Untold: The Story of the Jamaican Community in Canada

Andrea Wilson-Henry

CPI — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:34:46 +0000

In this episode hosts Cale O’Rourke and Krystjan Kuczak chat with Andrea Wilson-Henry to discuss her journey to Canada, Jamaican culture, and her process of progression through her work with the JCAA.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Marcia Lawrence-Francis

CPI — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:32:51 +0000

In this episode hosts Delia Stavropoulos and Fozia Joba sit down with Marcia Lawrence-Francis, a Jamaican Canadian whose life has been shaped by unwavering resilience, deep faith, and the powerful legacy of her mother.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Pansie Hudson

CPI — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:30:16 +0000

In this episode, hosts Stephen Xu and Jakob Mills sit down with Pansie Hudson, a self-described global nomad who loves to see the world.

After living in Jamaica and abroad, she moved to Canada for her education — and would eventually decide to call it home. Having lived here for more than two decades, Hudson reflects on the path she took to ger here and the lessons she learned along the way in this episode of Untold.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Jospeh Hackett

CPI — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:25:47 +0000

In this episode hosts Nandini Sahay and Jana Abbara interview Bishop Joseph Hackett, who left a thriving life in Jamaica as a school principal and pastor to begin again in Canada.

He talks about all the difficulties associated with being an immigrant, from losing his employment status when he landed in Canada to having to work in a 12-hour factory shift to provide for his family, to the racism he faced while trying to integrate into Canadian society.

Bishop Hackett discusses the cultural and spiritual rites of Christians, and the ways in which those rites still keep the Jamaican community connected to its roots, especially through the traditions of food, music, and church life, and the importance of staying connected to others in moments of loneliness. His story is one of resilience, identity, and the power of community to rebuild a sense of home.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Norma Ellis

CPI — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:31:06 +0000

In this episode, hosts Ethan Walsh and Bibianna Everson sit down with Norma Ellis.

Ellis, who is a former teacher and founding member of the JCAA, shares the story of her journey from Jamaica to Canada.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Shanice Grandison

CPI — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:26:21 +0000

In this episode hosts Keira Soloman, Day Procyshyn, and Adam Cairns sit down with Shanice Grandison who breaks down her childhood in Jamaica, her move to Canada, and how living in Canada has affected her.

She breaks down her goals for the future and what she wants to accomplish to give back to her community through her work as a social worker. The episode gives the audience a way to understand who Shanice is, her accomplishments, and the people in her life who have influenced her.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Connie Currie

CPI — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:21:04 +0000

In this episode, hosts Emma Voelpel andNadoo Abaagu sit down with Jamaican immigrant and nurse, Connie Currie.

Currie came from a busy house in Jamaica where she lived with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. She made the move to join her parents in Montreal at a young age. But something from Jamaica that always stuck with her was her interest in nursing, something she pursued as she progressed into adulthood. Her journey to where she is today has had many unexpected ups and downs but throughout it all, Currie has also put her passion for helping others first.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Dr. Reverend Dahlia “Joy” Johnson Green

CPI — Thu, 29 May 2025 19:24:41 +0000

In this episode, hosts Amy Jaquish and Hannah Schidlowsky sit down with Dr. Reverend Joy Johnson Green who immigrated to Montreal from the Caribbean at just 8 years old. From there her family moved to Calgary, where she pursued a degree in social work and was ordained at just 23 years old. She then gained her Masters in West Virginia, USA. Now she is a senior pastor at the Showers of Blessings Apostolic church in Calgary. Join hosts Amy Jaquish and Hannah Schidlowsky to hear about Reverend Joy's journey.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Donnovan Simon

CPI — Thu, 29 May 2025 19:21:16 +0000

In this episode, hosts Malia Comba and Noah Mulhern talk to Donnovan Simon, the creator and host of What a Gwaan, a podcast celebrating the dynamic Jamaican community in Canada. We dive into some of the unexpected outcomes of launching What a Gwaan, from surprising connections with listeners, to unearthing hidden stories that have brought the community closer together. You’ll hear about the moments that made Donnovan realize the true impact of his work, and how podcasting has become a powerful medium for cross-cultural exchange.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Yvonne and Vindel Chang

CPI — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:23:27 +0000

In this episode, hosts Ali Murji and Brennen French sit down with Yvonne and Vindel Chang, founders of Daddy C’s Jerk Sauce, a local company bringing authentic jerk sauce to Calgarians' plates. Join us as Yvonne and Vindel tell us their stories of coming to Canada, and how they brought a flavour of home to their new home.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Val and Tony Singh

CPI — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:18:24 +0000

In this episode, hosts Gabriella Lindland and Alex Vasquez sit down with Tony and Valerie Singh, a couple who share their story about their journey from Jamaica to Canada. They recount their early years in Jamaica and their decision to move to Montreal and, later, Calgary. There were challenges and triumphs in adapting to a new culture while maintaining their Jamaican roots. Tony and Valerie provide insights on immigration, resilience, and the power of giving back.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

David Pennant

CPI — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:13:57 +0000

In this episode, hosts Talha Abosafi and Keegan Hall sit down with David Pennant, the past president of the Jamaican Canadian Association of Alberta, at the association’s headquarters in Calgary. He shares a bit of his life in Jamaica, his early childhood, how he ventured into the world of writing — especially poetry — and the importance of education.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Sandra Bruno

CPI — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:12:29 +0000

In this episode, hosts Max Clark and Xander Holcomb are joined by Sandra Bruno, who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica. Together, they’ll talk about her experiences in Canada as an immigrant, and her time from the east coast to Calgary. Also, we’ll get to hear from Bruno about her thoughts on the current state of immigration in Canada.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

Dr. Marva Ferguson

CPI — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:53:58 +0000

In this episode, hosts Janine De Castro and Lexy Dame speak with Dr. Marva Ferguson, an associate professor at Mount Royal University and an advocate for diversity and inclusion. Dr. Ferguson opens up about her experience growing up in rural Jamaica and coming to Canada in 1993, where she faced many challenges adjusting to a new world of barriers.

Her personal experiences ignited a flame for education, anti-racism and decolonization. Dr. Ferguson takes us through her recent research on the challenges immigrant children face when reuniting with their parents in Canada, and the role of social workers in supporting Jamaican-Canadians. Through her work, she highlights the importance of diversity in education and all industries, as well as the need for actionable policies to create well-rounded communities. Dr. Ferguson’s story is a display that every conversation, policy and action is one step closer in the direction of creating a more equitable society.

Find out more about the Jamaican Community Association of Alberta here.

This series was produced by journalism students at Mount Royal University in Calgary, as part of the Community Podcast Initiative.