The Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Culture Connect, an exciting celebration of diversity and culture. Now in its third year, this vibrant event continues to serve as a dynamic platform for converging community groups and organizations across the Ottawa Valley, fostering an inclusive space dedicated to learning, socializing, and enjoyment. “The City of Pembroke is proud to support the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew and its continued efforts to celebrate culture and diversity in our region,” says City of Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais. “Its tireless work makes Pembroke and the rest of Renfrew and Lanark counties a better home for all, whether you just moved here or have lived here your entire life. We are excited to support this year’s Culture Connect and are eager to honour deserving individuals and organizations through the Culture Connector Awards. We look forward to this year’s festivities and hope all participants enjoy this opportunity to celebrate culture and diversity.”
In response to the growing success of previous years, we are excited to introduce two new editions for 2024: the Culture Connect – Summer Edition, taking place from June 15 to 30, and a Fall Edition. These expansions offer extended opportunities for the community to come together, share experiences, and deepen their understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
The Summer Edition of Culture Connect kicks off with an Explore Nature: Guided Interpretation Hike at Shaw Woods on June 15. Other notable events include the National Indigenous Peoples Day Speaker Series with Colleen Hele Cardinal on June 21, discussing the trafficking of Indigenous children through welfare policies. On June 22, Petawawa will host a Newcomer Container Market and a Cricket 101 Clinic and Match featuring the Ottawa Tuskers. “We are honoured to work with the Local Immigration Partnership to host a Newcomer Market event at the Container Market and Cricket game on June 22. Joining with our existing vendor community, newcomer businesses will have the opportunity to sell and showcase their artisanal products and services. When you attend events such as this, you contribute to the success of local entrepreneurs and support cultural diversity within your community. We invite all to celebrate, shop, and create a memorable experience together,” shares Christine Mitchell, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Petawawa. A Cooking Class with Nala’s Kitchen will take place on June 23, followed by Paint with Sheila in Renfrew and the Mississippi Mills Multicultural Potluck on Mill Street on June 28. The Summer Edition will conclude with a Culture Connect African Dance Class on June 30.
Returning favourites include activities at 13 libraries across Lanark and Renfrew Counties, such as Welcome Rock Painting, Language Learning Lab, Biblio Bingo, Culture Connect Movie Night, Global Games Night, Spill the Tea, Origami or Paper Folding Activity, and Language Carousel Storytime. Our popular Ottawa Valley Reads competition is back, featuring five culturally based books championed by community members looking for their book to be selected as the winner in this friendly competition.
The Culture Connector Award, made possible by our title sponsor, the City of Pembroke, honours individuals and organizations from our community that promote inclusivity and cultural harmony. The award offers the community a chance to recognize those who go above and beyond in supporting newcomers. Nominations are assessed based on five essential qualities: genuine respect, intercultural bridging, hospitality, community engagement, and friendship/generosity of spirit. Submissions are judged on sincerity, not writing ability or length.
Culture Connect is made possible through the support of over 40 dedicated community partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: Title Sponsor, the City of Pembroke; Gold Sponsors, including The County of Renfrew, The Township of Mississippi Mills, The Town of Renfrew, and Renfrew County Community Future Development Corporation; Silver Sponsors, Petawawa Business Advisory Network and Canada for Africa Group; and Bronze Sponsor, Lanark County. Join us in celebrating diversity and culture in the Ottawa Valley. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit liplanarkrenfrew.ca/culture-connect.
This project is funded in part by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). LIP-Lanark & Renfrew supports communities in bringing together service providers, settlement agencies, community groups, employers, municipalities, and other key organizations to create a welcoming and inclusive community for newcomers. In Lanark and Renfrew Counties, the work of Local Immigration Partnership is administered by Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.
Bucholz,J.,Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark and Renfrew(2024,May27) Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew Launches the 3rd Annual Culture Connect, a Celebration of Diversity and Culture [media release]
Graphic: www.liplanarkrenfrew.ca
