Peterborough Blogs
Lessons from the Land Event Aims to Build Bridges Towards Reconciliation in Nogojiwanong
/The New Canadians Centre is organizing a Multicultural Canada Day ‘Lessons from the Land’ at Beavermead Pavilion (2011 Ashburnham Drive) on July 1, a celebration of the rich diversity of culture in Canada and locally in Peterborough.
file photo.
As an organization, the New Canadians Centre said they have reflected on the important work of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and their role in helping more people settle on lands stewarded by Indigenous Peoples.
“The New Canadians Centre is committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples, to celebrate Indigenous culture and knowledge, and to help heal and grow relationships between Indigenous Peoples and settlers,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC’s community engagement officer.
Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism and our clients’ pride in being Canadian remains a cornerstone of NCC’s work. Please join us in our week-long celebration of the Canadian Multicultural Festival from June 23 to June 30 in addition to our month-long Multicultural Food Crawl.
Program:
Free Plants (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Pick up a free sweetgrass or white sage plant sourced from the GreenUp Ecology Park Native Plant nursery (while supplies last).
Welcome (9:30 a.m.)
Janet McCue is the lead singer of Wishkiigomang Hand Drummers from Curve Lake. She will be joined by her sister Linda McCue.
Guided Nature Walk (9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.)
Join Patricia Wilson for a guided nature walk through Beavermead Park. Patricia is the founder of Diverse Nature Collective – a grassroots organization that works to empower, mobilize and create space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the environmental movement and reduce barriers in accessing nature.
Morning Activities (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
TRACKS Program: Join Kelsey Roote and Ziigwan LaPointe from TRACKS Youth Program for an engaging River Race game! This game explores the journey of different fish in the Trent-Severn Waterway and the challenges they have getting to their spawning grounds.
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Community Lunch catered by Thomas Olszewski's Grandfather’s Kitchen (12 p.m. - 1 p.m.) – please bring your own dishes (bowls, plates, utensils) where possible
Dance & Drum Circle (12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.) led by Janet McCue
Afternoon Activities (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Beading Circle: The Orange Shirt serves as a powerful symbol, representing the legacy of residential schools and reminding us of the profound impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. Pick up a free Orange Shirt beading kit from Cedarlilie Bead Shop at the NCC office (221 Romaine St) or at Lessons from the Land. Join the beading circle at Lessons from the Land led by Susan Byrne, She Gathers Flowers by the Water. You can also follow Cedarlilie’s tutorial online.
Closing led by Janet and Linda McCue
‘Lessons from the Land’ is organized by the New Canadians Centre and supported by Canadian Heritage, United Way of Peterborough & District, TRACKS Youth Program, Community Race Relations Committee, Diverse Nature Collective, and the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group.
The New Canadians Centre Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
New Canadians Centre Seeking Volunteer Board Members
/The New Canadians Centre is looking for board directors to support newcomers and refugees by joining the governance team that shapes and advises the organization’s priorities.
photo by david tuan bui.
Since 1979, when a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting refugees fleeing Vietnam, the New Canadians Centre has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services that support the empowerment and inclusion of people who are new to Canada.
The NCC also takes an active role in community development and is one of the founding organizations of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership which mobilizes the community to implement a 5-year community immigrant integration strategy.
They serve more than 1,000 newcomer clients annually, who can access a variety of programs and services such as settlement counselling, employment counselling, language assessment, transitional support, workshops (taxes, citizenship), English conversation groups, women’s group, skills training, youth programming/activities and recreational outings.
The NCC encourages community members with diverse backgrounds to apply; those who are able and willing to give 5 to 10 hours per month of their time for this valuable work. They are also looking for volunteers with experience relevant to NCC’s programs and services, and with an interest in governance and leadership.
If you are interested in this opportunity, visit the website to access the information package and application form. Applications to join the board will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 26.
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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For Non-Profit Organizations to Benefit Children
/Community organization Peterborough Cares’ “Stand With Tim” campaign raised $14,270.59 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" program.
Backpacks are being stuffed at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.
The funds were received by both organizations at the Peterborough Police station on Saturday with Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell in attendance.
The one-day fundraising event began on Aug. 19 on the corner of King and George Street where local musicians performed a free concert while volunteers collected donations. Musicians included SJ Riley, Shawn Hully, Cole LeBlanc, Baz Littlerock, Ariel Riley, High Waters and Joe McCulley.
There was $2,000 from the Peterborough Police Service to kickstart the fundraiser. The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500.
A GoFundMe was set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.
Proceeds were split between the NCC and United Way. The latter’s campaign was using the proceeds to fill 690 backpacks with school supplies for children returning to class in September. They needed $15,000 to complete their goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to the United Way.
During the last three years, proceeds went to homeless shelters. Acting police chief Tim Farquharson took a preventive approach this year by using the proceeds for children’s education. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.
“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said in a prior interview with PTBOCanada.
"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raising Money For "Backpacks for Success" Program and New Canadians Centre
/Community organization Peterborough Cares hosted its fourth annual “Stand With Tim” fundraiser to aid the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" to give backpacks to needing children on Friday.
Jamie Emos (pictured) collecting donations from the corner of King and George Street in front of The Venue. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
In years past, proceeds typically go towards homeless shelters. This time, acting Peterborough Police chief Tim Farquharson is taking a preventive approach with this year’s fundraiser. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.
“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said.
Funds are shared between the United Way and the NCC with none going towards administrative costs. Roughly 690 backpacks with school supplies are needed for the former to get to schools in time for September.
The charity is gathering volunteers to stuff the backpacks on Aug. 30 to be available for pickup from schools the following day. No generic donor funds go towards the campaign but are collected separately.
United Way requires $15,000 to complete its goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to Sara Mountenay, United Way communications officer.
“There are a lot of students whose parents simply can't afford to purchase the school supplies that everyone else has and take for granted because they're too focused on, let's face it, putting a roof over their head or paying for groceries so the demand this year was unprecedented,” she said.
NCC was chosen as the fundraiser beneficiary as the organization is in need of funding. He says he wants those families including the children to get off on the right foot and in a new country.
“We want new Canadians to come here and feel comfortable and reduce any challenges we can and set them up for success,” explained Farquharson.
The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500, totalling $2,000 to kick off the fundraiser.
A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.
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New Canadians Centre Launches Inaugural Week-Long Canadian Multiculturalism Festival
/In honour of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing a week-long inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Festival in Peterborough beginning Monday to June 27 announced Wednesday morning.
(from left to right) Andy Cragg, NCC executive director; Zebiba Sultan; Brisham Ramoutar, NCC communications and community engagement specialist and Hilary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager. Flood samples Ethiopian cuisine made by Sultan. The vegetarian dish contains red lentils, split peas, beets and a salad atop a large piece of injera (Ethiopian sour flatbread).
The festival aims to display multiculturalism within Peterborough through performance, storytelling, film and food.
“Celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough creates community and helps people to feel like they belong,” says Andy Cragg, Executive Director. “We are proud to showcase the richness of experience in our community. It’s an underappreciated and unrecognized day in Canada.”
A food crawl with six downtown restaurants can earn you tickets towards Boro gift cards. Every $10 you spent from June 20 - July 1, gets anyone a stamp towards a Multicultural Food Passport. Collecting six earns a draw for the gift cards and participants do not have to visit all six restaurants to earn an entry.
Stamps and passports are available at the NCC or the following restaurants:
Curry Mantra
Levantine Grill
Hanoi House
Real Thai Cuisine
Dirty Burger
Milk + Tea
“Downtown Peterborough is a culinary hotspot for multicultural cuisine in the region,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area communications and marketing manager. “We are so excited to be partnering with the New Canadians Centre for the Canadian Multiculturalism Festival to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of our international cuisine and newcomer-owned restaurants and how they have shaped our culinary fabric downtown."
The following is a list of events occurring throughout the week:
Flavours of the World Sampling Day
All six restaurant will offer free samples of their food on June 25 between noon and 7 p.m.
Try It Series
The community can get their feet wet and participate in music, dance, cooking and sports from across the world:
Indian Spices - Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the NCC
Peruvian Flower Making - Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the NCC
Taekwondo - Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at King Edward Park
Ethiopian Cooking - June 23, 6 p.m. via Zoom with Zebiba Sultan (ingredient kits can be obtained at the NCC from Monday to next Wednesday)
Zumba - June 24, 6 p.m. at the Silver Bean Patio (Millennium Park) by Dianely Hernandez
Anyone can register online at the NCC website to participate.
Cultural Fusions Video Series
Films are showcased to Dancers and musicians’ craft and culture with two films, “The Story Won’t Die + The Magic of Beginnings” and The Magic of Beginnings.
The former is about a Syrian rapper, tortured by Bashar Al-Assad for his lyrics, who uses his music to survive one of our century's deadliest wars.
The story of revolution and exile in a new documentary reflects a global battle for peace, justice and freedom of expression.
The Magic of Beginnings is about a local English-as-a-second-language teacher that learns Arabic to make the newcomers in her class feel at home.
Anyone can register online from the NCC’s website for a link to view the films online for free between Monday and June 27.
Building A Home Book Reading & Activities
On June 26 at 2 p.m., author & illustrator Casandra Lee will read her children’s book “Building A Home” followed by some creative art-based activities for children and families.
The book is about six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who are now living, playing, and going to school in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. The book was commissioned and published by the New Canadians Centre.
Multiculturalism Panel
The final da features a Canadian Multiculturalism Festival event at a panel discussion with Trent Professors Mohmin Rahman and Feyzi Baban and Cragg.
Discussions include immigration in Canada, local responses to immigration and perspectives on multiculturalism in Canada and Europe.
Each year, the NCC supports over 1000 clients hailing from over 100 countries and speaking more than 70 different languages. In 2021, the NCC saw a record-breaking number of immigrants come to their facility according to Cragg.
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St. John's School Holds Ukraine Fundraiser With City-Wide Badminton Tournament
/St. John’s Catholic Elementary School grade 7 and 8 students used their racquets and birdies to raise money for their “United for Ukraine” two-day badminton tournament held on Wednesday and Thursday.
St. Anne’s grade 8 student, Clara Murison (pictured), 13, serving against Monsignor O’Donoghue (MOD) at St. John’s gymnasium. Murison and her teammate Sequoia Soubliere, 14, defeated MOD in their round-robin matchup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Nine other schools within the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board were invited to participate and contribute to the cause.
The money is going towards the New Canadians Centre Welcome Fund which aids refugees and immigrants with mental health services, employment opportunities and other services.
"The kids have been working on this for a couple of months now as a 'deep learning' project," said Stacy Higgins, St. John's grade 8 teacher. "They learned about what was going on in Ukraine and wanted to help."
"We did a little bit of research on Ukraine and we were talking about it a lot in class,” said Jayden Hopkins, 14, St. John's grade 8 student. “We haven't really haven't had any schools come over in a long time because of COVID so we thought this would be a great way to help our community and help the refugees but also have a fun time."
St Anne’s grade 8 student Sequoia Soubliere (pictured), 14, was one of the finalists for the girls’ tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
St John’s students were responsible for contacting other schools to get them involved, reach out to sponsors and organize the event.
"It took a lot of effort, we had to call a lot of places and we're so thankful for our sponsors to help donate food, drinks and flowers, said Hopkins. “It was a lot of hard work to make those signs, and call the different places, it was a lot of work but it was worth it."
All the awards were designed by a St. John’s student while Holy Cross Secondary School created them. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The students reached out to Holy Cross Secondary School where teacher Mike Whibbs helped created the awards from the shop class. The first-place trophy was designed by a St John’s student and made with a 3D printer.
The amount of effort and work put into the tournament was rewarding according to the St. John’s students.
"It's very nice to know that we're helping families coming to Peterborough and the surrounding area," said Reed Lain, 13, St. John's grade 8 student. "Not many people have done stuff since Covid, everyone's been inside so it's pretty good for the teams playing."
Each school had two girls and boys represent their respective schools to play in the doubles tournament while contributing $100 for each team.
The girls’ tournament was held on the first day with the boys’ on the following day.
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New Canadians Centre Joins Peterborough Petes For A Try Hockey Night At The Memorial Centre
/Newcomers to Peterborough got a taste of Canadian culture on Tuesday night with ‘Try Hockey’ presented by the Peterborough Petes.
Photos by Luke Best
Community members from countries all over the world joined Peterborough Ice Kats and Petes players on the ice before Tuesday’s Petes game.
Esther, who came to Peterborough from Peru eight years ago said Tuesday was her second time attempting to skate, though it was her first successful try.
“I was so scared before,” she said. “The first time I did it I was by myself on the canal. It was not a pleasant situation, I wanted to have the whole Canadian experience but it was not successful. But here with the help of the girls here it’s amazing.”
Esther says while there was no ice skating in Peru, before she came to Canada she knew what hockey was and that it was stereotypically Canadian.
While she joked that she didn’t know what she was doing on the ice, Esther has decided she will buy her own pair of skates for next winter.
“I didn’t know how much fun I was missing. What I love the most about this is feeling like you are flying. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt - you’re on the ice standing up on knives.”
@ptbo_canada Giving newcomers to PTBO the true Canadian experience thanks to @Peterborough Petes ‘Try Hockey’ night with the New Canadian Centre! #Canada #WelcomeToCanada #PTBOCanada ♬ The Hockey Song - Stompin' Tom Connors
The NCC first introduced the Try Hockey program in 2019, according to Jessica Devlin, Youth and Community Programs coordinator. Tuesdays event was the first time they had been on the ice since then due to COVID.
“This was super popular activity, people were super excited to try,” said Devlin. “For Peterborough hockey is such a big part of our culture. When new folks move here this is such a great chance to introduce some of the local culture, it’s amazing to introduce that and give them the chance to try the game.”
The event saw over 50 people, adults and children, on the ice followed by over 300 NCC clients in the stands to cheer on the Petes afterwards.
The Peterborough Petes organization provided equipment for participants, while Emterra and The Bob Gainey Foundation provided tickets to the game.
The night was complete with boxes and boxes of Timbits, for the full Canadian experience.
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Documentary from The New Canadians Centre Focuses On Migrant Workers
/A short documentary, filmed and directed by local filmmaker Shahed Khaito called ‘The Hands That Feed Us’ was released on August 5.
Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre
The documentary is produced in partnership with the New Canadians Centre and the Peterborough Immigration Partnership.
It tells the story of Julie Fleming and Roberto Garcia at Circle Organic farm in Milbrook. Fleming is a co-owner and operator of the farm. Garcia arrived at Circle Organic from Mexico through the Peterborough Immigration Partnership.
The Peterborough Immigration Program connects with farmers and workers in the region to broaden the network of support and discuss the gaps and opportunities in this area of work.
Advocates for migrant workers have raised issues related to workers’ rights and sometimes abusive treatment because of the power imbalances created by the structural inequity of this program.
They have been vocal in their calls for a fairer immigration system, improved working conditions and treatment of migrant workers, and stronger provision and protection of employment rights.
For more resources regarding migrant worker issues and developments visit Justice for Migrant Workers, Migrant Rights Network, Migrant Workers Alliance For Change or Migrant Worker Health Project.
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Fleming College Collaborates With Local Studio To Create Opportunities For New Canadians
/A unique collaboration by Fleming College, Madderhouse Textile Studios, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and the Newcomer Sewing Crew has provided opportunities for newcomer women to create hand-stitched cloth face masks while earning a living wage.
The face masks will be distributed to Fleming students, faculty and staff as they return to campus for summer bootcamps beginning July 13th.
Photo courtesy Fleming College
The Newcomer Sewing Crew is an up-and-coming collective of talented artists and sewists who are invested in providing opportunities for newcomer women to learn entrepreneurial skills and receive fair compensation for their work.
Through this project and others, the Crew’s mission is to strengthen their personal and community connections, and contribute to the social and economic health and wellbeing of our community.
Photo courtesy Fleming College
The face masks are Fleming College branded, designed by Fleming’s Marketing team, printed at Madderhouse Textile Studios and constructed by hand by the Newcomer Sewing Crew. The Crew created 300 masks available in three different colours, in either elastic or tie style.
“As a social enterprise, our mission is to strengthen our personal and community connections through our products and our stories, and to champion the importance of locally-sourced products as a catalyst for boosting community health and well-being,” says Leslie Menagh, Owner-Operator at Madderhouse Textile Studios.
Photo courtesy Fleming College
