Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees

Observed as a federal holiday in the United States, Martin Luther King Day, has gained wider recognition across Canada over the last decade. Although not an of...ficial holiday in Canada, we invite you to recognize this significant day and the work that must still be done to address the deep inequities experienced by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in Canada. From systemic racism to the micro aggressions that impact racialized people daily in our schools, workplaces and communities, we must all work together to do better and to fight racism in all its forms. The work of visionary leaders like MLK must be carried on around the world. The work of anti-racism is work for all of us, today and everyday. Dr. Moussa Magassa, Educator and Advisor on Anti-Racism, Social Justice and Human Rights. Photographed by Quinton Gordon on location at the University of Victoria, November 2019.

In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Mental illness does not discriminate and it affects pe...ople of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures. Mental health stigma is a huge barrier on why many people don’t seek help. It is critical to not give into stigma and to reach out and get the support your need.

"The pandemic has signalled a shift in how society talks about mental health, and opened conversations about what the future of mental health care could look like. Companies have invested in an unprecedented quantity of mental health research, including in Canada, where major mental health organizations have actively monitored changes in people’s well-being over the course of the pandemic ... The [survey] results, researchers say, prove more Canadians are struggling with their mental health than ever before as a result of COVID-19. This has re-energized calls for systemic change in mental health care, particularly demands to include psychologists and psychotherapists under Canada’s publicly funded health-care system."

"The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is marking the 70th anniversary of its operation in Canada with a free digital cookbook featuring recipes and personal stories of "resilience, heartbreak and hope" from refugees across Canada. The cookbook, titled "Tastes from Home: Recipes from the Refugee Community," features more than 30 recipes and personal stories from 14 former refugees including Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen and former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson. For every copy of the cookbook downloaded, an anonymous donor will be making a donation to UNHCR in support of refugees and their families."

"In mid-December, the Quebec government launched a program that would grant residency to asylum seekers who’ve been working in the health-care system throughout the pandemic. But the program only applies to those who’ve worked directly with patients. It excludes many who worked other essential jobs, including cleaning staff in long-term care centres and hospitals, or other higher-risk positions deemed essential. Dejean and others present Saturday joined their voices to the many lawyers and humanitarian groups who have been calling for the program to be extended to all refugee claimants."

The people at VIRCS do incredible work. One way is through their Oak Bay Welcome Houses Program, which provides transitional housing for refugees. Tenants can ...live in beautiful Oak Bay with walking distance to the beach, shops, and bus lines, while only paying a modest rent. They also have access to services like employment services, volunteer opportunities, networking, settlement services, and more. Right now, they’re looking for referrals, or refugees looking for housing. Spread the word! And if you have any questions, please feel free to email them at [email protected]. Thank you #HereFamily Photo: Oak Bay Marina by HikeVictoria.com

Thank you PSD - Research Consulting Software for your wonderful holiday gifts puchased from Damascus Food Market. Supporting refugees and families is so importa...nt throughout the year and especially during the holidays this year when so many people are isolated. #appreciation #holidays #donation #refugeeswelcome

A New Year's message from the Victoria Multifaith Society, in the Times Colonist online edition this morning. A Happy New Year to all!

It is the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go. Nigerian proverb Round off your year with a generous & impactful Gift of Conversation, for your...self or a loved one: natakallam-2015.ecwid.com/Gift-of-Conversation-c32632261 #NaTakallam #WordoftheDay #Generosity #WeSpeak #Languages #Arabic #French #Persian #Spanish

Mediating #conversations on gender equality, Amplifying Middle East narratives from neglected voices, Fighting corruption against all odds, Working towards #...resettlement despite limited rights and resources #NaTakallam’s conversation partners, from #refugee and #displaced backgrounds, are champions of #humanrights. Get to know their stories better: natakallam.com/the-human-rights-advocates-teaching-you-lan/ #WeSpeak #StartAConversation #StandUp4HumanRights #Languages #Arabic #Spanish #Persian #French #Kurdish

"According to latest UNHCR data, only 15,425 refugees were resettled from January to the end of September this year, compared to 50,086 over the same period last year. UNHCR is urging states to resettle as many refugees as possible in 2020 in order not to lose those resettlement opportunities for refugees, and to maintain resettlement quotas for 2021. Some countries have established or expanded their capacities to apply flexible processing modalities and are safely managing resettlement travel with recommended protocols in place. UNHCR is encouraging others to do the same.

In the New Year, never forget to thank your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future...! Mehmet Murat ildan, Turkish writer New Year, #NewLanguageNewYou... who dis? Let’s reach new language heights with #NaTakallam’s native partners this 2021: natakallam.com/conversation-sessions/ PS. Don’t miss a special 10% discount off our Integrated #Arabic Curriculum, using code YALLA at checkout! #WordoftheDay #HappyNewYear #WeSpeak #French #Persian #Spanish

During crises like this pandemic, women face increased risk of violence, loss of livelihoods, and other threats. Now, more than ever, we need to support and loo...k out for people experiencing gender-based violence, even as we keep apart. Here are six ways you can take action to make BC a safer, fairer, and more equal place for everyone. 1. Support and believe survivors. Believing people when they talk about their experiences shows your friends and family you can be trusted to support them. 2. Learn the signs of abuse and how to help. People in BC experiencing violence can access VictimLink, a toll-free, confidential multilingual service available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or emailing [email protected] 3. Understand and practice consent. Consent is the basis of healthy and respectful relationships, whether or not they involve sex. 4. Learn to recognize sexism and transphobia. Stereotypes like "boys don't cry" can harm people and keep them from getting help. 5. Reject victim-blaming. It doesn’t matter what you wear or where you are: everyone deserves safety from violence. 6. Start conversations with friends and family. Often people are afraid to talk about negative things that happen. Talking openly about gender-based violence can help people realize that they are not alone and that help is available. Learn more: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//crim/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc

You can now register for WE ARE ONE! - An amazing and inspiring virtual event/show - commemorating Human Solidarity Day and the International Day of Persons With Disabilities. It's FREE by reservation at https://weareone.eventbrite.ca Not to be missed - truly!

Regulating counselling therapy is not a bold or controversial move. Across the country, provincial governments of all political stripes have passed legislation ...to regulate the profession. In British Columbia, regulation of counselling therapy aligns with the government’s plan to modernize the regulation of health professions. It’s time for BC to regulate counselling therapy. Learn more: https://factbc.org/ #RegulateCounsellingBC #counsellingtherapy #britishcolumbia #bchealthcare #bchealthandwellness #counselling #counsellor #therapy #bcmentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthawareness #bchealth

Yes, it's happening this year! We are excited to announce the Employment Opportunity Exchange for newcomers in partnership with Construction Foundation of Briti...sh Columbia on November 17thsave the date! This is a special virtual edition for Permanent Residents and other eligible participants not just in Victoria, but around Vancouver Island. We are working on an amazing online programme for you, so stay tuned for details next week! EOE - Victoria #EOE2020 #yyjevents #Employment #Newcomers

Ending violence against women is everyone’s business. @UN_Women explains 10 ways you can #orangetheworld and make a difference during the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and every day, even during the #COVID19 pandemic. http://unwo.men/s1cw30rkVDR

"The project's artistic director, Amir Nizar Zuabi, said the purpose of The Walk was to highlight refugees' potential, not only their dire plight."

Today (Dec. 10) we mark International Human Rights Day. It's a day to commemorate the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration has ...inspired the creation of laws to protect human rights in Canada and around the world, and it remains relevant today. Check it out! http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml See more

UBC volunteer students are offering a new program to teach the piano to newcomer refugee kids between 7 and 14. The weekly classes will occur on Saturdays, and ...instruments and music books will be provided. Enroll your kids, the program is free! More info at https://bit.ly/3kPCbZO #Refugees #RefugeeClaimants #BCRefugees #BCRefugeeHub #RefugeesWelcome #ubc #BCnewcomers #refugeekids #musicalliteracy #BCnewcomercamp #UBCCCEL #newcomerstonotes

Tell us how you plan to give this #GivingTuesdayCA for a chance to WIN $5,000 from CanadaHelps to support your favourite charity! Contest closes November 30th. Enter today!

Today, we're renewing the call for a BC Ministry of Immigration, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism in a letter to Premier John Horgan. "Immigration, multicultura...lism, and anti-racism intersect with practically every existing provincial ministry. These are issues that are woven into the very fabric of our country and into all of the institutions that run our province." Read the letter here: https://www.amssa.org/about/media/ #cdnimm #immigration #multiculturalism #AntiRacism #Imm4BC

Thanks for the shout out Restorative Justice Victoria and for all the good work you do too!

"More than one in three survey respondents reported losing their jobs during COVID-19. Of those who lost work, a third reported ongoing problems in accessing the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or Employment Insurance. For those who kept working during the pandemic, nearly one in two reported longer hours of work, says the Migrant Rights Network. More than 40 per cent of respondents also said they were not paid for any extra hours of work, averaging $6,552 in unpaid wages per worker over the last six months, according to the report."

Serenading us with his beautiful music tomorrow is Sari Alesh, as our musical interlude for #EOE2020.

Via our friends at Here Magazine: On October 21st, join Belfry Theatre and Here In Canada as we co-present the online edition of The Flamea long-running storytelling event in Vancouver and Victoria hosted by Deborah Williams and Michelle Poirier Brown, and featuring five storytellers and a musical guest. The five storytellers were invited from the Storytelling Workshop for #Indigenous, #Black and #PeopleOfColour that took place on October 17 and 18, conducted by Deborah, fou...nder of The Flame #storytelling events. Click on the link to be updated! bit.ly/TheFlameOct21 #Storytelling #Representation #yyjevents #yyjarts See more

Happy #pumpkin season! Did you know, the #Spanish "calabaza" may originate from the #Persian word for "melon": "" (kharboze)? Interestingly, the English wo...rd "pumpkin" also derives from "melon" in Ancient Greek, "" (pepon)! Learn more with #NaTakallam's native #language instructors: natakallam.com/conversation-sessions/ #WordoftheDay #WeSpeak #Arabic #French

ICYMI we were honoured to be chosen as one of the 150 on the Giving Hearts Honour Roll for #NationalPhilanthropyDay November 15. Check out the amazing celebration video and thanks to Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Vancouver Island and Coast Capital Savings

We are grateful to everyone who has voted for VICCR's project which is a finalist in the City of Victoria Participatory Budgeting. If you haven't voted yet, please help us win funding for our online #parenting courses, by following the link below (if you are a resident of the Capital Regional District), VOTE! and SHARE! Thank you! https://victoria.ethelo.net/page/welcome #yyj #parenting #COVID19 #refugees #immigrantsinvictoria #immigrants #mentalhealth

Today is #NationalComingOutDay, in celebration of all those who have made the courageous decision to come out, and all those taking this step.

Everyone deserves the right to be who they are. Happy Coming Out Day! #ComingOutDay

'This trend toward increasing acceptance is unmistakable, says Keith Neuman, senior associate of Environics. It does not appear to be the result of political or economic events. We don’t believe that events are shaping this trend, but rather that it is a reflection of how Canadian society is changing. Neuman notes there is a near consensus that immigration is good for the economy. A majority of respondents reject the notion that newcomers take jobs away from Canadians. People recognize that we need those people to fill jobs to keep the economy running, he said.'

ICYMI - you can VOTE and SHARE and help VICCIR get funding for our #parenting courses. Follow the link below to vote (if you live in the Capital Regional District): https://victoria.ethelo.net/page/welcome Read more and get step by step instructions to vote in the latest newsletter from VICCIR: https://mailchi.mp/5a61824994/news-from-viccir279777-723042... #yyj #parenting #COVID19 #refugees #immigrantsinvictoria #immigrants #mentalhealth

We're excited that VICCR's project is a finalist for the City of Victoria Participatory Budgeting. To help us win the funding for our online #parenting courses, you can VOTE! If you are a resident of the Capital Regional District, follow the link below and please SHARE! Thank you! https://victoria.ethelo.net/page/welcome #yyj #parenting #COVID19 #refugees #immigrantsinvictoria #immigrants #mentalhealth

On October 8th, participate in a skill-building workshop with a local First Nations artist, Sarah Underwood. Learn about First Nations culture and history while developing a new skill. See details on the photo to register for the "Evening of cultural sharing" beading workshop. For more info: email [email protected]

#Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture. from A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, late English ...writer and composer. Happy #InternationalTranslationDay! Don’t forget, you can refer to #NaTakallam for your translation needs in 10+ #languages! Learn more: natakallam.com/translation/