celebrating 20 years.

Another great event to celebrate this summer is the Mexican pavilion under the annual Folklorama. After covid, it has been challenging for the planning and volunteers, but they are happy to put together the team.

“We are a very popular pavilion. This is a space where the Mexican community gets to know more. It’s so energetic to be at the pavilion. We have folklore ballet traveling from Mexico, it’s a really good show. It’s also the opportunity for the artist from Mexico to get exposed to an international crowd, so it’s a win-win situation for both ends ”, says Tezcucano. 

Event Coordinator of Mex y Can, Pamela Salas added that she sees that not only the Mexican community are getting together to celebrate, but all the Latino community get involved in that kind of show. “We are very proud to see that not only Mexicans, but also people from other cultures and countries visit our pavilion. We have people from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru etc.”, says Pamela Salas.

In conclusion, Alene Tezcucano says it's important to have a fantastic team. It’s truly amazing to be able to do many great things together for the rest of the community.