Bridging the Gap between Newcomers, Refugees, and Indigenous peoples

We invite you to attend the “Bridging the Gap between Newcomers, Refugees, and Indigenous People” event. Join us for an interactive research study presentation led by refugee and Indigenous youth, live performances, creative workshops, networking opportunities, and more.

The event is part of BAM’s series “Bridging the Gap”, which aims to foster relationships among refugees, newcomers, and Indigenous communities and build a sense of community. Together, we work to identify gaps and provide resources for newcomers and refugees to actively participate in truth and reconciliation and learn about Indigenous history, culture, language, and people.

Event Tentative Agenda:

• • 12:00 – 12:15 Opening Introduction
  • 12:15 – 12:30 Keynote Speaker
  • 12:30 – 1:00 Interactive Panel Discussion Featuring Refugees and Indigenous and SCSC Leaders – Presenting the findings of Social Connectedness as Fostering Relationships between Indigenous Peoples & Newcomers to Canada: Gaps, Facilitations, & Future Directions Study conducted by the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness in parternship with BAM – Books Art Music Collective.
  • 1:00 – 1:15 Coffee Break
  • 1:15 – 2:15 Live Performances by Refugees and Indigenous Artists
  • 2:15 – 3:00 Creative workshops and community Discussion – Call for Action
  • 3:00 – 4:00 Food, Networking, and Organizational Booth

About the Panel: This will be an interactive panel discussion led by refugees and Indigenous youth and the research leads. It will highlight gaps and share the study findings about the lack of access to accurate information regarding Indigenous peoples and their history among refugees and newcomers. Additionally, the panel will discuss how both communities may internalize stereotypes and harmful perceptions of each other, resulting in a disconnect and tension between them due to a lack of access to information. It will also highlight our five recommendations for governments and non-profits to help build relationships between Indigenous, newcomers, and refugees in Canada.

Live Performances: Youth from refugee and Indigenous backgrounds will have the opportunity to share their experiences and stories through a form of art. In order to avoid language barriers, artists will be encouraged to perform in their native languages.

Creative workshops;

1) Community Discussion – Call for Action: Participants in this session will have the opportunity to connect with the BAM lead. Guests will be able to ask questions and participate in a short survey/focus group regarding future directions and collaborations. As a result, guests will be involved in the “Bridging the Gaps” initiative, and collaboration across sectors will be enhanced.

Organisations Booth and Networking: We will provide time for our guests to connect with organizations and network at the end of the event

Limited spots are available! Please RSVP and email us your questions or concerns to [email protected]

This event would not have been possible without the support of our research partner, The Samuel Centre For Social Connectedness, and generous sponsors; Syrian Canadian Foundation, The NorthPine Foundation, The 519 , JumpStart Refugee Talent, The Centre for Social Innovation, Together Project, UkrainianArts T.O and the Ted Rogers Indigenous In Business.