LIP

Meet & Greet with the Ontario Provincial Police
2025-06-14 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Pembroke Public Library, 237 Victoria Street, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1B3, Canada
Join us for a fun-filled Culture Connect event in partnership with the Pembroke Public Library and the Ontario Provincial Police!
Bring the kids for an exciting day of FREE activities, including:

OPP Cruiser Tours – explore inside a real police car!
Create your own souvenir Police-themed Button (with help from the police officers)
Activity booklets and crafts
Plus other hands-on, family-friendly fun!

This is a great opportunity for children and families to connect with their local OPP officers, learn about all the different things the police do, and have fun together in a welcoming space! Drop in, say hello, craft and create, and celebrate community with us!
Register today by contacting the Pembroke Public Library on (613) 732-8844 or email the LIP – Lanark & Renfrew team at localimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com

Culture Connect: Italian Cooking Class - Town of Renfrew
2025-06-15 11:00 - 13:30 | myFm Centre, 1 Ma Te Way Park Dr., Renfrew, ON, K7V 4J4, Canada
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, in partnership with the Town of Renfrew, invites you to a hands-on Italian cooking experience!
Join us on Sunday, June 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the myFM Centre in Renfrew to explore Italian culture through food. Participants will prepare fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli, a simple homemade sauce, and amaretti cookies while learning about the rich culinary traditions of Italy.
This free event is open to all, but registration is required.
Please note: ingredients may contain common allergens.
Register HERE

Tatreez Embroidery Workshop - Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
2025-06-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte, ON, K0A1A0, Canada
Discover the art of Tatreez — a centuries-old Palestinian embroidery tradition rooted in ancient Canaanite culture and rich with symbolism, heritage, and resistance brought to you by the folks at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
In this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop led by Hanna Abdo, you’ll learn how to stitch your own story using traditional cross-stitch techniques. Choose to create a coaster or bookmark with a guided pattern, while exploring the cultural significance behind common motifs and colors.
✨ No experience needed — all materials provided!🎨 Includes a brief history of Tatreez and practical tips to start your embroidery journey.
Learn more and register HERE through the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.

The Apology - A Film Screening and Discussion - HYBRID EVENT
2025-06-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
‘As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we invite you to a special screening of The Apology, the first in a two-part documentary series by Métis filmmaker Matt LeMay and Inuk filmmaker Crystal Martin of Indigenous Geographic.
The Apology offers an unprecedented and emotionally charged portrait of a pivotal moment in Canada’s journey toward truth and reconciliation. Granted exclusive access, LeMay and Martin were the only film crew in the world to follow the Indigenous delegation to the Vatican—a historic visit that led to Pope Francis’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system.
But the story does not end in Rome. The filmmakers continue their journey across Canada during the Pope’s visit, following Survivors, Elders, and Indigenous communities as they gather to witness the apology delivered on their own lands. Through intimate reflections and powerful public ceremonies, the film captures the full spectrum of emotion—grief, anger, hope, and resilience—that defines this chapter in our collective history.
This landmark documentary provides rare, behind-the-scenes access to history in the making. It shines a powerful light on the enduring strength and spirit of Indigenous Peoples in their pursuit of justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Join us for this impactful screening and stay for a facilitated discussion afterward, as we reflect on what it means to listen, learn, and walk forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.
This event is part of Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew’s Culture Connect.’
REGISTER HERE

Culture Connect: Celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month - Renfrew
2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
Join us for a fun and engaging evening as we celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month with a hands-on children’s activity!
Kids will get the chance to paint their own Barcelos Rooster while learning about its cultural significance as a symbol of good luck and honesty in Portuguese folklore.
This family-friendly event is a wonderful way to explore Portuguese traditions, spark creativity, and connect through culture. Portuguese Heritage Month is celebrated across Canada each June to honour the rich history, language, and contributions of Portuguese Canadians to our communities.
This event is part of the Culture Connect – Summer Series, brought to you by Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew in collaboration with the Renfrew Public Library.
All materials provided. Everyone is welcome! Please reach out to from the Renfrew Public Library – (613) 432-8151 x.610 or jtamosetis@renfrewlibrary.ca

Culture Connect Movie Night – Pembroke Public Library
2025-06-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Pembroke Public Library, 237 Victoria Street, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1B3, Canada
Join us for a family-friendly movie night at the Pembroke Public Library for Moana 2 (2024)! There will be fun, laughter and snacks for all to enjoy!
‘After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.’
Learn more and watch the trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622970/
Please call the library on (613) 732-8844 to attend.

Celebrating Solstice Together - Mississippi Mills
2025-06-21 08:30 - 20:00 | Riverfront Park, 321 Spring Street, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0, Canada
To celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day, Mississippi Mills All My Relations is again holding a Solstice community event in the spirit of the late, highly celebrated, Algonquin Elder William Commanda, whose life’s work embraced the belief in a circle of all nations and culture of peace.
Grandfather William was Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin Anishinabeg Reserve for 20 years and served as a globally renowned spiritual leader for the remainder of his 97 years. He received many accolades from both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. He was appointed as carrier of three sacred wampum belts of historical significance (The 1800’s Sharing Belt, the Jay Treaty Border Crossing Belt, and the Seven Fires Prophecy Belt), and was considered by many to be the “Grand Chief of North America. He was also honoured with the 12th Key to the city of Ottawa, was given two honorary doctorate degrees, appointed the Order of Canada, and received a Lifetime Achievement award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.
What’s Happening:
8:30 AM – Noon | Levi Community Centre – Start your day with a pancake breakfast hosted by Ginawaydaganuc Village. In the spirit of the Algonquin teaching that “all things are connected,” this gathering offers food and community connection. This event is by donation.
During this time beginning at 10 a.m. Danka Brewer, a respected Algonquin knowledge keeper from the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, will generously share stories and teachings suitable for parents and children. With years of experience in cultural education, she brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep care for the well-being of future generations.
4PM – 8PM | Riverfront Park – Visit the Seven Gifts installation for an afternoon of stories, music, dancing, crafts, and culture. Highlights include:

Indigenous storytelling
Opportunities for discussion & reflection
Live music
Jingle dance performance
Cultural displays and artisan crafts
A community barbecue (please note: this is a paid meal)

We’ll close the evening by watching the sunset together in the spirit of peace, reflection, and shared intention.

Multicultural Market & Cultural Craft Corner - Petawawa Ramble
2025-10-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Petawawa Civic Centre, 16 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa, Ontario, K8H 3H5, Canada
The Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew are so excited to be partnering with the Town of Petawawa this Culture Connect Fall Edition for a Multicultural Market and Cultural Craft Corner as part of the Petawawa Ramble! The event will feature cultural vendors, food, crafts and activities. This event will be hosted at the same time and location as the Children’s Harvest Activities Day with inflatables and other vendors at the Container Market.
Join us at the Petawawa Ramble for a day filled with global flavours and fall fun!
Meet our vendors:

Sopa Savoy Fare
Pie Are Squared
Loco Loca Empanadas Colombiana
Latino Connection in the Ottawa Valley
Thai Garden
Biriyani House
Mackie’s Golden Meals
and more!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Caribbean Heritage Month Craft - Renfrew
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
This Caribbean Heritage Month, we’re filling the Renfrew Public Library with colour, craft, and culture!
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll dive into the creativity of Caribbean traditions. From bold patterns and bright colours to the stories woven into every design.
It’s a chance to learn something new, connect with community, and celebrate the beauty of Caribbean heritage together. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone curious about the richness of Caribbean culture.
Please register to attend by calling the Renfrew Public Library – (613) 432-8151

Film Screening: “Lanark County Voices … There’s a Place for Me Here”
2025-10-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Carleton Place Public Library, 101 Beckwith St, Carleton Place, ON, K7C 2T3, Canada
Join us for the screening of “Lanark County Voices … There’s a Place for Me Here,” an inspiring documentary that shares the voices of thirteen members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community living in Lanark County. Through their stories of belonging, challenges, and hope for the future, this film captures both the progress made and the work still ahead in creating a welcoming community for all.
We are honoured to be offering this screening in partnership with Queer Connection Lanark and the Carleton Place Public Library. This event is a part of the Local Immigration Partnership’s Culture Connect event series – fall edition.
About Queer Connection Lanark
Queer Connection Lanark County works to increase the visibility and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Since 2014, they have built on the legacy of earlier local organizations to make Lanark County a welcoming place for people of all genders and orientations. Queer Connection Lanark proudly collaborates with community committees and celebrates the work of Pride Committees in Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, Smiths Falls, and Perth. If you would like to learn more or contribute by way of donation to the great work of Queer Connection Lanark, visit their website here – https://www.queerconnectionlanark.ca/

Light refreshments will be served.
Registration is required – Please register HERE or in person at the Carleton Place Public Library.

Crowned: A Hair Wrapping Tutorial - Arnprior
2025-10-26 13:30 - 15:00 | Arnprior & District Museum, 35 Madawaska St, Arnprior, ON, K7S 1R6, Canada
Honour Your Roots. Adorn Your Crown. Wrap in Your Power.
Crowned is a soulful gathering that blends tradition, storytelling, and hands-on hair wrapping. Whether you’re a long-time wrapper or new to the art, this event invites you into a space of beauty, ancestral wisdom, and collective joy. You’ll learn styling techniques, the cultural histories behind wraps, and explore the ways hair adornment can be a ritual of self-love, protection, and expression.
Together we’ll sip tea, share stories, and crown ourselves, intentionally, powerfully, and beautifully.
What’s Included:

1 beautiful head wraps (patterns, colours, and fabrics to choose from)
Live tutorial on multiple wrapping techniques
A wrap + mirror self-ritual guide
Tea + light refreshments
Access to a mini photo corner to capture your crowned look
A link to the history, resistance, and reclamation of hair wrapping across cultures
A card or affirmation scroll to tuck into your wrap
Community circle to share, witness, and celebrate

This is a free event. Registration is required.
Please register HERE
