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Welcoming Week 2024
Canada became a member of Welcoming International in 2020. Welcoming Week is a global initiative that encourages individuals and communities to spread the message of inclusion and collective prosperity. Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) describes it as 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. From Friday September 13 to Sunday, September 22, Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership (GBLIP) is coordinating and collaborating with community partners in hosting a variety of virtual and in-person events for newcomers to learn about their communities and connect with long-time residents.
Event/Activity Calendar
September 13 to 22
Welcoming Week Colouring Book & Colouring Contest
The colouring book is designed for all ages. As you are colouring each page, with crayons, colour pencils, or gel pens, reflect on the things you have done to make your new neighbours, classmates or colleagues feel that they belong to the community. Give yourself a pat on the back for being WELCOMING!
Complete page 9, Draw Your Welcoming Community and email it to us for a chance to win a prize. Contest ends on September 30.
Welcoming Week Quiz
How much do you know about newcomers and immigrants to Canada, Ontario, and Grey Bruce? Take this quiz and reflect on how to be good neighbours and make our region more welcoming. Check answers here.
Alternatively, pick up a printed copy of the quiz at the following libraries: Grey Highlands Public Library, Hanover Public Library, Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library, Southgate Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library and West Grey Public Library.
Around the World QR Contest and Display
YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce Settlement and Language Services is hosting an Around the World QR Context and Display between September 9 and 30. Patrons at a participating library are invite to complete a questionnaire to win a price. Answers to the questions can be found by scanning the laminated QR codes in various locations in the library for information and fun facts about different countries .
Participating libraries include: Hanover Public Library, Meaford Public Library, Walkerton Public Library and Wiarton Public Library.
Show Us Your Roots
Southgate Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library is launching a long-term project, Show Us Your Roots, during Welcoming Week. Patrons are invited to mark on a large map where they were born or where their ancestors are from.
Welcome Package for New Residents in Hanover
Printed copies of the Welcome Package are available for pick up at the Hanover Public Library, 451 10th Ave.. It can also be view or downloaded at hanover.ca/newresident.
Carrying Culture: Newcomer Keepsakes from Home
A collaboration between Grey Roots Museum & Archives and YMCA Grey Bruce Settlement & Language Services, this exhibit at the Museum features cherished keepsakes on loan from newcomers to Grey and Bruce. These prized keepsakes made the journey to Canada before finding a home in Grey or Bruce County. These items could not be left behind and each tells a unique, powerful immigration story. Exhibit closes on October 12th 2024
greyroots.com/carrying-culture
Fall Fairs
Fall Fairs are organized by agricultural societies. They provide great opportunities for newcomers and other residents in a community to meet and connect.
September 13, 14 & 15 Lucknow
September 14 Chatsworth
September 19 Sydenham
September 20 & 21 Neustadt
September 20 & 21 Wiarton
Friday September 13
Featured Video: Welcome to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation | A Not At All Complete guide to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation
A brief introduction to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), its culture, and a very brief, and not at all complete, history of the SON and its Territory.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre Welcoming Week Tour
At 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, the Museum is offering two free public tours that delve into the immigration stories and accounts of Bruce County's first settlers. Embark on a 45-minute journey through history as the tours cover the entire museum site. Discover the rich heritage of Bruce County and learn about the experiences of those who shaped its early days.
brucemuseum.ca/thisevent/welcoming-week-museum-tours/
Saturday September 14
Grey Roots Museum Pay By Donation
There's lots happening locally to recognize Welcoming Week, and Grey Roots is happy to be hosting a Welcoming Week Celebration on Saturday, September 14th from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. On this day, all visitors to Grey Roots are invited to pay by donation, no admission will be charged. In Carrying Culture: Newcomer Keepsakes from Home, a collaboration between Grey Roots and Grey Bruce Settlement & Language Services, discover the hopes and stories of newcomers to Grey and Bruce counties told in their own words, and by the keepsakes they could not leave behind. Learn about the treaty process from an Indigenous perspective in Saukiing Anishnaabekiing presents: Our Stories, and discover the diverse perspectives of local residents, past and present, through their own words in Voices of Grey.
Talk to Christmas on the Bay, Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership, Grey Bruce South Asian Association and YMCA Settlement & Language Services, and find out how they foster diversity and inclusion to make Grey Bruce more welcoming.
https://greyroots.com/welcoming-week
Monday September 16
Bruce County Public Library "The Pencil Project" Video Launch
In 2023, three St. Mary's High School students started The Pencil Project to engage immigrants and newcomers in sharing success stories and how they have made Grey and Bruce Counties their home. The video features Islay Graham and Jiya Kukreja, authors of Pencilling It In, a compilation of the stories collected.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fekIcf26A-w
Tuesday September 17
Newcomer Familiarization Tour
Bruce County has partnered with the Newcomer Centre of Peel to introduce rural living and working to approximately 50 newcomers from the Peel Region. The tour will visit Walkerton, Paisley, Saugeen Shores and Kincardine.
Kincardine Welcoming Week Meet & Greet
The Municipality of Kincardine is inviting newcomers and long-time residents to drop by the Welcome Centre on 707 Queen Street, Kincardine between 3:00PM and 7:00 PM for some light refreshments, connect with others, and learn about settlement, employment, support services, recreation services and volunteering opportunities available in the community.
Wednesday September 18
Municipality Welcome Package Video Launch
A Municipality Welcome Package help new residents of communities in Grey and Bruce County provides local information and resources that help newcomer residents navigate as they settle into their new home. See this video and learn about the Welcome Package.
Free Public Skating in Hanover
Free public skating on Wednesday September 18 from 4 to 4:50pm at the P&H Centre, 269 7th Ave., is a great opportunity for new and long-time residents to connect through a fun activity.
Thursday September 19
Citizenship Trivia
YMCA Owen Grey Bruce Settlement and Language Services invites you to participate in this event and find out how well you know Canada. Online via Zoom from 6 to 7pm.
Sunday September 22
Peninsula Bruce Trail Club Rainbow Hike
Committed to preserving a ribbon of wilderness for everyone, the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club value and welcome diversity and aims to be an accessible and inclusive community. The Rainbow Hike for 2SLGBTQ+ folx and allies takes place from 11:00 AM to 2:30PM. It will begin at the entrance to Halfway Log Dump Side Trail. Registration required.
https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/fall-solstice-rainbow-hike/2024-09-22/
