|
|
|
| |
| |
| [Feb] Tri-Cities Community Events, Newcomer Jobs and Settlement Resource & More |
|
|
|
![[Feb] Tri-Cities Community Events, Newcomer Jobs and Settlement Resource & More]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This newsletter connects newcomers and service providers to community resources, events and initiatives that support newcomer inclusion and participation in the Tri-Cities.
|
|
|
THIS ISSUE INCLUDES
Events & Community Information | Career Resources for Newcomers | Settlement Information | Volunteer Opportunities | Immigration Research & News Publications
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is Black History Month? Black History Month is an opportunity for Canadians to better understand and learn about Black histories in their local communities, and going beyond stories of slavery and oppression to spotlight Black achievements. The role of Black Canadians and their communities in shaping Canada's heritage dates back to the 1600's, but has largely been erased as a key narrative of Canadian history. As we honour Black History Month, it is also important to recognize the systemic
inequalities and anti-Black racism that Black folks still experience across the country, and continue our collective efforts towards equity, dignity, and justice for all.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 | Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum
Tue, February 13| 6:30pm - 7:30pm| POMO Museum - 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody, BC, V3H 1X2
The BC Black History Awareness Society in partnership with the Royal BC Museum presents Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum, the story of Afro-diasporic “British Columbia” history, past, present and future.
Written, told and designed by Black voices, this exhibition reclaims and retells the complicated history of stolen people on stolen land, and how the contributions of Black leaders echo across the centuries into the present. Join this free exhibition at POMO Museum.
The exhibition will be on until April 22, 2024, but the opening will be the Tuesday, Feb 13th at 6:30pm. For RSVP, please contact admin@pomo.museum.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 | Black History Month Celebration
Sat, February 24| 12:00pm - 3:00pm| Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House - 1116 Brunette Avenue Coquitlam, BC, V3K 1G2
Join Coquitlam Heritage to celebrate Black History Month through food, stories, music, books, and art. Learn about heritage through food demos and arts and crafts, view Black History books from the Coquitlam Public Library, view displays, learn about community and mental health mindfulness, and attend a storytelling session where our the audience will be taken on an interactive journey through traditional African storytelling interlaced with beautiful folk songs.
Free. All Ages Welcome.
This is a walk-in event. Registration is not required.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arts of Strenght: Red Egg
An Interactive Workshop about Remembering, Rebirth, and Resilience
Thu, February 29| 6:00pm - 8:00pm| Coquitlam Public Library, City Center Branch - 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 0Y1
“In my family, red eggs are gifted to family members when a newborn arrives, as well as to celebrate and commemorate when the newborn reaches a month old, also known as a “full moon” (满月). The red egg is also given at important birthdays and weddings. The symbolism of the red egg for my family’s culture is connected to new beginnings. The red colour expresses good luck, good births and good beginnings. My migration journey has been a red egg in the making.“
What do eggs represent about our migration journeys? What does it mean to relocate and experience an identity rebirth? How can we cultivate hope and belonging through new experiences?
Join artist and facilitator Luna Aixin (they/them) in a casual
art-making and discussion workshop about migration journeys, remembering our cultures and stories, and cultivating hope, resilience and new beginnings.
Luna will guide you through this experience to share their migration and resilience stories and their relationship with their cultural practice of using “Red Eggs” to symbolize hope, resilience, new beginnings, and good luck. We will work with the idea of eggs and birth to relate and find meaning with our stories of struggles and strivings so that we may find ways toward a hopeful future.
This event is open to immigrants and refugees. If you have requests to make your workshop participation experience enjoyable for you, please contact Bita Rezaei at bita.rezaei@success.bc.ca, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Bio:
Luna Aixin: Luna is a multiracial, non-binary,
neurodivergent, disabled settler, community planner, facilitator and artist with ties to Southeast Asia, specifically Nusantara cultures and Pacific Islanders. As someone who was born into a colonized society, Luna has been researching through imagination, learning and understanding ways of being that are decolonial and “kampong-like" - accepting, caring, inclusive, celebratory and supportive of each other. As a neurodivergent person, Luna loves multimodal ways of creative expression and experiencing the joy of witnessing others “play with imagination” on “very serious matters”. They work with local governments, non-profits, community organizations and personal projects through GaGiNang Productions (自己人创作) on ways to create equitable, just and safe systems and practices that can better serve our communities. They currently reside on the stolen and unceded traditional
territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hearts Unbound: Unveiling Anti-Oppression Insights with the Warmth of Resilience Forum
Fri, March 8| 9:30am - 2:00pm| Evergreen Cultural Center - 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3Join us to celebrate two years of a transformative journey of learning, empathy and community building with the Anti-oppression Capacity Building Project.
This event is an opportunity for project participants and community members to come together and reflect on our collective achievements and future goals in integrating an anti-oppressive lens into the services we provide.
- Celebrate Endings and Beginnings: Join other service providers to celebrate the conclusion of the Anti-oppression Project and look forward to the journey ahead.
- Reflect on Achievements: Learn from the highlights of our research and training initiatives, acknowledging the positive impact we can make in the settlements sector.
- Continuous Learning: Reflect on the ongoing learning journey that anti-oppression work requires, share best practices and lessons learned for the future.
The event is free, but registration is required. Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get Artistic in February - Tri-Cities Family Challenge Booklet
TCLIP is hosting a 12-month family challenge where every month, families do an activity together and capture their memories through using the Tri-Cities Family Challenge Booklet. There will be a monthly draw for families to submit their drawings, photos, or stories for a chance to win prizes!
This month, create a yummy dessert or prepare a favourite dish with your family! Take a photo or draw your family preparing or enjoying your delicious creation together. Submit your photo or drawing to us for a chance to win this month's prize by February 29, 2024.
For more information on how to participate in the challenge,
download a copy of the booklet. Stay tuned for March's activity challenge!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don’t miss your chance to recognize a deserving person in your community!The call for nominations for the British Columbia’s two top honors – the Order of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship is now open! The Order of B.C. recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in a field of endeavor benefiting the people of the province or elsewhere. We encourage you to recognize someone for their accomplishments provincially, nationally or internationally by nominating them today.
The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to their local communities without seeking remuneration. This prestigious honor recognizes acts of selflessness, generosity and contributions to the betterment of someone’s local community. Youth aged 15 to 25 and posthumous nominations are welcome.
The nomination deadline for both honors is Friday, April 5,
2024. Submissions received after this date will be considered in 2025. For nomination forms and eligibility criteria, please
click here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To drive preparedness and confidence for newcomers as they embark on their new journey on B.C. roads, ICBC offers language translation services for our customers when they are reporting their claim, and they also offer in-person and virtual presentations that include a complete overview of topics including:
- Driver licensing and ID.
- Vehicle licensing and Graduated Licensing Program (GLP).
- Insurance.
- What to do after a crash.
- Important road safety topics such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety.
In addition, ICBC now offers our Learn to Drive Smart driving guide in simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese, and Modern Standard Arabic to help better serve customers
For digital copies of the Learn to Drive Smart guides, please visit
ICBC's website here! ICBC also has a Learn to Drive Smart app, available on iOS and Android, which includes a practice knowledge test. The practice test on the app is available in English, simplified Chinese, and Punjabi.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The PRA-BC Application Process - An Info Session
Thu, February 8| 10:00am - 11:00am| OnlineJoin Practice Ready Assessment - Physicians for BC for an information session where they will navigate the ins and outs of the PRA-BC application process, share compelling success stories, and address your questions.
What to expect:
- Insider Insights: Dive deep into the PRA-BC application process with seasoned Physician Application Consultants.
- Success Stories: Be inspired by the stories of physicians who have gone through the PRA-BC process and are now practicing independently in communities across BC.
-
Q&A Session: Have questions? Bring your queries, and start your PRA-BC journey.
Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia (PRA-BC) is a program for internationally trained physicians who have completed postgraduate training in family medicine outside of Canada, and who wish to become licensed to practice in BC. PRA-BC provides these family physicians with a pathway to licensure in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Candidates undergo a 12-week Clinical Field Assessment where their clinical skills are rigorously assessed. Those who successfully complete program requirements go on to fulfill a 3-year Return of Service (ROS) in a BC community of
need. Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Crafting Impressive Resumes and Cover Letters
Mon, February 12| 3:00pm - 4:30pm| OnlineJoin the Vancouver Public Library in this webinar for essential insights into creating impressive resumes and cover letters. The library's expert tips and strategies will help you stand out in the competitive job
market.Register here!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Job Search Strategies
Thu, February 22| 2:00pm - 3:30pm| OnlineJob search can be overwhelming – where do you start? How do you focus your efforts? Join the Coquitlam Public Library and WorkBC in this workshop to answer all those questions and more, by helping you set SMART goals in creative ways and exploring how to effectively manage your time. The workshop will also cover how to keep your motivation up and focus on how to get a job that’s right for
you!Register here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recruiter Registration: British Columbia's Speed-Jobbing March 2024
Thu, March 21| 10:00am - 1:00pm| OnlineRegister before February 15th at 11:59 p.m. to benefit from a 50% discount on your registration.Join the British Columbia Economic Development Corporation (SDECB) in their 100% online speed-jobbing event, which connects BC employers with qualified bilingual immigrants willing to settle permanently in the local job market while keeping the advantages of its unique format.
Why exhibit at the 100% online Speed-Jobbing?
- An innovative recruitment format, similar to speed dating event, with 12-minute interviews per candidate.
- A scheduled agenda with candidates profiles pre-matched with your job postings.
- NO line up in front of your virtual booth/room.
- Candidates from various occupations including IT, Project Management, Sales, Human Resources, Finance, Communications and more.
- International recruitment.
- Candidates are bilingual in English and French – but French is just a plus.
Speed-Jobbing: how does it work?
- There will be 12 rounds in total.
- SDECB will provide the individually scheduled appointments for each recruiter 24 hours before the start of the event. You will see the round #, with the name and contact information of the candidates you will meet.
- For each round, the candidate is given access to your virtual booth. You don’t need to exit the virtual room.
- Each round = 12 minutes, then 3 minutes for candidates to switch virtual booth.
- We will show the time remaining on our virtual platform.
- There are no set-up questions.
If you are interested,, please RSVP by March 8th, 2024, and for eventual questions, please
contact ylolinga@sdecb.com. Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Learn About Express Entry Immigration and the BC Provincial Nominee Program
Wed, February 14| 3:00pm - 5:00pm| OnlineJoin the Vancouver Public Library in this workshop to learn about the latest immigration pathways for work permit holders and international students, focusing on Express Entry and the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). A question and answer session is included, so come prepared with all of your
questions.Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Taxation In Canada (in Arabic)
Sat, February 17| 11:00am - 1:30pm| OnlineJoin ISS of BC in this workshop for comprehensive information about taxes in Canada. The workshop will cover topics such as:
- Definition of taxes.
- The importance of filing taxes.
-
Reasons to file taxes and interest.
- Who needs to file taxes?
-
What information and documents are required to file income tax?
Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Tax Tips for People with Disabilities: Do it Yourself
Tue, February 20 |1:00pm - 2:30pm| OnlineJoin the Vancouver Public Library in this information session to learn more about how you can file your taxes on your own, with guidance and helpful tips from an experienced tax filer. Get started using TurboTax software, completely free of
charge.Register here!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Government Funded Employment Programs (in Korean)
Wed, February 21| 10:00am - 11:30am| Coquitlam City Centre Library - 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 0Y1 (Room 127)Join ISS of BC in this in-person workshop for Korean to learn about:
- PICS and government funded employment programs.
- How to prepare for resume and interview to be a successful candidate.
- Work BC Employment Program.
- Strategies for a right career path.
For inquiries and registration, please contact Isabel at isabel.lee@issbc.org or 778-372-6550.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Income Tax (in Farsi)
Thu, February 29| 1:00pm - 3:00pm| OnlineJoin ISS of BC in this workshop to learn:
- What is Income Tax and how is it calculated.
- How to pay less tax.
- How to get more income tax refund from the government.
For inquiries and registration, please contact Helia at helia.arefkia@issbc.org or 778-372-6525.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What is Pride Allies?
The Tri-Cities Pride Allies is a joint sub-committee of the Early Childhood Development and Middle Childhood Matters Committees. This group was formed to help inform members of the tables and the larger community on how to provide service in an inclusive manner. They are positioned within the larger realm of oppression and not competing with other oppressed identities. If you would like to be part of this working group, please contact Orion orion.warje@fraserhealth.ca for more information.
Pride Allies logo incorporates the pride colours with a lion. The lion represents strength and community. The colour grey was chosen because the focus is not on the allies, but on the many people that they stand alongside.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
What is 2SLGBTQ+
- 2S - Two-Spirit (2-Spirit): An umbrella term used by many Indigenous communities on to describe people with diverse gender identities, gender expressions, gender roles, and sexual orientations. Two-Spirit people were included and respected in most Indigenous communities, sometimes considered sacred and highly revered.
- L - Lesbian: A woman who is primarily attracted to women. There are also many non-binary or gendernonconforming lesbians, both in the present and throughout history.
- G - Gay: Someone who is primarily attracted to those of the same gender; often used to refer to men.
- B - Bisexual: Someone who is attracted to, and may form relationships with at least two genders. Some bi people define the ‘bi’ in bisexuality as referring to two types of attraction: to their own gender and to other genders. A bi person may feel equally attracted to many genders, or may experience stronger attractions to one gender while still having feelings for others.
- T - Transgender (Trans, Trans*): Transgender, frequently abbreviated to ‘trans,’ is an umbrella term for a wide range of experiences and identities for people whose affirmed gender does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth. Being trans is something that can only be decided by an individual for themselves and does not depend on external criteria such as surgery or hormone treatments.
- Q - Queer: A term becoming more widely used among 2SLGBTQIA+ communities because of its inclusiveness. ‘Queer’ can be used to refer to the spectrum of nonheterosexual and/or noncisgender people and provides convenient shorthand for ‘2SLGBTQIA+.’ ‘Queer’ is also used by some people as a specific identity term when referring to themselves. It is important to note that this is a reclaimed term that was, and sometimes still is, used as a hate term and thus some people feel uncomfortable with it.
- + : Plus sign is used to denote other identities within the community that are not reflected in the current acronym.
These definitions were supplied by Queer Terminology from A to Q 2022 Edition. You can access this document in the resources section at
Qmunity.ca
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Why are Pronouns Important?
- It is a quick and easy way to vocalize inclusion as well as to support, celebrate, and affirm our transgender and nonbinary colleagues.
- It communicates where our values lie and that we envision a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- It can be a conversation starter that allows us to lead with our allyship and educate new and potential allies about gender identity, gender expression, and the gender spectrum.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using Gender Neutral Greetings Shifting to gender-inclusive language respects and acknowledges the gender identities of all people and removes assumption.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 Income Tax Clinic Document Collection
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been participating in the Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for over 25 years. Every year, they rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to provide support and tax filing services to low-income members of our community. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is currently recruiting volunteers to help with document collection. This role will include basic administration tasks, photocopying, and organizing clients' tax documents. Knowledge in a second language will be an asset but not mandatory.
Where:- Tri-cities Service Centre (2058 Henderson Place, 1163 Pinetree Way Coquitlam).
When:
- March 21 9:30 AM - 4: 30 PM
- April 4 9:30 AM - 4: 30 PM
For more information about requirements, time commitment, and orientation, please
click here!
| Park Spark Volunteer
Are you interested in volunteering with the City of Coquitlam's Park Spark team? Park Spark provides an opportunity to have fun and gain meaningful experiences while enhancing Coquitlam‘s parks. The City offers a variety of opportunities for people to lend their expertise or experiences to connect with its parks. Inquire about current volunteer opportunities by emailing a Park Spark Program Leader at parkspark@coquitlam.ca
Requirements:
- Able to complete the volunteer duties
- Follow park regulations
- Have good safety awareness
How to Sign Up
- To sign up, email the Program Coordinator and state which park you are interested in.
- From there you‘ll need to complete the Statement of Commitment and Release and Waiver Form (these forms will be sent to you).
Email the program coordinator at parkspark@coquitlam.ca
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share your event or initiative with us! News items featured in the e-newsletter are sourced, provided to us by our partners or accessed through open data sources. To include your news and events in our next update, please email
the TCLIP Team.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
