The Cultural Exchanges project, hosted by the Immigrant Welcome Centre starting this fall through summer 2013, is showcasing eight ethnic groups.
The project will share arts-based customs such as traditional food, dance, crafts, stories and music.
One in 10 Campbell River citizens is foreign born according to BC Stats.
This means there are many ethnic groups to learn from right here in the community.
Exchange workshops are free and open to the public.
To learn more or become part of the project you can contact Diversity Projects Coordinator Shannon Briggs at 250-830-0171.
Taking part is the Filipino Association, Italian Cultural Association¸ Guru Nanak Sikh Society, Laichwiltach Learning Program, the Cree and Dené community and the Syrian community.
Video clips of the workshops will be shown during Multicultural Week this November, the Winter Festival, Lunar New Year and Canada Day 2013.
“Community interest in learning about unfamiliar cultures is growing,” says Rachel Blaney, Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre.
“We are happy to facilitate these exchanges to increase awareness and understanding of the diversity that lives in Campbell River.”
A past project, “Stories of Campbell River through Graphic Recording”, was recently chosen to present “best practices” in Vancouver this October to funders and other multicultural and anti-racism organizations.
“I am honoured that the province sees Campbell River’s commitment to be inclusive and end discrimination.
“We are excited our project was chosen as a positive example for other communities in British Columbia” says Briggs.