The Sunshine Coast is one of 16 successful communities across the province to be awarded a grant in the latest round of the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program. This is a three-year initiative that supports the provincial government's WelcomeBC program by fostering inclusive, welcoming and vibrant communities across B.C.
This six month grant, which will run until the end of June, will explore the variety of cultures represented by community members and how we can best welcome people from diverse backgrounds to the Sunshine Coast.
The 2006 census showed a total population of 27,510 on the Sunshine Coast. Total immigrants were 4,790 with 780 arriving in Canada since 1991. While 1,255 of these immigrants are a visible minority, the mother tongue of 2,910 of these people is a language other than French or English. That is more than 10 per cent of our population.
Capilano University recognized this growing group on the Sunshine Coast several years ago and began offering ESL classes.
The new immigrants who make the Sunshine Coast their home meet regularly to learn English. More than that, they also share their life stories, hopes and fears. Life is not so easy when one cannot speak English well. The ESL students come from all around the world including Thailand, China, Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Tunisia, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Russia, the Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Quebec.
Fon Pawakanun has been hired as cultural co-ordinator to connect with these immigrants and hear from them their stories of joining our community. It is hoped that we can learn what we did well in welcoming newcomers and where we can improve our efforts. There will be three meetings held throughout the Coast to strategize with newcomers and community members what a welcoming and inclusive community should have with the goal of creating a community accord. Once this has been done, a community multicultural event will be held to sign and celebrate the accord.
Throughout the project, a welcome doorway consisting of helpful information and materials will be available at the Community Resource Centre in Sechelt.
The project is administered by Chatelech Sechelt Community School. Present supporters are Capilano University, Community Futures, Lighthouse Learning Network, Sunshine Coast Employment Centre, Pender Harbour Community School, Town of Gibsons and the Sechelt Indian Band. For more information, email [email protected].
