What are the gaps and challenges facing immigrants and refugees who settle in Port Hardy and Port McNeill? The Immigrant Welcome Centre’s Welcoming Communities Coalition (WCC) is hosting two community forums in late September and invites the community to join them as they seek to deepen their understanding about the needs of newcomers in the North Island.
“The WCC wants to hear voices from a variety of sectors in the North Island about how we can make our communities more welcoming to newcomers,” Coalition coordinator Julie Keumbehdjian says.
“We want to hear from immigrants, non-profits, employers, government, and long-time residents – anyone who is a newcomer, or who employs or offers services to newcomers.”
The Coalition will ask participants to think about:
• What do you see as the main challenges facing successful settlement in our communities?
• What strengths do we have as a community to welcome people? What is already working?
• What are some ideas for future projects or collaborations? What needs should be prioritized?
The forums are free, and there are two opportunities to meet. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
Port Hardy Community Forum
When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Kwa’lilas Hotel (9040 Granville St.)
Register at: porthardycommunityforum.eventbrite.ca
Port McNeill Community Forum
When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Community Futures Mt. Waddington Office (311 Hemlock St.)
Register at: portmcneillcommunityforum.eventbrite.ca
For more information about the events, contact Coalition coordinator Julie Keumbehdjian at julie.keumbehdjian@immigrantwelcome.ca or call 1-855-805-1071.
About the Welcoming Communities Coalition
The Immigrant Welcome Centre’s Welcoming Communities Coalition is an initiative supporting service coordination, local partnerships, and community-based planning around the needs of newcomers in the North Island.
Through community-level research and strategic planning, the WCC identifies barriers facing newcomers, raises awareness around newcomers’ ideas, and collaborates with local stakeholders to reduce these barriers. WCC’s work is funded by Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Learn more at immigrantwelcome.ca/community-leadership/welcoming-communities-coalition.