Cultural Orientations
2025-06-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Description
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.
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. You can register for the introduction course 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.

Pop-up Indigenous Kitchen at The Table Community Food Centre, Perth
2025-09-18 10:00 - 13:00 | The Table Community Food Centre, 190 Gore St E, Perth, ON, K7H 1K3, Canada
~In Honour of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation~
Join us for this meaningful event in the lead up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. While the official day is observed across Canada on September 30, we invite you to come together on September 18 to learn, share, and reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. It is a time to acknowledge the truths of Canadian history, to learn from them, and to commit to building a more just and respectful future.
As part of the day:

Prepare traditional Métis hamburger soup & Bannock
Learn to create your own Indigenous craft – an orange shirt pin: learn about the Orange Shirt movement and what it symbolizes – the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by generations of Indigenous children, and our shared commitment to ensure that Every Child Matters.
Storytelling & Learning with the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation.

This Pop up Kitchen is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and take part in actions that honour truth, promote healing, and strengthen community relationships.

When: Thursday, September 18, 10am-1pm
Where: The Table Community Food Centre, 190 Gore Street, Perth
No cost, please register by contacting Chef Joanne – j.edwards@thtablecfc.org or (613) 267-6428 ext. 105

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

Responding in the Moment - Navigating Bias and Microaggressions with Care and Confidence
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
This learning opportunity comes to you from the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Equity Diversity & Inclusion Working Group and is developed and presented by Canadian Equality Consulting.

‘In today’s diverse community and workplace environments, moments of bias and microaggressions can arise unintentionally, but how we
respond in those moments can build (or break) trust, safety, and inclusion.
This interactive lunch-and-learn session helps participants develop the awareness, language, and tools to recognize bias, respond to harm, and engage in constructive dialogue when microaggressions occur.
Through practical examples participants will strengthen their confidence to address harmful comments or behaviours in ways that
preserve dignity and support belonging for colleagues, clients, and the families they serve.
By the end of the session, participants will:

Understand how unconscious bias shapes perceptions and
interactions.
Identify examples of microaggressions and their cumulative
impacts.
Gain tools to respond to bias and microaggressions in real time,
using empathy and accountability.
Build confidence to engage in difficult conversations and model
inclusive communication.’

The Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Working Group is a joint initiative between the Every Kid in Our Communities of Leeds and Grenville and the Lanark County Child & Youth Service Collaborative tables.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Unleashing the Power of Belonging
2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
Embark on an inspiring journey with Kwame Osei as he shares personal stories that shed light on the transformative influence of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. With authenticity and passion, Kwame recounts his own experiences of facing the damaging effects caused by a lack of diversity and inclusion, illustrating the profound impact it had on his mental, social, and emotional well-being. In this captivating presentation, Kwame delves into the essence of an inclusive workspace, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it entails and why it is crucial. Drawing from his own insights and experiences, he equips the audience with practical knowledge and actionable steps to foster a diverse workplace culture & workforce that cultivates cultural competence and understanding.
Kwame unveils strategies and practices that promote an inclusive culture, allowing individuals to flourish and contribute their unique strengths. Through his engaging delivery, Kwame empowers participants to embrace diversity, dismantle barriers and foster a sense of belonging for all. Kwame Osei shares his enlightening journey and learns how to create a culture that celebrates differences and welcomes everyone. Discover the immense value of building an inclusive environment that boosts productivity, creativity, and empathy. Unlock the potential of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging within your organization, fostering an atmosphere where every individual thrives and achieves remarkable success through an inclusive, diverse & accepting environment.
Biography
Kwame Osei is a dynamic professional host & keynote speaker for seminars, corporate & school events, youth & charitable events & non-profit organizations. Kwame Osei was awarded a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pin for his significant contribution as a teacher and mentor to inmates of maximum security in his community by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Kwame Osei’s presentations focus on inspiring change, action and growth, pushing people to broaden their perspective and take control of their personal growth. After being exposed to the street culture of Rexdale, Toronto, Kwame used the power of sport and the sports mindset to overcome all obstacles to become a CFL player, teacher, football coach, entrepreneur and community leader. Kwame Osei is a dynamic keynote speaker who teaches fundamental tools he learned throughout his life to empower others through a diverse lens

REGISTER HERE

No Fuss, Low Fuss Soups! Chilean Cooking Demonstration - Virtual
2026-02-09 17:00 - 18:30
Cold days call for warm, comforting food…and shared traditions.
Join us online for a relaxed and welcoming virtual cooking demonstration as local chef Tonka introduces you to Pantrucas, a traditional Chilean chicken, noodle, and vegetable soup enjoyed by families across generations.
From your own kitchen, watch along as Tonka shares the story, flavours, and cultural traditions behind this hearty dish, along with helpful cooking tips, and a few Spanish words along the way!
This all-ages event is part of the Culture Connect series, presented by the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, which creates opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and connection across our communities.
What to expect:

A live, watch-along virtual cooking demonstration
Cultural insights into Chilean food traditions
A digital recipe card and cooking instructions shared after the session
A space to learn and connect

If you require accommodations to participate, please contactlocalimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com
We would like to thank our partners from Latino Connection in the Ottawa Valley for their support in making this event possible.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE
We look forward to cooking, learning, and connecting with you!

The Culture of Mosaics
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Johnie’s Vintage, 54 Madawaska St., Arnprior, Ontario, K7S 1R9, Canada
Join us for a fun, hands-on, and educational mosaic workshop where you’ll learn the basics of mosaic art while creating your own one-of-a-kind mosaic heart!
During this cozy creative session, we’ll explore the art of mosaics together. Breaking, arranging, and transforming pieces into something meaningful and beautiful. Along the way, the Liam of Johnie’s Vintage will share their personal journey: from earning a Fine Art degree to running a vintage shop for over seven years, and how mosaics became a way to honour stories held in broken objects.
A chipped teacup passed down through generations, a plate that once lived in a family kitchen, mosaics allow these pieces to live on in a new form. Participants are welcome to bring a small ceramic item of personal significance to include in their heart (optional), or choose from the wide selection of materials provided.
This workshop is equal parts creativity, storytelling, and gentle connection. Perfect for beginners and seasoned makers alike. Come create something heartfelt, learn a new skill, and leave with a piece that carries both beauty and meaning.

All materials provided
Personal pieces welcome (optional)
No prior experience needed
Limited Spots Available
We would like to thank our partners from Johnie’s Vintage for making this event possible.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE

Camino de Santiago: Portugal into Spain
2026-02-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to hike the Camino de Santiago, specifically the Portuguese route (Camino Portugués) into Spain? Join experienced traveler Ray Parchelo for an engaging and informative talk that brings this iconic trip to life.
Ray will share firsthand stories, practical insights, and reflections from the trail. Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Camino someday, curious about long-distance hiking, or simply love travel stories, this session offers a meaningful glimpse into what the Camino experience is truly like.
Come learn, ask questions, and be inspired.
Hosted by the Renfrew Public Library
REGISTER HERE

Mardi Gras Extravaganza Fundraising Gala
2026-02-14 19:30 | Arnprior Public Library, 21 Madawaska St, Arnprior, ON, K7S 1R6, Canada
The Arnprior Public Library will be transformed into a magical Mardi Gras gala as you join us for an unforgettable night of food, live music, dancing, décor, and FUN right in the heart of Arnprior.
Dance the night away to Ball & Chain, Ottawa’s premier Mardi Gras band, bringing the energy and spirit of New Orleans straight to the dance floor. Enjoy a cash bar and a mouthwatering spread of NOLA-inspired dishes courtesy of Riley Catering.
Help shake away the winter blahs. Dress to impress and lean fully into the Mardi Gras spirit!
Tickets: $60 per personAll proceeds support adult library programming, including author visits, guest speakers, and more.
Let the good times roll!
REGISTER HERE through the Arnprior Public Libraries Website

Perth Multicultural Food Festival
2026-02-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Crystal Palace, 31 Basin Lane, Perth, Ontario, K7H 1J1, Canada
Come out to the Crystal Palace in Perth for the Perth Multicultural Food Fair! Delight in food samples from vendors from over 10 different cultures, and take part in a variety of cultural performances and workshops! Everyone is welcome to indulge in this spectacular free community event

2026 Frewfest Family Day Winter Carnival - Snowperson Building Activity
2026-02-15 12:00 - 16:00 | myFm Centre, 1 Ma Te Way Park Dr., Renfrew, ON, K7V 4J4, Canada
The Town of Renfrew invites you to celebrate Family Day weekend at the 2026 Frewfest Winter Carnival, a fun-filled event with free activities for all ages.
Visit the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) – Lanark & Renfrew team on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM and take part in our Snowperson Building Activity. Use your creativity to build a snowperson or snow sculpture – whether you’re showing off your snow-crafting skills or just giving it a try, everyone is welcome!
Materials will be provided, with indoor and outdoor options available depending on weather conditions. Crafting and fun available while supplies last.
‘Frewfest takes place over Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16, 2026, at the myFM Centre and Ma-te-Way Park (1 Ma-te-Way Park Dr., Renfrew). The weekend features a wide range of free, family-friendly activities, including a pancake breakfast hosted by the Renfrew District South Women’s Institute, horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatables, the Meet the Keepers animal show, a Wolves game, and more.’

No Fuss, Low Fuss Soups! Peruvian Cooking Demonstration - Virtual
2026-02-17 17:00 - 18:30
Comforting flavours, shared traditions, and a taste of Peru…
Join us online for a warm and welcoming virtual cooking demonstration with Monica and Edy, inspired by Peruvian home cooking and the rich flavours of Lima. From the comfort of your own kitchen, watch along as Monica and Edy prepares Sopa Criolla, a beloved Peruvian soup known for bringing families together around the table.
Sopa Criolla is a hearty, flavourful soup traditionally made with beef, vegetables, pasta or bread, milk, and warming spices.
As Monica and Edy prepare this dish, they will share cultural insights, and practical tips for perfecting this dish, creating a relaxed space for learning, connection, and cultural exchange.
This all-ages event is part of the Culture Connect series, presented by the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, which brings communities together through food, storytelling, and shared experiences.
What to expect:

A live, watch-along virtual cooking demonstration
Cultural insights into Peruvian food traditions and the flavours of Lima
A digital recipe card and cooking instructions shared after the session
A welcoming, inclusive space for all ages

If you require accommodations to participate, please contactlocalimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com
We would like to thank our partners from Latino Connection in the Ottawa Valley for their support in making this event possible.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE

WAR - The Great Forgetting
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Algonquin College – Pembroke Campus, 1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8, Canada
As William Faulkner said, ‘The past is never dead. It’s not even past.’
It was the Americans, after the Second World War, who led the way in creating a new international system in which aggressive war became a crime and it was illegal for even the greatest powers to change borders by force. And it worked: no great power has directly fought any other great power for the past eighty years. Their proxies have clashed occasionally and lots of little countries have fought little wars, but no nuclear weapon has been used in war since August 1945. Few people alive then would have dared to believe we could do so well. Alas, it is also the Americans who are leading the way back towards the undead, perpetually violent, rule-free past.
From tragedy to farce – from George Bush invading Iraq to Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine to Donald Trump stumbling around in Venezuela – the old ways are coming back and the new rules are being trampled into the dirt. Whether we blame just a few foolish leaders or an entire generation that has forgotten the bitter lessons of the 20th century, we are in deep trouble now. The global cooperation that is needed to cope with climate change is sliding out of reach, and great-power war is thinkable again. We can still change course, but the key thing is to understand the nature of war. We inherited it from our human and pre-human ancestors, but Einstein was right: nuclear weapons have already changed everything except the way we think. We could always change our minds, too
We are engaged in an involuntary planet-wide experiment. Can the human species, which evolved to live only in small groups but now lives in groups up to a billion strong, eliminate the deeply rooted and universally shared cluster of behaviors involving territoriality and violence that we call ‘war’? Those behaviours were functional for hunter-gatherers, but now they threaten our future. Human beings recognised that problem in the mid-20th century and came up with some useful responses. Some high-profile major players are now seeking to destroy the ‘international rule of law’, but not all is lost. The great majority of countries and of people still support it, and the outcome is still in doubt.
Biography
GWYNNE DYER has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for most of his adult life, but he was originally trained as an historian. He was born in Newfoundland and received degrees from Canadian, American and British universities, finishing with a Ph.D. in Military and Middle Eastern History from the University of London. He served in three navies and held academic appointments at the Canadian Forces College, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Oxford University before giving up the day jobs in favour of a twice-weekly column on international affairs that is published in more than 20 countries. His first television series, the seven-part documentary ‘War’, was aired in 45 countries. One episode, ‘The Profession of Arms’, was nominated for an Academy Award. His more recent television works include the Gemini Award-winning series ‘The Human Race’. He has written eleven books (most of them Canadian best-sellers) on war, international politics and climate. The most recent ones are ‘The Shortest History of War’ (2022) and ‘Intervention Earth’ (2024). He has spoken in most BC high schools, some of them many times. Dr Dyer lives in London. In 2010, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada.

REGISTER HERE

Multicultural Games Night - Equator Coffee Almonte
2026-02-20 18:00 - 22:00 | Equator Coffee, 451 Ottawa Street, Almonte, Ontario, K0A 10A, Canada
Join us at Equator Coffee Almonte for an Around the World themed evening! Learn games from around the world, like Mancala, Senet, Scopa and more! Feel free to show off your own culture’s traditional attire, grab a themed drink or snack, and have a great time!
Equator Coffee – 451 Ottawa Street, Almonte, ON, KOA 1AO
