ARI Roundtable: Walking Together: Strengthening Indigenous-Newcomer Allyship

Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI) invites you to participate in the upcoming roundtable: Walking Together: Strengthening Indigenous-Newcomer Allyship

Join ARI for an engaging roundtable discussion on the Indigenous-Newcomer Allyship. In today's global context, many individuals seeking refuge are uprooted from their native lands for various reasons, such as persecution, war, or famine, and seek safety in the land now known as Canada. However, newcomers may lack knowledge about the People who have cultivated this land for thousands of years. Settlement sector workers and sponsors could play a crucial role in decolonizing newcomers' perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, the roundtable will explore whether there are any successful initiatives within the sector that are already in motion.

Key Discussion Points:

• What are the expectations of Indigenous Peoples from newcomers?
• Has the refugee-serving sector been silent on Indigenous struggles and unaware of its complicity in settler colonialism?
• "What does it mean for the refugee-serving sector to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples?"
• "How do we relate to the land we come to and how do we relate to the land we come from?"
• How can the settlement sector go beyond reading 'land acknowledgment' statements and sincerely acknowledge the Indigenous lands we reside on?
• What is the significance of Truth and Reconciliation and its implications for both newcomers and settlement workers?
• What are the roles and responsibilities of newcomers and settlement workers in contributing to reconciliation efforts?

Share your ideas, experiences, and learn from our exceptional panel of speakers.

Featured Speakers:

• Alix Reynolds (she/her), Communications and Outreach Coordinator, SAH Navigation Unit, Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH) Association
• Chizuru Nobe-Ghelani (she/her), Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Renison University College, University of Waterloo
• Diana Ospina (she/her), Senior Manager, Surrey Local Immigration Partnership and Collaboration, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
• Mbalu Lumor (she/her), Director of Programs & Newcomer Services, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)

ASL English/Interpreters Provided

Contact Information:

If you have any other questions, please contact Metin Gun (he/him) at mgun@ocasi.org

**Please note that all registered attendees will receive the Zoom link 24 hours prior to the event**