The North Shore Service Providers’ Forum 2024, hosted by the North Shore Im/migrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP), a project of Impact North Shore, in February 2024 focused on the theme of, “Leveraging Collective Impact: Community Service Providers as Champions of im/migrant Inclusion“.
60+ service providers representing sectors including recreation, mental health, art, government, education, libraries, business, community service and more attended the forum to learn about current developments in im/migrant settlement patterns. Key information shared at the Forum stressed that while more im/migrants are using community services, they are still experiencing language and cultural barriers and reporting lower levels of belonging than in previous years. Our annual survey results, presented at the event, also showed that racialized im/migrants have continued experiences of racism, discrimination, and exclusion.
One of the highlights of the event, was a keynote address by Norm Leech. As an advocate for urban Indigenous peoples and speaker on the Indigenous experience and trauma from colonization, Norm inspired attendees with an insightful talk about the role of community organizations in reconciliation. 100% of participants found the keynote address provided valuable information on how to build reconciliation practices into service planning.
Participants also agreed that we need to work together to build safer communities for im/migrants on the North Shore. NSIIP will continue to build on learnings from this forum in future collaborations with our valued community partners by providing current data on North Shore im/migration trends and providing opportunities for engagement with im/migrant communities to stay attuned to their changing needs.
The North Shore Service Providers Forum is an invaluable learning and networking opportunity. I now have a better understanding of newcomer trends and what is important to consider in future planning for my organization. I’m looking forward to taking this information back to my team and making changes to be more welcoming.
The annual North Shore Service Providers’ Forum is a powerful reminder of the significant impact that community service providers can have when we all work together for collective well-being. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning, we can champion im/migrant inclusion.