VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Durham Region’s Diversityg{x Focused Newsletter V|à|éxÇ JUNE 2009 “Journeys” Durham newcomer students tell their stories

Journeys is the result of a the Journeys stories and original Tenzin Doedon, a student from project, unique to Durham artwork, and to hear readings by Ajax H.S. created the cover art for District School Board (DDSB), some of the student authors Journeys and shared his story, Lost that received funding from the themselves. and Found. He writes of growing up

Ministry of Education to in India although his real country is enhance the learning of English Tibet. He tells us that he has never language learners. Elementary seen his father in his whole life and and secondary students from he doesn’t know where he is. across the region participated Tenzin describes the hardships of in two writing workshops with his family as refugees in India, the author Rukhsana Khan, and an difficult decisions made by his art workshop with Cristina family in order to support Matei, in preparation for themselves and the unwavering writing and illustrating their love and support they provide for own stories. The book launch each other. Of his life in Canada, was the culmination of work on Tenzin says: this project which began last “My life in Canada is going well. It October. It provided the has been 1 1/2 years and I love opportunity for our student Canada. In Canada, if you think authors, their families, our you can do it, then you can do community partners and whatever you want. There are so school board staff to view all of Con’t ….page 4 “The Citizen” A Diversity Focused Newsletter Inside this issue: Community library 2 Durham Region is a community on the move. Recent changes to the local economy, combined with a growing and increasingly diverse and PFLAG awards event 2 dynamic population, have resulted in shifts in the local social, Accessibility in Durham 3 economic, and political landscapes. These changes have created new opportunities for growth and development, but have also created new Journeys (cont’) 4 challenges for planning, service delivery and community cohesion. Introducing “The Citizen” 4 Taking advantage of these new opportunities and meeting the demands The Local Diversity & 5 of these challenges will require a cooperative and comprehensive Immigration Partnership Council approach that includes all stakeholders in our community. In the words of newcomers 6 Con’t ….page 4

Translation links: www.translate.google.com/

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It takes a library to raise a community

If you were asked to draw a might also feature another children’s books in several picture of your community’s hub of civic activity: the local languages, but books for main gathering place for public library. teens and a vast selection of celebrations and holiday world music. Working “Library?” you say, looking events, what would you together with the up from the warm latte include in your drawing? neighbouring English as a you’ve just purchased from a Would you draw the main Second Language (ESL) large bookstore café. “What street, the city hall, a park, a Centre, the library offers in- can I get at a library that’s town square, an arena, a house tours, citizenship not on the Internet or in this mall? Very likely the study materials, and lovely bookstore?” Well, first drawings of most Durham supports “conversation of all, libraries are residents would include many circles”, film showings and multilingual, so books, films of these things but some book clubs in languages and often newspapers in other than English. With 50% many languages are all of the student population of available for free. While our new university in Durham’s libraries are (UOIT) speaking a mother municipally funded and tongue that is not English, managed differently, they all the library provides a taste of share a commitment to meet home in recreational reading, the information needs of films and listening materials. their diverse communities. At Open and available for free 7 Oshawa Public Libraries’ days a week, your local McLaughlin Branch, you can public library is a welcoming find books and films in 33 space for all. Left to right: Wendy Kong, Oshawa languages, and magazines Public Library; Sally Grande, and newspapers in 15 Sally Grande Multicultural Librarian, Oshawa languages. Not only are there Multicultural Librarian, Public Library Oshawa Public Library

Durham celebrates its first PFLAG awards event

On May 9, PFLAG (formerly on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian, known as Parents, Family Bisexual and Transgender and Friends of Lesbians and (GLBT) (Rainbow) Gays) Canada, Durham’s community. The event was Chapter presented emceed by Mark Childs, “Champions Against President of PFLAG Canada. Homophobia & Transphobia Also honoured were Lin Awards” during a celebration Bambrick, Jane Currie, Anji event co-ordinated by PFLAG Dimitriou, Councilor Brian Canada Durham, Club 717 Nicholson, David Martin, and The AIDS Committee of Garrett Metcalfe, Udana

Durham. This was the first Muldoon, Cst.Keith Richards, Left to right: Cst. Keith Richards, event in Durham Region Kelly Roy, Mike Shields, Diversity Coordinator, Durham Regional honouring individuals and Stefanie Swinson, Community Police Service, Tracey Vaughan, organizations working to Development of Durham and Executive Director, Community Development Council Durham. create inclusive communities The AIDS Committee of Durham.

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Accessibility in the Region of Durham

In 2005 a law was passed in begun implementing eight municipal AAC Chairs ensuring inclusive accessibility strategies and the regional AAC Chair communities and full because of an earlier law, meet regularly to share best participation for persons with Ontarians with Disabilities Act, practices, partner on learning disabilities. The goal of the 2001 (ODA). This legislation opportunities and Accessibility for Ontarians is still in effect, and the AODA accessibility information. with Disabilities Act, 2005 builds on its provisions by It is estimated that there are (AODA) is to assist both the introducing Standards that 70,000 residents living in public and private sectors in outline requirements for both Durham Region with some the identification, prevention the public and private sectors. form of a disability. With and removal These Standards address continued collaborative of barriers. customer service; “IT IS ESTIMATED efforts and this new law, our A barrier for employment; information and THAT THERE ARE communities can plan and someone communication; 70,000 become more inclusive. with a transportation; and the built Everyone benefits when all RESIDENTS disability is environment. residents can fully participate LIVING IN anything Under the legislation, each and contribute to their DURHAM REGION that municipality is required to economy and community. WITH SOME FORM prevents have an Accessibility Advisory Whether it is an automated OF A participation Committee (AAC). This door at a grocery store, easy in social or DISABILITY.” committee is comprised of to read signage or safe economic people with disabilities (more pedestrian walks, inclusive opportunities within our than 50%), service providers, communities create engaged communities. There are 1.85 and municipal staff. The AAC communities. million people living in is an important contributor to Ontario who have a disability. Tracey Tyner-Cavanagh municipal accessibility Accessibility Coordinator Municipalities had already planning. Additionally, the The Regional Municipality of Durham Joint Regional AAC Chairs Group Committee

Far Back Row: Michele Cotton (Accessibility Coordinator-Whitby); Ken Corner-far back row (Chair of Whitby AAC) Back Row: Paul Feldman, (Chair of Ajax AAC); Prem Noronha-Waldriff (Accessibility Coordinator, Pickering); Barb Condie (Committee Coordinator- Township); Mary Scarlett (Lakeridge Health); Thom Gettinby (Municipal Clerk- Brock Township); Lynda Lawson (Accessibility Coordinator- Oshawa); Zoia Horne (Chair of AAC, Pickering) Front Row: Mike Roche (Chair of Region of Durham AAC); Tracey Tyner Cavanagh (Accessibility Coordinator, Region of Durham); Cyndie Sproul (Chair of Oshawa AAC) Absent from Photo: Olive Struthers (Accessibility Coordinator, Ajax) Edie Forsyth (Chair of AAC, Scugog Township) Diana Stephen (Deputy Clerk, town of Uxbridge)

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“Journeys” (cont’ from front cover) many opportunities in Canada that we don’t have in my country.”

In all, the stories of 81 newcomer students from grades one to twelve are “THERE ARE SO included in Journeys. These students have come to us from all over the world, MANY under many different circumstances, and they bring with them languages, cultural OPPORTUNITIES traditions and experiences that enrich our schools and communities. Their stories tell of the struggle, loss, determination and hope involved in coming to a new IN CANADA country and beginning a new life in Canada. THAT WE DON’T HAVE IN MY Copies of Journeys have been provided to all DDSB schools and Durham Region COUNTRY”. Public Libraries. For further information please contact Anne Sidnell at 905-666- 6944, Durham District School Board, 400 Taunton Road East, Whitby.

“It was a really good day for us. We told all our friends that we were flying to happiness. We thought that all our problems would be solved. We were dreaming about everything in Canada, how it would be, and when we would go.”

Fibi Assad was one of seven student presenters at the recent book launch celebrating the release of Journeys: Durham newcomer students tell their stories.

The event was held on May 5, at the Education Centre, Durham District School Fibi Assad, Board. “Facing Troubles” is the touching and inspiring story of Fibi’s journey Grade 12 Student from Egypt to her new life in Canada.

Introducing….”The Citizen” a diversity focused newsletter (cont’ from front cover) With this in mind, the Durham The purpose of “The Citizen” becomes a focal point for local Region Diversity and will be to communicate with the discourse on diversity and Immigration Partnership community on the activities of immigration issues and can Council, was formed with a the Council, share information become a valuable tool in mandate to develop strategic about the work going on in the helping creating the community partnerships and community, showcase we all envision Durham can be. comprehensive plans for the providers, residents and For more information, or development of an inclusive governments that are working inquiries regarding contributing community in the Region of toward the development of a material, please contact: Durham (See page 5 for more more inclusive and welcoming [email protected] information). In order to community in the region. achieve this mandate, the Published on a quarterly basis, *All submitted material will be Council must have a process the newsletter will include subject to established protocols to continually communicate contributions from members of that will be available to anyone and engage stakeholders from the Diversity Council, the interested upon written request, all local sectors, including community, and service and must contribute to the business, civil society, providers in an effort to mandate of the Council and this government, and the general promote information sharing newsletter. public. This newsletter will be and engagement. Benjamin Earle the cornerstone of these We hope that this newsletter Manager of Social Research & Planning efforts. Community Development Council of Durham

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The Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council (LDIPC)

The Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council (LDIPC) was formed at the request of Durham Regional Council. Elected officials from all eight local area municipalities recognized the potential benefits of a planned strategic approach to Diversity and Immigration. The primary purpose of the Council is to act as a co-ordinating body ensuring that the many agencies, municipalities, community groups and organizations doing work in the area of diversity and immigration know about each other, share resources, avoid duplication and leverage each others expertise and resources. Left to right: Regional Councillor April Cullen, The Council will work towards creating a culture of (Co-chair) and Dr. Hugh Drouin, Commissioner, inclusion, attracting and retaining skilled Social Services Department (Co-chair) newcomers, increasing settlement capacity and promoting Durham Region as a destination of choice for both newcomers and new industry. Members of the interim LDIPC Throughout 2008 community consultations took City of Oshawa Regional Councillor April Cullen place asking the community of service providers, Community Ben Earle, Manager of Social Research newcomers, municipalities and residents what Development and Planning Council Durham priorities and initiatives would make sense for Tracey Vaughan, Executive Director Durham Region. The results of these consultations Durham College Mary Blanchard, Dean give direction to the LDIPC and ensure the community was the voice setting priorities. Durham District Martyn Beckett, Director of Education School Board

In early 2009 an interim Council was formed Durham Region Rick Lea, Executive Director comprised of 16 community stakeholders Local Training representing different sectors. As the work of the Council evolves Council membership will be Lakeridge Wanda Leach, Director, Human reviewed. Health Resources Corporation

This group of community leaders are committed to The Regional Dr. Hugh Drouin, Commissioner, Social executing the objectives of the LDIPC and are Municipality of Services Department Durham excited about contributing to the growing Audrey Andrews, Policy & Research momentum in Durham Region. A momentum that Advisor, Social Services Department ensures all residents have an opportunity to Doug Lindeblom, Director, Economic contribute, be engaged and utilize the skills they Development & Tourism Department bring to our communities. John Koopmans, Planning Department

Audrey Andrews Kelly O’Brien, Income & Employment Social Services Department Support Division The Regional Municipality of Durham, Cst. Keith Richards, Diversity Co- ordinator, Durham Region Police Service

Tracey Tyner-Cavanagh, Accessibility Celebrate diversity month Co-ordinator, Regional Chair & CAO’s Office Ajax Town Council has proclaimed September as Town of Ajax Regional Councillor Colleen Jordan Celebrate Diversity Month. Visit the town website UOIT Dr. Shahid Alvi, Professor & Associate www.townofajax.com to learn more. Dean of Faculty of Criminology, Justice, Policy Studies

Ajax Town Council has proclaimed September as

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In the words of newcomers…..

With the help and guidance that she open, received at the Community Development Council Durham • You should be determined to get (CDCD); an agency that works with your goal and never lose your newcomers to assist them in settling dream, it will take a long time in their new country, Nardeen made and many trials to achieve it, but the decision to go back to school and at the end you will have it. start again with her profession. "It • Put your needs in order from the was not an easy decision" said the most important to the least mother of two. important, and focus on the most Today Nardeen, who has finished the important one first, after you first phase of her exams, looks back achieve it move on to the next at that experience and shares her one, this will give you confidence reflections. "In my opinion there are in yourself and in your For Nardeen Abu Hassan, the decision some steps that you need to follow to achievements. of immigrating to Canada in 2007 was achieve success in Canada not an easy one. Both she and her • In Canada everything follows a husband are pharmacists who owned • You must love this country and try rule, everything has a procedure. their pharmacy in Palestine, yet they to feel yourself as part of it. Learn You must follow the steps in were looking for a more peaceful place more about Canada and its order and be sure that you go to raise their family, so they chose amazing nature. through that procedure. Never Canada. As Nardeen recalls, that stop because if you do so many decision did not hit her until she was • Build a new friendship from the people will move ahead and reach ready to board the plane, "I was Canadian mosaic in addition to before you, so your chances will having mixed feelings, fear, happiness, your own culture's friends. be less.” sadness, excitement. So many pictures • Try to select friends who are When we asked Nardeen if she still came to my mind about that far away positive and able to encourage you has any challenges in her life, she snowy country". and give you sound advice, hope, paused and said: "I can't find a job, Beyond the fear of immigrating to a and motivation. Avoid those who any kind of a job. I have tried new country, Nardeen was faced with a are negative and make you give up everything, from survival jobs to a new challenge; as a pharmacist, her and feel disappointed or pharmacist assistant with no luck. I credentials were not recognized in ineffective. go for interviews but nothing Canada. So she had to choose to go happens after that". back to school, or forget about her • Keep asking and searching for Tracey Vaughan chosen profession that she worked so whatever you want to achieve, there is nothing impossible, you Community Development Council Durham hard to achieve. "Every body has their own personality, goals, strength and can make it possible if you really dreams to follow the way of success" want to, Service Planners: the Community she says, "It all depends on how you Social Profile is available at • Every lock has it's own key, so if accept your new life or refuse to accept www.cdcd.org to inform your you get that key the door will it". planning decisions.

Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council We look forward to hearing your stories and feedback. If you would like to subscribe or contribute to the “The Citizen” Newsletter, please contact : Email: [email protected] Website: (portal pending) Blog: (coming soon) Facebook: (coming soon)