Local Immigration Partnership
141 Lake Street K8A 5L8 Pembroke, ON, Canada

"If we know our stories, we should share our stories," shared former Ontario Attorney General and leader at Institute for Canadian Citizenship, Yasir Naqvi, during our Speaker Series today during the discussion on how rural communities can address systemic/historical racism to create more welcoming spaces for newcomers. Being a welcoming community means focusing on creating connections between newcomers and established community members. This can help in eliminating barriers to social and economic integration and addressing racism and discrimination. The graphic recording c/o Swoop Media visualizes our session and Yasir's story. Stay tuned for our video release of today's event.

Today is the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. One of our Local Immigration Partnership team members, Shehzad Ghani, Research Officer and practicing Muslim shares some insights on this celebration. "It is a month of spiritual reflection and striving on a personal level that helps cleanse the soul and body from the excesses that we tend to take on during the year. It is supposed to train our minds and body to go without eating and drinking and other pleasures from dawn to... dusk every day of the month in order to build resilience and patience. At the same time, this sacrifice teaches us the struggle of those who are less fortunate than us and devotes our resources to make their lives (and Ramadan if they are fasting) easier and joyful. It is also a time of joy for the whole family where the times spent together for Iftar (breaking of fast at sunset with usually a variety of dishes after some dates) and late-night prayers are fondly awaited by young and adults. The Eid day which arrives at the end of Ramadan is considered to be a major celebration in the Muslim world but for some, the holy month of Ramadan is the real celebration and its departure is bittersweet on the day of Eid." #eidmubarak See more

How cool is this! The Institute for Canadian Citizenship and Canadian Immigration and Citizenship are partnering to host a very special Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony on May 17th, 2021 at 12:30 PM EDT. This enhanced ceremony will see this special group joined by Col. Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space. Col. Hadfield will be a guest speaker and help welcome the newest members of the Canadian family. This is out of this ! This event is free and open to all. Please join us in welcoming our newest citizens!

Our community and beyond were privileged to receive some Anishinabe teachings from His Honour Murray Sinclair during the Algonquin College Waterfront Campus Speaker Series. Some of the many takeaways from His Honour’s knowledge sharing are self-reflective. Where do we come from? What is our creation story? These are important questions for all of us. These questions help us reflect on our social belonging and contribution. Truth and Reconciliation are our collective responsib...ility. His Honour spoke to the Residential Schools and the 60’s Scoop. Wiping away culture, identity, and heritage. This is a basis for the T&R Call to Action for newcomers #94: We call upon the Government of Canada to replace the Oath of Citizenship with the following: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen. "Education got us into this mess but it is the key to getting us out of this mess too," shares His Honour.

Update regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) The Local Immigration Partnership Renfrew & Lanark is following the guidelines on social distancing determined by our host Algonquin College Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Our physical office is closed and we are working from home. We will continue to share relevant information on this page as it becomes available. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us via email [email protected] or Facebook messenger. http://www.immigrationpartnershiprenfrewlanark.com/

What a great opportunity. We love to share these great news stories. https://www.cbc.ca//newcomer-girls-hockey-charity-ottawa-1

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Why not take the family to SnoSpree? Link to full list of events. https://www.pembroke.ca/download.php

Looking for something new to cook? why not try this Pondu Soup. https://www.cbc.ca//what-i-bring-to-the-table-episode-3-co