LIP

Medicine Wheel Garden Dedication
2023-06-02 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
As National Indigenous History Month commences for June, Pembroke Waterfront Campus, in partnership with Algonquin College Applied Research and The Circle of Turtle Lodge, located on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People is excited to invite you to join us as we celebrate the opening of our Medicine Wheel Garden and share in a dedication of this sacred space.
The ceremony will begin at 11:00 am with a smudge and opening prayer and then move into speeches to acknowledge this wonderful space and the gift we are receiving. This space will have impact for our students, staff, faculty, and the extended Pembroke and Ottawa Valley community for years to come.
After the formal ceremony we hope that you will join us as we celebrate this special day in our Commons. The Campus Drum will be played and there will be Three Sister’s Soup to celebrate as we continue with conversation and connection.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus and celebrating this special day with you.
Important Note: This event will be outside & we wanted to let you know so that you can plan.
Click Here to register.
Accessibility: It is our want to make sure this event is accessible for all. Should you require accessibility support for this event please reach out to Brenda Slomka at slomkab@algonquincollege.com so that we can make sure the right arrangements have been made.

Movie Night in the Park - Someone Like Me
2023-06-01 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto) | Pembroke Amphitheatre, Alexander St, Pembroke, ON, K8A 4L8, Canada
Kick off PRIDE month with a movie night in the park featuring Someone Like Me. Someone Like Me follows the parallel journeys of Drake, a gay asylum seeker from Uganda, and a group of strangers from Vancouver’s queer community who are tasked with supporting his resettlement in Canada. Together, they embark on a year-long quest for personal freedom, revealing how in a world where one must constantly fight for the right to exist, survival itself becomes a victory. Watch trailer: https://www.nfb.ca/film/someone-like-me/trailer/someone-like-me-trailer/
Gather at the Pembroke Amphitheatre at 8:30 pm, grab some free snacks, and start watching this exceptional documentary at 9 am as the sun gently sets.
Click Here to Register

Indigenous Protocols, Smudging and Ceremony
2023-06-01 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation, 84 Isabella St. Unit #10, Pembroke, ON, K8A 5S5, Canada
During this session hosted by the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation, attendees will explore the answers to the following questions:

What is the proper way to approach an Elder or Knowledge Keeper when you would like to request traditional knowledge, teachings, and wisdom?
Is there a specific way to enter a Circle? If so, why?
What is a tobacco tie, and why should you carry one?
What does the Sweat Lodge represent?
Why do Indigenous Peoples smudge, what is the significance?
What is important to know about Pow Wow?
Why is the reclamation of Ceremony so strong now?
How do we learn protocols surrounding UNDRIP, and apply them?

This session is open to all and will be guided through open discussions.
We ask that you register so that we know how many participants to prepare for. Register Here.

Ottawa Valley Reads
2023-06-01 08:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
The Ottawa Valley Reads event will mirror the successful Canada Reads competition; however, our chosen reads will celebrate culture, marginalized communities, BIPOC voices, Indigenous stories and more.
The five books that will be part of this friendly ready competition are….

Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Our Missing Hearts – Celeste Ng
Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces – Elamin Abdelmahmoud
Crying in H Mart – Michelle Zauner
No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot: My rise from a Jamaican plantation shack to the boardrooms of Bay Street – Wes Hall

We can’t wait to start reading and engaging with culture! Visit you local library to see if they have these reads available to borrow. Stay tuned during the first week of June where fellow community members will champion each book on our YouTube channel. After this, the voting will commence once again to determine our winner!
Following the premieres of videos, a weekly bracket vote will commence. Participants will be asked to eliminate a book week by week until we declare a winner during the last week of June. The competition is a great way to get our communities reading and talking about their love of books!

How can I engage?

Help promote and share the competition on your social media channels
Offer the selected books for borrowing in a special library spot
Inter-library loan the reads to have multiple copies available
Consider limiting borrowing time to one or two weeks
Keep a bracket on display tracking the competition results
Participate and read the books

Town of Petawawa's Interactive Map Project
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Petawawa Public Library, 16 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa, Ontario, K8H 3H5, Canada
By celebrating our differences and appreciating our similarities we can build a more inclusive community in Petawawa where everyone is welcomed and accepted.
The Town of Petawawa has create a wonderful community interactive map project where residents are encouraged to place a pin on the map marking the place they come from. This is a celebration of the many cultures and stories that make up the community. The map is located in a small reading nook within the Petawawa Public Library.
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” ~ Jane Goodall

Madawaska Valley Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting, Spill the Tea, Origami, Biblio Bingo
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Madawaska Valley Public Library, 19474 Opeongo Line, Barry's Bay, ON K0J 1B0, Barry's Bay, Ontario, K0J 1B0, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Madawaska Valley Public Library has four activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Biblio Bingo: Culture Connect Biblio Bingo is a fun way for library patrons to engage in guided learning as you choose your bingo journey from the prompts on the Culture Connect Biblio Bingo card. Some examples include, watch a movie in a different language, read an 2SLGBTQ+ story, read something by an author who identifies as disabled, etc.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

Please contact the library to register for the Welcome Rock Painting Kits. Kits are available while supplies last. More details to follow.
Library Hours – Mon closed, Tues, Wed, Fri 10-12 & 1 to 5; Thurs 1-4 & 5-8; Sat 10-3

Laurentian Hills Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rocks, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | ON
Throughout the month of June, the Laurentian Hills Libraries has three activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available at both branches while supplies last.
Library Hours:

CHALK RIVER BRANCH: Monday & Wednesday 3-5pm; Tuesday & Thursday 6-9pm; Saturday 1-3pm
POINT ALEXANDER BRANCH: Monday 1-3 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm; Saturday 10 am-12 pm

Deep River Public Library Engagement Activities - Biblio Bingo, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Deep River Public Library, 55 Rd Ridge, Deep River, Ontario, K0J 1P0, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Deep River Public Library has three activities for the community to engage in:

Biblio Bingo: Culture Connect Biblio Bingo is a fun way for library patrons to engage in guided learning as you choose your bingo journey from the prompts on the Culture Connect Biblio Bingo card. Some examples include watching a movie in a different language, reading a 2SLGBTQ+ story, reading something by an author who identifies as disabled, etc.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Mondays & Saturdays: 10-3 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 am-8 pm, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10 am-5:30 pm

Whitewater Region Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting, Biblio Bingo, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | ON
Throughout the month of June, the Whitewater Region Public Library has four activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Biblio Bingo: Culture Connect Biblio Bingo is a fun way for library patrons to engage in guided learning as you choose your bingo journey from the prompts on the Culture Connect Biblio Bingo card. Some examples include watching a movie in a different language, reading a 2SLGBTQ+ story, reading something by an author who identifies as disabled, etc.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available at each of the three Whitewater Region Public Libraries while supplies last.
Library Hours

Beachburg: Monday 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cobden: Monday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Wednesday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Saturday – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Foresters Falls: Tuesday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Thursday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Saturday – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Smiths Falls Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting, Biblio Bingo, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Smiths Falls Public Library, 81 Beckwith Street North, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 2B9, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Smiths Falls Public Library has four activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Biblio Bingo: Culture Connect Biblio Bingo is a fun way for library patrons to engage in guided learning as you choose your bingo journey from the prompts on the Culture Connect Biblio Bingo card. Some examples include watching a movie in a different language, reading a 2SLGBTQ+ story, reading something by an author who identifies as disabled, etc.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Monday/Tuesday/Friday/Saturday: 10-5 & Wednesday/Thursday: 12-7

Pembroke Public Library Engagement Activity - Spill the Tea
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Pembroke Public Library, 237 Victoria Street, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1B3, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Pembroke Public Library will have Spill the Tea kits for patrons to take home!
Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit. There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Mondays – Thursdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Lanark Highlands Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Lanark Highlands Public Library, 75 George Street, Lanark, ON, K0G1K0, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Lanark Highlands Public Library has three activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Mon & Fri 10-5, Tues-Thurs 10-7, Sat 10-4

Perth & District Union Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting, Biblio Bingo, Spill the Tea, Origami
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Perth & District Union Public Library, 30 Herriott Street, Perth, ON, K7H 1T2, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Perth & District Union Public Library has four activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Biblio Bingo: Culture Connect Biblio Bingo is a fun way for library patrons to engage in guided learning as you choose your bingo journey from the prompts on the Culture Connect Biblio Bingo card. Some examples include, watch a movie in a different language, read an 2SLGBTQ+ story, read something by an author who identifies as disabled, etc.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: The art of origami is a beautiful and well-known tradition. Learning origami can be a great way for kids of all ages to engage with a different culture. Stop by the Library to pick up a kit with beautifully coloured paper, instructions (or QR codes leading to video instructions) and a resource about the history and tradition of origami.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Mon & Fri 10-5, Tues-Thurs 10-7, Sat 10-4

Killaloe & District Public Library Engagement Activities - Welcome Rock Painting & Spill the Tea
2023-06-01 - 2023-06-30 | Killaloe & District Public Library, 1 John Street, Killaloe, ON, K0J 2A0, Canada
Throughout the month of June, the Killaloe & District Public has two take-and-make activities for the community to engage in:

Welcome Rock Painting: Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them using the Welcome Rock painting kits that you can pick up at the Library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture.
Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit with different types of teas to try and enjoy at home. Learn about the different teas and cultural traditions involving tea using the resources in your kit.
There is an opportunity for participants to share their experience online using both hashtags #CultureConnect and #SpillTheTea.

No registration is necessary. Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours: Sunday & Monday Closed, Tuesday 11-4, Wednesday 11-4, Thursday 11-6, Friday 11-4, Saturday 11-4

Introduction to Intercultural Competency Workshop
2023-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | ON
Introduction to Intercultural Competency is a free virtual introductory workshop featuring topics like Identity and Culture, Value-based Behaviours, Assigning Meaning and Unconscious Bias. A ‘come-as-you-are’ opportunity to learn more about yourself and the people in your life. This session is designed to be interactive and to encourage a desire for continuous learning!
Attendees who fully participate in this professional development opportunity will receive a digital certification of completion from Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew.

Wednesday, April 12
1 – 3 p.m.
Via Zoom

Facilitator Bio: Laura Julien has a background in corporate training and was an employment consultant with Employment Ontario before joining the College in 2019 as a Settlement Coach with the Community Settlement Initiative, an Immigration, Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship funded project supported by the Local Immigration Partnership in an effort to build capacity in local communities to better serve newcomers to Canada. Laura was certified as an Intercultural Competency Trainer in 2019 with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre and she provided coaching and training to local employers, service providers, community groups and individuals on Intercultural Competency. Laura resides in Eganville with her family and is an engaged and active community member. Laura is passionate about inclusion and believes strongly understanding oneself is the first step on any journey of inclusion.
Register here.

Creating Your Own Land Acknowledgement Statement
2023-04-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
Every Canadian has the privilege of living on land that once was the Traditional Territory of the Indigenous People who lived there before contact. Who are they? How did the land on which you live come to you? When and why did your ancestors come to Canada? What is the history of your people? What relationship, if any did your family have with the Indigenous People of your land? The answers to all of these questions will help you to realize how you got to where you are now, and will enable you to create your own authentic Land Acknowledgement Statement.
Presenter Profile: Elder Aimee Bailey is a citizen of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and lives in their unceded Traditional Territory. She has an honours degree in the Humanities from York University and a post-graduate certificate as an Indigenous Traditional Practitioner from First Nations Technical Institute. Her decades of experience in restoring her Traditional Culture have had her establish The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre at Pikwakanagan and The Circle of Turtle Lodge at Golden Lake.
This lunch n’ learn is hosted in partnership with Lanark County Children and Youth Services Collaboration and Every Kid In Our Communities of Leeds and Grenville.
This event is open to all. Please register here.

Allyship: #ITSTARTS with Me
2023-03-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Join us on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2023, for an in-depth panel discussion on allyship and the #ITSTARTS Campaign.

12 – 1 pm: Panel Discussion
1 – 1:30 pm: Q&A
Register here

#ITSTARTS is a public awareness initiative developed by the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership to encourage positive communication among residents to reduce racism and discrimination. This year’s event will expand to include the Local Immigration Partnership of Lanark & Renfrew as well as the Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership.

About the #ITSTARTS campaign: www.simcoe.ca/dpt/ccs/lip/itstarts
Racial Discrimination: From Understanding to Action: youtu.be/yV7HiuSPmXM

Cultural Orientations - Advancing Your Intercultural Competency
2023-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Join us for a deep dive into Cultural Orientations! In this interactive zoom workshop, we will examine some of the most common Cultural Orientations, including Time, Power Distance, Hierarchy and Communication. Building on what we learned together in the Introduction to Intercultural Competency workshop, come prepared to evaluate where you fall on the spectrum of orientations based on your own experiences and cultural influences.

Thursday, March 9
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Via Zoom

Register for Cultural Orientations here.
We ask that all participants complete the Introduction to Intercultural Competency workshop that is offered monthly in advance of completing this workshop. The link for the pre-requisite registration is here.

The Expulsion of Asians in Uganda - Reflecting 50 Years Later
2022-11-17 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax) | ON
Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark and Renfrew is proud to present the next event in our speaker series line-up this year.
Join us on Thursday, November 17, for an in-depth virtual discussion and reflection on the expulsion of Asians in Uganda in 1972. November 2 marks the 50th anniversary of this event that left lasting impacts on families for generations and changed the landscape of Uganda forever.

12:00pm-1:00pm Presentation
1:00pm-1:30pm Q&A

Pre-registration is required. Sign up here:
https://algonquincollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlcO6srj8qHNYOyriVqkPjXNBlxOuzn86L
We’ll hear from three incredible authors who have spent countless hours researching this time in history, and some whose families were directly affected.
Noreen Nasim: Noreen is a debut novelist, having released her father’s memoir in May 2021. Her father, Amir, is an ex-pat from the 1972 Ugandan Asian expulsion ordered by President Idi Amin. She has written her debut novel, Expelled from Uganda, which was an Amazon bestseller.
Bharti Dhir: Author of Worth, a memoir written from a child’s perspective growing up in Uganda and becoming aware of the various prejudices surrounding her birth and adoption. She was found on the roadside in Uganda in Kabale, and it was reported she was an Asian baby. It was then established I was African-Asian. I was adopted by a Punjabi Sikh family and faced messages of racism, sexism and prejudice surrounding illegitimacy in the community. Her adoption was a secret too. Her book is about experiences we go through that bring our sense of worth up and those that bring our worth down.
With the hope of inspiring people of all ages, Dhir wants her readers to know that despite the most unfortunate of beginnings, it is possible for all of us to claim our sense of worth within and not let our past and negative experiences define our future in a negative way.
Mike Molloy: A career foreign service officer, Mike Molloy has 35 years of experience in international and refugee affairs and served in Japan, Lebanon, Minnesota, Geneva, Jordan (twice), Syria and Kenya. In 1972 he helped bring 6000 Ugandan Asians to Canada. He led the implementation of the refugee provisions of the 1976 Immigration Act, including the refugee sponsorship program, the designated classes, the WUSC student refugee program and the annual refugee planning process. Between 1979 and 1980 he coordinated the resettlement of 60,000 Indochinese refugees. He served as Counsellor for Humanitarian Affairs at the Canadian Mission in Geneva and managed immigration operations in Jordan, Syria and East Africa. Following Director General level assignments in Ottawa and Toronto, he was appointed Ambassador to Jordan (1996-2000) and was Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (2000 to 2003). As (former) President of the Canadian Immigration Historical Society, he initiated the establishment of the Uganda Asian online archive at Carleton University’s library/archives. He co-authored a book called “Running on Empty: Canada and the Indochinese Refugees 1975 -1980” and is currently coordinating the writing of a second book based on 180 oral histories collected from Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian refugees under the Hearts of Freedom Project.

Introduction to Intercultural Competency Workshop
2022-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | ON
Introduction to Intercultural Competency is a free introductory workshop featuring topics like Identity and Culture, Value-based Behaviours, Assigning Meaning and Unconscious Bias. A ‘come-as-you-are’ opportunity to learn more about yourself and the people in your life. This online session via Zoom is designed to be interactive and to encourage a desire for continuous learning!

Wednesday, October 5
1 – 3 p.m.
Via Zoom

Please complete your workshop registration here.

Attendees who fully participate in this professional development opportunity will receive a digital certification of completion from Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew.

Facilitator Bio: Laura Julien has a background in corporate training and was an employment consultant with Employment Ontario before joining the College in 2019 as a Settlement Coach with the Community Settlement Initiative, an Immigration, Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship funded project supported by the Local Immigration Partnership in an effort to build capacity in local communities to better serve newcomers to Canada. Laura was certified as an Intercultural Competency Trainer in 2019 with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre and she provided coaching and training to local employers, service providers, community groups and individuals on Intercultural Competency. Laura resides in Eganville with her family and is an engaged and active community member. Laura is passionate about inclusion and believes strongly understanding oneself is the first step on any journey of inclusion

Nathan Hall - Let's Talk About Race: The Cost of Being Colour Blind at Work
2022-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark and Renfrew and Algonquin College’s Inclusion Infusions presents:
Nathan Hall – Let’s Talk About Race: The Cost of Being Colour Blind at Work

Tuesday, September 20th
10:00am-11:00am Presentation
11:00am-11:30am Q&A

The facts are clear. The experiences of racialized groups within organizations are different. White privilege exists. There is unconscious bias that disproportionately affects racialized groups. There are likely different standards being held for different people. Convincing yourself that race does not play any role within your company will continue to isolate people and sustain the issue. Join Nathan Hall as he explores all these topics and shares his extensive expertise in this area.

This event is open to Algonquin College staff, faculty, students, and members of the community.

Registration is required. Get your free tickets here.

Welcoming Week 2022
2022-09-09 - 2022-09-18 | ON
In collaboration with our wonderful community partners, Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew is excited to facilitate some great activities and events across our two counties in celebration of Welcoming Week 2022!
“Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community, no matter where they come from. This year’s Welcoming Week takes place from September 9 to 18. It marks the 10th anniversary of what is now a global event, and Canada’s third year participating nationally. Successful integration is a two-way street: the more welcoming communities are, the more newcomers feel at home and contribute locally” – Immigration Matters
Welcoming Week 2022 Line-Up
Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 18th
Looking for a fun adventure to take part in? Join our Goosechase App Scavenger Hunt with special activities designed to celebrate differences and create a more welcoming community. You can participate in a team, or individually. Spaces are limited. Download the Goosechase app to participate. You can find more information here.

Say Welcome! Challenge
Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 18th
Visit participating libraries in your area to complete the Say Welcome! Challenge. How many languages can you say welcome in?

Community Cultural Cookbook
Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 18th
Sharing food brings everyone together. Has there ever been a more accurate statement? We’d like to highlight your favourite family recipe. What dish feels like home? What dish do you love to cook for your family? Visit participating libraries and share your culinary traditions with us in their provided notebook. You can also share it with us via email Localimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com or on social media. We hope to eventually put together a community cookbook with the recipes collected from across our two counties.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Algonquin College Perth Campus Room 103
Monday, September 12th at 12:00 pm
Join us at the Algonquin College Perth Campus in Room 103 for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” A light lunch will be provided to students. Students can pre-register here.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Petawawa Public Library – Rotary Room
Tuesday, September 13th at 1:00 pm
Join the Petawawa Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available. This is a free drop-in activity!

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Pembroke Public Library
Tuesday, September 13th at 2:00 pm
Join the Petawawa Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available. This is a free drop-in activity.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Algonquin College Pembroke Campus – The Landing
Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 pm
Join us at the Algonquin College Pembroke Campus at The Landing for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available. Students can pre-register here.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate & Post Film Discussion with Daryna Z.
Renfrew Public Library
Saturday, September 18th at 6:30 pm
Join the Renfrew Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” After the film, new community member Daryna Z will share her experiences being displaced from Ukraine. Snacks will be available.
Please register before September 15th online or call 613.432.8151

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Deep River Public Library
Saturday, September 18th at 7:00 pm
Join the Deep River Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available.

Official Welcoming Week Video
Sunday, September 19th
To wrap up this year’s welcoming week, view our official #WelcomingWeek2022 video on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) featuring members across our communities. We want to capture the welcoming spirit of Lanark and Renfrew counties and share it with everyone, whether you’re a newcomer or have been here for years.
Don’t forget to share how you’re celebrating Welcoming Week by using the official hashtag #WelcomingWeek2022

Yoga in the Park
2022-08-17 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | ON
Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew in partnership with White Pine Yoga, invites you to come participate in an open-air yoga session and to learn more about yoga – one of the six schools of Hinduism. Through yoga, one is introduced to the spiritual philosophy of Hinduism, which is very different from most other world views.
Bring your own mat and be welcomed into a peaceful community at the waterfront (in front of the playground on Fred Blackstein Boulevard). Donations to the St. Joseph’s Foodbank are encouraged.
This workshop takes place at Pembroke Waterfront Park (Pembroke Marina). There is no need to pre-register.
This workshop is part of Culture Fest Pembroke.

Inclusive Leadership Workshop
2022-08-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
Learn how to create and lead an organization that leverages the diverse talents of all contributors.

About this event

The workforce has become more diverse, multicultural, multigenerational, mobile, and hyper-connected, and work gets done more virtually. As a leader, you need to know how to navigate this complex and rapidly changing landscape because inclusive leaders create inclusive work environments. Inclusive work environments produce higher performance, increase employee engagement, fuel innovation and creativity, increase retention, and positively impact the customer service experience.
During this 1-hour in-person interactive workshop led by Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, you will explore how inclusive leadership is the key to supporting a diverse workforce.
This workshop takes place at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus in Room 124 on the first floor.
This workshop is part of Culture Fest Pembroke.
Register here.

Coffee With a Neighbour
2022-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Starbucks Carleton Place, 505 McNeely Road, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 0A8, Canada
Update! Due to unforeseen circumstances, our friends at Starbucks Carleton Place will have to postpone this event until Monday, July 11.
One-on-one conversations over coffee with our neighbours. Our neighbours are made up of various community members with unique experiences, backgrounds and stories to tell. Each neighbour will have two 30-minute reservable time slots available during the
event. Everyone has a story to tell, why not meet someone new for half an hour and learn something about them.
Coffee and treats will be provided. This is a free event!
Reservations are required and can be made by calling Starbucks Carleton Place at 613-253-1760 or emailing sarahloftus@rogers.com.

Welcome Rock Painting - Renfrew Public Library
2022-06-30 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
Painted rocks are all the rage right now! The idea behind these Welcome Rocks is that community members can decorate them at your library and place them in locations for others to find as a welcome to our community gesture. Following the Welcome Rocks painting session, participants are encouraged to take a picture of their rocks in their garden or community and post them on social media with #WelcomeRocks and #CultureConnect for a chance to win a prize at the end of June.
This session is for adults and will be in person at the Renfrew Public Library! Pre-register using Bookwhen or email Meera at info@renfrewlibrary.ca.

Community Reads Virtual Meeting
2022-06-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | ON
Join us for this guided yet relaxed adventure into stories (memoir and fiction) of crossing cultures. Books about leaving and arriving, about being deeply within a culture and on the periphery, about feeling at home and in-between. Participants in the Community Reads Event can choose from the proposed book list (or choose their own within the theme) with the support of participating libraries.
The activity will culminate in a virtual Community Read Event meeting on June 29 to discuss common themes, explore experiences in crossing cultures, and contribute to a community discussion.
Below is a list of suggested books to consider. Your local libraries are an exceptional resource for finding one of the books listed below or recommending some titles you may not have considered before!

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story – Simu Liu
I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You by David Chariandy
Inheritance by Dani Shapiro
Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
RU by Kim Thuy
Becoming Eve by Abby Chava Stein

Register here for our virtual Community Read Event meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 6 – 7 p.m.

Battle of the Bats: Where a love for cricket meets passion for softball
2022-06-26 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Garrison Petawawa Recreation Complex, 30 Festubert Blvd S-117, Petawawa, ON, K8H 2X3
Join us for Battle of the Bats when the Ottawa Tuskers Cricket Club challenges a local softball team to a back-to-back friendly game of cricket followed by softball.
Bring the whole family up to Petawawa and watch the Ottawa Tuskers Cricket Team match up with the PSP Softball Team as they teach one another about their favourite sport. After some tutorials, it’s game time! We’ll have one softball game and one cricket game. Don’t miss the greatest mash-up this year!
What to Expect

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Cricket & Softball 101 tutorials
1 p.m.: Softball game. The first pitch is being thrown by Colonol Vass at approximately 1 p.m.
2 p.m.: Cricket match

This event is open to all. Come learn, cheer on both teams, and have some fun.
PLEASE NOTE: This event takes place at Garrison Petawawa. All those who attend will be required to show ID at the Garrison gate before making your way to Diamond #2 on Somme Road.
This event is made possible by sponsor and community leader, Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer.

Middle East Cane Dance Lesson
2022-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, people have performed dances with sticks or canes. These types of dances have been around for centuries and can be found in the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Such dances are actually found in ancient cultures around the world.
Suli Adams, dance enthusiast and community leader, will take you through the journey to Cane Dance in Egypt.
Here’s what you can expect at our session:

Personalize your cane. You get to take this home too!
Learn some of the history behind this unique cultural dance
Learn the steps and rhythms of this dance

Our dance lesson will take place in the Gymnasium of Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus.
Pre-register here so that we can ensure we have enough canes!
Learn about Suli Adams

Suli retired from a career in research science which included clinical trials and development of PCR technology in her early years. More recently, she worked at CNL as a Root Cause Analyst, a Nuclear Oversight Auditor and finally, as a Regulatory Specialist for the NRU Reactor. Suli is passionate about contributing to the local community and has volunteered for PSP and PMFRC. Prior to the pandemic, Suli volunteered for employment services in Petawawa and taught ESL under the citizenship program for newcomers to the area. Currently, Suli is the Co-Chair of the Pembroke Diversity Committee, a member of the working groups for the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, and a community representative on the Quality and Patient Safety Committee for the Pembroke Regional Hospital.

What Does it Mean to be Two-Spirited?
2022-06-22 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Janna and Kerry’s Over Easy Bar and Grill, 27 Pembroke St W, Pembroke, Ontario, K8A 5M4, Canada
Have you heard the term “Two-Spirited” or “Indigiqueer” and wondered what they mean? Join community leaders Duane Gaston’ Aucoin and Julianna Morin for an intimate and candid knowledge-sharing evening to learn about what it means to be Two-Spirited and Indigiqueer within some Indigenous communities, encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender identity.
There is no need to pre-register for this event. All are welcome to come and connect!
This event is in partnership with Pembroke Pride. Celebrate with the Pembroke Pride Festival on June 3 & 4, 2022. #AllTogetherNow

Learn about our Indigenous Leaders
Duane Gastant’ Aucoin is a Wolf/Yanyedi member of the Teslin Tlingit Council and recently returned home from Vancouver, BC.
He received training from his elders as the lead singer/drummer/dancer for the Deslin Khwan Dancers in the Yukon and has performed with them throughout Canada and the US since 1996.
Aucoin received formal schooling in the First Nation Theatre Training taught by nationally acclaimed director Carol Grey-Eyes. He is currently performing “Cash Creek Charlie” along with Sharon Gramma Susie” Shorty in the stand-up comedy routine “Susie & Charlie”. He has also starred in the First Nation’s Theatre Production “Raven’s Tale” in Whitehorse, Yukon, which he also co-wrote and directed. This was featured on APTN’s NEDAA.
Aucoin produced/directed/wrote/starred in “Kichx Anagaat Yatx’i: Children of the Rainbow,” a celebration of two-Spirited peoples that integrated both live and digital video pieces into one 90-minute production. The world premiere was at the 2003 Out On Screen Queer Film & Video Festival in Vancouver. It won the top award of “Audience Favorite for Best Feature”. It has played at various venues across the country and has received much acclaim and publicity.
Aucoin won the 2003 XtraWest’s Community Achievement Award for Achievement in the Arts for Children on the Rainbow.
He was also a nominee for the 2003 Vancouver Entrepreneur of the Year, “Education” Category.
In 2004 Aucoin was the associate producer for the Our City Our Voices Project with the National Film Board of Canada, a Storyscapes Project designed by Kamala Todd. This project helped the First Nations People living in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside tell their own story and share it with the general public.
He received an international award by being named the “International Two-Spirit Male Warrior” at the 19th International Two-Spirit Gathering held in Saskatchewan in 2007. As part of his duties, he publicly speaks on issues pertaining to Two-Spirited People, their history, duties and their rights in First Nations Society.
Aucoin recently completed his latest documentary entitled “My Own Private Lower Post”. In which he journeys with his mother, Vicky Bob, who is a survivor of Residential School, to discover how he too is a survivor. This healing look at the inter-generational effects of Residential School has been quoted as being “enjoyable, emotional and historic” (Whitehorse Star review). This production has screened international and has moved all who have watched it with it’s simple story of love and forgiveness. It has also screened at all the National Events for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Duane promised his mother Vicky before she passed away in 2011 that he would continue telling “our story”.
In 2012 he was awarded with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Both his Tlingit and Acadian Peoples have not had the best relationship with the Crown but Duane decided to receive the medal on behalf of both his peoples.
“in the past the Crown colonized & deported my Peoples…now they give us medals. This is for them!” explained Duane.
Aucoin is currently performing solo & with Sharon Shorty at various venues around the country as well as working on new video productions. But his most important work continues to be supporting his elders in his community of Teslin to help bring back his Inland Tlingit Language & Culture. He is currently his Yanyeidi Clans representative on the Teslin Tlingit Executive Council.

Julianna Morin, MSW/RSW identifies as a fat, white-presenting Indigiqueer woman and is a member of the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation, affiliated with the Algonquins of Ontario. Julianna is honoured to live and work in her home community of Omamawenini Anishinaabe-aki and proud to be in ongoing, daily evolving co-conspiratorship with 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and disability communities. Julianna aims to mobilize her traditional teachings, roles and responsibilities, and her social work experience to inspire individuals and families to achieve social and environmental justice. Julianna is the sole proprietor of Good Call Counselling Services.
