2021: Looking Back At What We Achieved Together
[Our Top 25 Moments Of 2021]
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP): In 2021, our members helped to make sure all locals know they have a place here in the Bow Valley, that they belong, and that they can participate and contribute equally.
We worked together as part of our shared Strategic Plan 2019-2023. We broke down barriers, opened doors, and sent a clear message that all are welcome here!
Our Four Priorities:
Workforce Development
Welcoming Attitudes & Behaviours
Civic & political Engagement
Community Readiness
Check out our 2021 Snapshot below 👇
Priority 1: Workforce Development
🎯 Our Goal: Make it possible for people to stay in the Bow Valley for a long time by creating more meaningful and safe work opportunities.
1) We Helped Create More Inclusive Workplaces 🏆
We launched the Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter 2021, an employer toolkit and recognition program with 17 actions for businesses to be more inclusive, supported by Vecova Centre For All Abilities and the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce.
2) We Trained Businesses On Inclusion - across Canada!🍁
We co-hosted the National Workplace Inclusion Forum 2021, with 13 free professional development sessions, including training and resources on Land Acknowledgments, Plain Language, Emergency Preparedness, and more.
3) We Hosted Workshops For Immigrants 🌟
BVIP Members hosted many workshops including:
Starting a Business in Alberta workshop
Entrepreneurship in Action Youth Summer Camp for young newcomers to Canada
Priority 2: Welcoming Attitudes & Behaviours
🎯 Our Goal: Reduce discrimination in the Bow Valley and helping immigrants and newcomers to create social connections.
4) We Connected The Community With 26 Free Events 😱
In October 2021, we hosted the first-ever Connect To Community Week 2021: our partners held 26 free community events with over 160 local participants. Did you attend? Let us know what you thought!
5) We Shared Stories Of Local Residents
We highlighted the experiences of immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Stories of Resilience: In partnership with Canmore Museum, artsPlace, and Kristy Wolfe Photography.
6) Hosted Cultural Learning Circles
BVIP Members artsPlace and Settlement Services in the Bow Valley held a series of Monthly Cultural Learning Circles. artsPlace also hosted The Shoe Project, sharing deep insights into different cultures and experiences.
7) Shared Lessons On Challenging Oppression
BVIP Member artsPlace Canmore hosted a workshop called Action, Allyship, & Tools for Change, empowering attendees to challenge oppression and build a more equitable community.
8) Celebrated Local Cultural Food 🍜
Together with the Bow Valley Food Alliance, we launched the #BowValleyLocals Recipe Exchange, to share newcomer stories and celebrate cultural foods prepared by local cooks. Watch the 4-part recipe series.
9) Helped New Park Users Enjoy The Bow Valley Safely
This was a major collaboration between WildSmart, settlement, and language partners in the Bow Valley and Calgary. Together, they held workshops on safe outdoor recreation for first-time park users, reaching over 500 English language learners!
10) Raised Awareness About Different Cultural Dates 📅
We expanded the Bow Valley Multicultural Calendar - a yearly calendar with information about important dates for different cultures living in the Bow Valley.
11) Amplified Immigrant Voices & Experiences
BVIP amplified immigrant voices in media including Rocky Mountain Outlook, MountainFM, 51° North, Stories of Impact, the Canadian Journal of Public Health, and Catalyst (International Association of Business Communicators).
Priority 3: Civic & Political Engagement
🎯 Our Goal: Promote immigrant participation in civic life, including with elections and non-profit boards.
12) We Opened Doors For More Voices To be Heard
In 2021, the Town of Canmore changed a bylaw to allow any adult Canmore resident to participate in municipal committees regardless of immigration status. The language used to advertise those opportunities will be specifically written to invite non-Citizens of Canada to participate (including Permanent Residents, Foreign Workers, etc.).
13) Helped Immigrants Raise Their Voices 📣
Local media personality Rob Murray, host of the morning show with 106.5 Mountain FM, took the time to personally offer media training to members of BVIP’s Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG)!
14) Guided Consultation Processes To Be More Inclusive
We provided guidance for the Fenlands Future consultation process. We helped make sure the consultation process was inclusive so many different voices in the community could be heard.
15) Helped Make The 2021 Census More Accessible ☑️
We connected English language instructors and settlement providers with translated information on the Census of Canada. We also connected census enumerators with tips on how to reach foreign-born locals.
16) Raised The Profile of Non-Voters
During the 2021 Federal Election, we asked candidates at local election forums how they would represent the interests of Permanent Residents of Canada and other ineligible voters.
Priority 4: Community Readiness
🎯 Our Goal: Secure the services and resources our community needs now and in the future. Help to make the services we have accessible, appropriate, and helpful for all residents.
17) Increased Accessibility Of Municipal Community Services
The Town of Banff’s ‘Municipal Integration Project’ helped to meet newcomer needs with a new resource guide and Community Champions program. The Champions were multilingual and multicultural outreach ambassadors who have helped connect community members with local services.
18) Increased the Bow Valley’s Intercultural Competence 💬
We launched the Intercultural Competence Facilitator Training Program, building many organizations' capacity to work across cultures through a train-the-trainer model.
19) Recognized Immigrant Skills In Conflict Resolution
BVIP Member Bow Valley College launched a new pilot micro-credential: Intercultural Conflict Resolution - this course explores competency-based learning to develop soft skills while offering a micro-credential, a shareable endorsement, in resolving intercultural conflict.
20) Supporting Multicultural Mental Health & Wellness 🙏
Led in Banff by a BVIP volunteer, the Rural Mental Health Project is uncovering how mental health is experienced by Bow Valley locals of different backgrounds.
21) Increased Awareness Of Mental Health Supports
The Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association (BLLHA) launched a multilingual Mental Health awareness campaign with information and posters translated to Tagalog, Japanese, Spanish, Amharic, Tigrinya, and Oromo.
22) Helped Lake Louise Signage Be More Inclusive For All
The Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre launched their new facilities with new inclusive signage so everyone can feel welcome as soon as they arrive.
23) Helped Working Newcomers Access Important Learning Opportunities 📗
Led by Bow Valley Learning Council, with support from Settlement Services in the Bow Valley, Bow Valley College, Innovate Canmore, & BVIP staff, the Second Home Project continues to help newcomers navigate learning in the Bow Valley. Check out this helpful English Language Learning resource.
24) Supported Newcomer Kids To Succeed 🌞
Canadian Rockies Public Schools & Settlement Services in the Bow Valley delivered the summer English Language & Physical Literacy Program - now in its 6th year, this summer program helps newcomer kids succeed during the school year.
25) Supported Food Sovereignty In The Bow Valley
The Bow Valley Food Alliance's Food Charter is helping to create a just and equitable food system to support all Bow Valley residents. (What's a food charter got to do with inclusion? Read BVIP’s Letter Of Support to find out.)
We Accomplished So Much Together! 🎉
Thank you to all BVIP Members and supporters who help create a more welcoming and inclusive Bow Valley. Learn more about our shared strategy and get involved.
What’s On Our Radar For 2022?
Mental health
Refugee support
Helping people find information
Access to parks and public spaces
Fraud prevention
+ so much more. Get Involved!
