The Original Mosaic

Considered a cultural mosaic woven together by diverse cultures from around the world, the ethos of Canada has been founded on inclusion, openness and respect.

Newcomers arrive with the hope that no matter where they come from, they will be welcomed. However, Indigenous cultures shaped these lands long before settlers arrived, whose traditions survived despite the impacts of colonization. Integrating Indigenous knowledge with educational practices for new Canadians is key in working towards reconciliation right from an individual’s first steps onto this land.

To instill awareness and respect from a newcomer’s first days as a Canadian, the Indigenous Newcomer Education (INE) program is collaborating with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) to introduce the ‘Celebrating and Sharing Indigenous Knowledge with Newcomers’ program. Aimed at fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures among newcomers to Canada, this program will organize a series of cultural events to share Indigenous knowledge and worldviews. 

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funds to help educate the thousands of new Canadians who arrive in Calgary each year. Funding will cover costs associated with such an ambitious project, including Pow Wows, blanket and pipe ceremonies, storytelling sessions with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, language learning workshops, traditional arts and more. Programs like these are essential to promoting mutual understanding and respect between Indigenous Peoples and new Canadians.

The INE and CCIS initiative represents a vital step towards fostering reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous Peoples and newcomers. By sharing the rich cultural traditions and knowledge of Indigenous communities, this project will help build bridges that promote healing, education, and respect. 

Diocese of Calgary