When Powell River residents are asked what they love about this town, the answer is often something like, “It’s such a friendly place.” However, for someone who has a different skin colour, a different language or a different culture, does Powell River still seem so welcoming?
The Welcoming Communities Project (WCP) is a 15-month initiative of Powell River Diversity Initiative established to help set the stage for new immigrants to feel welcome and included in the Powell River region.
WCP is a partnership of representatives from local government, Vancouver Coastal Health, Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation, the non-profit sector, as well as immigrants who serve to inform the other partners about the realities of being a newcomer in this region. The community partners collaborated to create a WCP vision of what it means to be an inclusive community: “The community of the Powell River region, situated in the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, cultivates a universal sense of belonging, values diversity and has opportunities for all to contribute.” This vision is being fulfilled through a variety of events and activities that bring people together to learn about one another.
WCP partners are sponsoring a newcomers’ orientation and visit to Tla’amin to meet members of the community and experience Tla’amin’s culture. As well, the partners are promoting the use of universal signage (signs that a person from any culture can understand) throughout the region; organizing a Human Library project 6 to 9 pm Wednesday, October 23 and 1 to 4 pm Saturday, October 26 at Brooks Secondary School library; expanding immigrant services at the Learning Centre above the Bank of Montreal; participating in the Cultural Celebration of Diversity on November 16; and implementing some of the recommendations put forward by immigrant families who participated in an intercultural parenting project.
“Beyond eliminating discrimination, we want to make sure that immigrants have all the tools they need to succeed in Powell River once they get here,” said Kelli Henderson, coordinator for Powell River Immigrant Services. “The Welcoming Communities Project has enabled us to identify the challenges faced by immigrant parents, workers, employers and neighbours, and provides an opportunity to make a difference. Initiatives that help immigrant newcomers adjust and integrate into their new lives in Powell River are good for the whole community.”
Cynthia Barnes is WCP project assistant. “It is distressing to hear reports of discrimination directed to newcomers in Powell River,” she said. “It is our hope that the Welcoming Communities Project will help to alleviate prejudice and discrimination and welcome newcomers from all walks of life.”
WCP is funded through WelcomeBC. For more information about the project or to get involved, readers can call Sara Blum, project manager, or Barnes at 604.485.2675, or view the WCP Facebook page.
