Community Initiatives

Challenging ways of knowing and doing so everyone feels safe and included.

Rethinking Assumptions: Unpacking Canadian Work Experience

This research project critically assessed the validity of employers requiring “Canadian Work Experience” as a pre-requisite for employment in the Canadian labour market. The project explored how the concept of Canadian Work Experience negatively affects racialized im/migrants seeking employment in their respective fields as well as employers who are unable to find talent in the tight labour market. Building on the research results, an Employer Resource Toolkit was developed to equip employers with actionable resources and strategies to ensure they are able to benefit from im/migrant talent.

Adapting Post-Covid-19 Services for Racialized LGBTQIA+ Newcomers & Families

Centering the perspectives of racialized LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families, this project aims to adapt settlement programming by developing innovative and intersectional service models, approaches, practices and tools. Based on project learnings, we have created a service toolkit with inclusive service approaches, practices, and tools to intentionally engage, serve and better meet the needs of racialized LGBTQIA+ newcomers and families post pandemic. View the toolkit here..

Inclusive Inquiry

Using an inclusive inquiry approach, we facilitate conversations with and within the community to discuss themes including belonging, inclusion, and racism. Participants are guided through exploring and reflecting on assumptions and different points of view, and are encouraged to generate new thinking and ideas.

For ideas and tips on how to use dialogic methods to foster increased trust, social cohesion and a sense of shared humanity check out our Inclusive Inquiry Dialogic Toolkit.

Our Words, Our Wisdom: Addressing Linguistic Racism

This project will address issues & gaps related to linguistic racism and explore interventions that facilitate enhanced language outcomes & community connectedness for immigrants. Through an English language learning lab, we will test how decolonized & anti-racist pedagogies increase immigrant English language skills & their confidence to use them. Through community engagement activities, we will explore how host communities can best learn about & utilize decolonial, anti-racism lenses related to language usage to promote the inclusion of immigrants in local communities.

Achieving Racial Equity: Tools and Strategies for Mid-Sized Canadian Communities

This project will bring together a diverse group of community stakeholders, including racial equity specialists, decision makers and Reconciliation Canada, to develop a community owned Racial Equity Strategy. The developed strategy will address the many interacting mechanisms of structural racism and will document how they are experienced by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) in the context of mid-sized urban cities.

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Connect with us today to learn more about our Immigrant Service Centre, community engagement work, and how you can get involved. Reach us by phone, email or in person.

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