Showing Up Matters: How Folklorama Reminds Us What Real Representation Looks Like

By: Donovan Martin Sr. Editor -in Chief

Representation and community support aren’t buzzwords — they’re the backbone of what makes a good leader. It’s about showing up, listening, and making yourself accessible to the people you represent. That’s why it was good to see Rochelle Schott, the NDP MLA for Kildonan–River East, at the event. But let’s be clear — this is nothing new for her. Ask anyone in the community and they’ll tell you: you see her at events year-round. If you call, she answers. If you send a message, you get a reply — not in weeks, but in a timely manner that shows she respects your time and your concerns.

This is what representation looks like. It’s not just about speeches or photo ops, but about being present where people live, work, and celebrate. Visiting as many pavilions as possible during Folklorama shows an understanding of the province’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity. It’s about acknowledging that each community, each pavilion, is a vital thread in the fabric of Manitoba, and real leadership means taking the time to be part of that tapestry.

Folklorama is more than a festival — it’s a living, breathing showcase of cultures that have shaped Manitoba into what it is today. Each pavilion is its own world, filled with food, music, dance, and history that connects generations. When elected officials and community leaders make the effort to experience these spaces firsthand, it’s more than a courtesy call — it’s an act of respect. It’s a way of saying, “Your culture matters here, and I am here to witness it.” That is the kind of connection that can’t be built from behind a desk.

Leadership, at its best, means meeting people where they are — whether that’s in a crowded hall lined with flags, a kitchen serving traditional dishes, or a stage where cultural performances unfold. The leaders who take time to see it all, to shake hands, to ask questions, and to listen, are the ones who leave a real mark. Folklorama gives them the chance to do exactly that, and the communities that make up this festival take note of who shows up — and who doesn’t.

Rochelle Schott’s visit to the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion was a meaningful stop on her Folklorama journey. For many in attendance, the performances, cultural attire, and traditions on display were not just entertainment but reflections of their own heritage and family histories. Many of those present are her constituents, and they notice when their MLA takes the time to be there, to share in their pride, and to show genuine interest. It was a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed — proof that she understands the value of supporting the communities she represents, not just from afar, but in person, where it matters most.