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Perspectives on Faith & Identity, a Youth Documentary Project

Submitted by Paulina Grainger, Arts and Outreach Coordinator

Youth Documentary Participants

We've come to the end of this youth-driven film project. And what an eight months it's been! We began the year by asking 5 young adults between the ages of 18 - 30 two central questions, "Who are you?" and "What do you believe in?" You'd expect that they would have some answers by now, but as Brianna Dick, one of the participants, says in a moment of self-reflection, "We're still trying to discover who we are. We're still trying to discover how we fit in." Along the way, however, they tell us they've learnt a few things:

"It has put me in a place where I'm more comfortable shedding labels, and I'm not concerned with proving to anyone what I am, what I'm not, or what I'm trying to be." - David Mutuku

"The most important thing I learnt through this process is that I'm able to finally embrace myself for who I am, and my differences... to connect the dots." - Leat Ahrony

"A lot of our faiths have way more similarities than differences... we discuss the same topics, we believe the same things, and we're feeding into the same ideas, rather than praying to different gods and deities." - Suvreet Johal

"It's been a positive, stressful and emotional journey... in the larger context of things, I think it will bring about the idea that we're not all one stereotype, we're not just Indigenous, we're not just Christian, we're not just Jewish or Buddhist, we're not just Sikh, we're not just Rastafari. We are so much more than that. We're not just the stereotypical idea that everyone has of us." - Brianna Dick

"This process has been really awesome. I got to meet four different people with four different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and it was just a great experience for me to understand... and to know that it's okay to be who you are and what you believe in." - Jessica Pamplona (Youth Film Editor)

To hear more about their stories, we'd like to invite you to join us for the free screening of the final documentary on Saturday, September 12 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at the Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville St.

With gratitude to the project mentors and educators, Photojournalist Quinton Gordon and Documentary Filmmaker Peter Campbell.

This project was funded by Inspirit Foundation. For additional information, please contact Paulina Grainger, Arts & Outreach Coordinator, pgrainger@icavictoria.org. Read more here.

2015 Ride for Refuge is back on October 3!

Submitted by Meghan Mergaert, Development Manager

Last year over ICA had 56 riders join forces and participate in Ride for Refuge. This family fun community event was a huge success, and together we raised over $6,500 for ICA youth services.

Ride with us again, or for the first time, on Saturday, October 3 in the Ride for Refuge. ICA is seeking cyclists of all ages, abilities, and experience to join us in riding and raising funds for immigrants and refugee newcomer youth. Plus this year Ride for Refuge has introduced a 5 km walk route. ICA, along with other community organizations, are riding and walking together for this family-friendly bike-a-thon to support people who are displaced, vulnerable

and exploited - and we need your help!

We are looking for people to participate as: riders, walkers, sponsors of riders, fundraisers, promoters and recruiters. If you have a passion for supporting people and love to be active, this is the event for you! Help us raise more money for this year's youth programs. Read more here...

Want to ride, but you don't know how to ride a bicycle? No problem - we are teaming up with Bike to Work Society and Joy Riding to offer you FREE lessons on how to ride a bike.

Want to ride, but don't feel comfortable riding? No problem - we are offering FREE bike skills & safety course on September 11, 18 & 25 from 4 - 7 pm.

Don't have a bike, but you want to ride? No problem - we can provide a bike for you.

Contact Meghan Mergaert, Development Manager at mmergaert@icavictoria.org or 250-361-9433 ext. 143 to learn more.

Community Connections Update August 2015

Submitted by Steven Baileys, Community Outreach Coordinator

CPN Members at the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque

Police Engagement with Muslim Community

Members of the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque recently spent an evening with representatives from the Greater Victoria region's five local police services (Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich, Oak Bay and the RCMP). Together, they spent 3 hours talking, listening and learning about how to improve understanding and build trust between police and diverse communities.

Over the past several years, the region's five police services have been working to develop positive police-community relationships and promote bias-free policing as mandated by the 2013 report from the Ministry of Justice on BC Policing and Community Safety Plan. Organized by the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee (GVPDAC), of which ICA is a member, the event brought together more than 60 members from the Muslim community -some of whom immigrated to Canada from countries such as Lebanon, Pakistan, Nigeria, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon among others- to engage in dialogue with representatives from the region's police services.

Read more about the CPN event here.

Update: Local Immigration Partnership (LIP)

The Greater Victoria Local Immigration Project (LIP) is an initiative funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The LIP brings together CPN members and other local key stakeholders to promote immigration integration in our region. In the coming year, LIP and CPN members will continue working on the creation of a regional immigration strategic plan to be unveiled in March 2016.

LIP Immigrant Advisory Table

A LIP Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) is now in the process of being formed to assist and provide critical feedback to the LIP. Newcomer and long-term immigrants living in the Greater Victoria Region are invited to apply to be a part of the IAT. If you are a newcomer or established (long term) immigrant who would be interested in being a part of the LIP initiative please complete an our online application: Immigrant Advisory Table Application.

Find out more about LIP here.

Ride for Refuge: ICA Youth Wheels of Thunder ride on October 3

Submitted by Kay Otani, SWIS Youth Worker

2014 ICA Ride for Refuge participants

ICA youth riders team, Wheels of Thunder, is back in action! Our ride last year was full of fun and a successful representation of ICA's youth community. For this year's ride, on October 3, we want to do the same by having your participation at the event or support youth riders by attending as a guest or by making a donation. So, please consider hopping on a bike (or lacing up your shoes for a 5 km walk) and helping our youth riders who are committed to a good cause. All the funds raised will support the weekly "Meet-Up" a recreation and drop-in program for newcomer youth. Read more here....

News from ICA Employment Services

Submitted by Mirko Kovacev, Employment Facilitator

ICA's Employment Services staff have been busy over the summer months, continuing to support newcomer clients to find a foothold in the Greater Victoria labour market.

Since the beginning of May, over 200 participants have attended the Job Search for Newcomers workshop series, and a life skills program, Soft Skills in the Canadian Workplace, which provided newcomers with knowledge about how to succeed in the Canadian labour market. Newcomers participated in workshops on writing and tailoring resumes and cover letters, Canadian workplace culture, networking with other professionals either through conducting career research interviews and/or social media, interview preparation, exploring career opportunities, identifying transferable skills, labour market information and enhancing ones' computer skills.

Clients were also able to learn more about possible career opportunities with Beacon Community Services, and speak with the representatives in person. The employer visit was a success as clients gained greater insights, and further networking opportunities.

Job Search for Newcomers Workshop Series
With September around the corner, ICA's Employment Services team are gearing up for the Autumn. In the anticipation of new Job Fairs being hosted around the city, bringing together different employers in the coming months, ICA's workshops will focus on writing and tailoring effective resumes, networking, soft skills, and interview skills, preparing our clients to obtain and maintain employment. Please see here for the latest workshops.

Read more here.

August 2015 Youth Update

Submitted by Claire Kelly, Youth Settlement Worker

ICA Youth Group Participants

While many youth out there may be sad that the summer is coming to an end, many newcomer youth are excited to begin their first semester at a Canadian school! And the staff at ICA Youth Services are very excited to support that experience with the re-start of our school year programs. Once again this fall, we will be running Homework Club, Youth Employment Training, One-on-One help, and the Meet Up. Start dates are to be announced soon, but please contact Claire (ckelly@icavictoria.org) if you have any specific questions.

In addition to these weekly programs, we are partnering with Bike to Work to offer a free bike skills and safety course on September 11, 18 & 25 from 4-7 pm. there is also the chance to ride or walk with the youth "Wheels of Thunder" bike team during the Ride for Refuge on October 3! See the Ride for Refuge article or contact Kay (kotani@icavictoria.org) for more details.

And for those who are still missing summer and want to see how the youth of ICA enjoyed their time, please visit our Summer Remix & ACE! Summer Camp Flickr albums here.

We're Going Back to School!

Submitted by Gita John-Iyam, SWIS Worker

The last weeks of summer are often filled with lots of excitement as children begin to get ready for a new school year. Whether your children are in a new country, in a new school, or in a new class, here are some tips to help ease the first few days of school.

Opening Day: The official opening day of school is September 8, 2015 the day after the Labour Day holiday. However, not all classes begin on the morning of September 8. Check the website of your school or call them directly to inquire about start of class dates; school offices usually open after August 24.

Supplies: The flyers from various stores are full of deals and suggestions for school supplies. If possible, invest in good quality supplies and try to buy what is suggested by the school. One year, I bought my daughter pencils that looked so pretty... but the lead kept breaking every time it touched the paper! Each school and class has its own supply list, and you can usually find the list on school websites.

Routine: Help children get to sleep early and wake up early the week before school starts - it can ease the transition into a new schedule by adjusting the body clock of a child who has been staying up and sleeping in late.

Breakfast: Children who have a good breakfast are able to get through a day of learning and play more comfortably. Should children miss breakfast, most schools have a breakfast program of fruits and snacks.

Lunch & Snacks: Schools suggest bringing healthy lunches and snacks in reusable containers. Foods high in sugar like juice and cookies can sometimes make it difficult for a child to sit quietly in class, so my favourite lunches always have lots of little things: small boxes of carrots, apple and cheese slices, crackers, and plenty of water. Most elementary schools have a no nut policy... so do check with your school before sending foods with peanut butter or other nuts. Some schools offer a lunch program at a reasonable cost or on a sliding scale (adjusted to fit family income). Read more here.

ICA's summer was youth staff infused

ICA's youth department was full of exciting summer programs with many thanks to our robust and energetic youth team that included Alex, Branda, Sandra, and of course our regular youth staff Claire and Kay. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the youth team who helped make this year's summer programs a success and gave over 50 newcomer children, youth and families a summer to remember.

A few words from Branda, ICA's Summer Student:

Thank you to all the amazing staff for a great, and unforgettable, work experience at ICA this summer! I learned and gained so much from the different projects I was involved in, from working with the incredible youth of ACE! And Summer Remix camps to working on the Blossoms Campaign and different grant applications - and camping with Power to Be was particularly memorable. The time went by so quickly, but I am so glad to have had such a wonderful experience at ICA. Read more here...

Many thanks to ICA's summer youth team

Save the Date! ICA's 2015 AGM is on September 16, 2015

In This Issue

Perspectives on Faith and Identity, a Youth Documentary Project

2015 Ride for Refuge: October 3

Community Connections Update

ICA Youth Wheels of Thunder

News from ICA Employment Services

August Youth Update

We're Going Back to School

ICA's summer was youth staff infused

Save the Date! ICA's 2015 AGM

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Save the Date!

Mark your calendars, ICA is hosting its 2015 Annual General Meeting on September 16, 2015. Stay tuned for further details!

Uvic International Youth Internship Program

Funding available for ten internships with migrant rights organizations in the Asia-Pacific. Click here for more details.

Perspectives on Faith and Identity Screening

Click here for a closer look.

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What's Happening?

ICA Workshops & Programming

Volunteer Orientation Session

Sept 23, 2015

11 am - 12 pm or 5 pm - 6 pm

RSVP required

Soft Skills for Social Interaction

Workshops on how to interact with friends, neighbours, and others in private and public situations.

Tuesdays, Sept 15 - Oct 6, 2015

4 pm - 6 pm

Learn more

Canadian Citizenship Application Preparation

A 2-session class about becoming a Canadian citizen and the application process.

Thursdays, Sept 24 - Oct 1, 2015

9:30 am - 11:30 am

Learn more

Baby Talk Class

For parents and their babies one year old and under. These classes are focused on development, health, and safety.

Fridays, Sept 25 - Oct 23, 2015

10 am - 11:30 am

Learn more

Cooking for Newcomers

Explore healthy, nutritious cooking in Canada and share your own cultural favourites.

Wednesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 2015

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Learn more

Pre-Natal Class

For expectant mothers and fathers on topics related to pregnancy, fetal development, nutrition, diet, etc.

Fridays, Nov 6 - Dec 42015

10 am - 11:30 am

Learn more

Welcome Playgroup

A free drop-in playground with children ages 0-5.

Fridays, 9 am - 11 am

Learn more

Elder Knowledge: Growing Food Close to Home

Newcomer seniors getting together to share their knowledge on gardening and growing food close to home.

Learn more

Women Helping Women

Ongoing peer support group for women.

Every 1st & 3rd Friday

1:30 pm - 3 pm
Learn more

Weekly Settlement Orientation

Important information to help you settle in Victoria.

Wednesdays, Aug 12 - Sept 16, 2015

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Learn more

Employment Workshops

Job search for newcomers.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept 8 - Sept 24, 2015

Times vary.

Learn more

ICA Employment Services

If you are looking for employment or need to upgrade, ICA's Employment Services Centre can help!

Learn more

Community Events

Saturday Night Fireworks at Butchart Gardens

The fireworks show began in 1977 and continue to be one of the Gardens most popular draws.

Saturdays, July 5 - Sept 5, 2015

More info here...

Fringe Festival

11 days of comedy, drama, dance, magic, music, spoken word, and physical theatre.

August 27 - September 6, 2015

Various times

Intrepid Threatre

Learn more...

Global Connections: Critical Holocaust Education in a Time of Transition

Join this free international, interdisciplinary conference.

September 1 - September 3, 2015
Various times.

MacLaurin Building, A144, Uvic

Learn more

Vancouver Island Blues Bash

Enjoy a celebration of blues and R & B music at this labour day weekend festival.

September 5 - September 7, 2015

Noon - evening

900 Wharf Street

Learn more...

Multicultural Activities for Children

Free dance performances and lessons for kids.

September 5, 2015

11 am - 2:30 pm

1110 Hillside Avenue

Global Dance Dinner & Dance Fundraiser

World beats, professional dance performances, and some of the best Indian food in town. Tickets $12 at the door; ages 19+.

September 5, 2015

6 pm - 11 pm

1110 Hillside Avenue

Find out more here.

Turkish Canadian Friendship Potluck Invitation

Join the Turkish Canadian Friendship Society of Vancouver Island potluck celebration.

September 6, 2015

1 pm - 4 pm

7321 Lochside Drive, Saanich Historical Artifacts Society

Find out more here.

148th Saanich Fair

Three days of fun and games at Western Canad's oldest annual fair.

September 5 - September 7, 2015

8 am -10 pm

Saanich Fairground

Learn more

Oak Bay Night Market

Oak Bay Village turns into a European style street market, featuring a great variety of fresh and local produce, artists, local music, and more.

September 9, 2015

4 pm - 8 pm

Oak Bay Village

Learn more

Celtic Music Variety Concert

A concert featuring local bands such as Celtic Reflections and Cookeilidh, the globally known Victoria Police Pipe Band, and the Victoria High School Rhythm and Blues Band..

September 11, 2015

7 pm

Victoria High School Auditorium

Learn more