Reflective Engagement
March 5, 2013To highlight the diverse ways that immigrants contribute to our society, a range of social and cultural activities were planned for participants at the Ottawa Immigration Forum. Using a variety of mediums, these sessions provoked thinking about our similarities and differences and the richness that results from our diversity, while stimulating exchange between participants.
Il y a nous: Hommage au multiculturalisme de la Ville de Granby, Quebec / Here we are: Tribute to multiculturalism of the City of Granby, Quebec
A musical performance, which was developed by Christian Morisset, Frey Guevara and Louis-Philippe Janvier and celebrates humanity and cultural diversity, served as the Forum’s opening anthem.
Click here here to view the video.
“Why am I at the First Annual Ottawa Immigration Forum today?”
Participants were asked to give their reasons for attending the Forum. Although articulated in different ways, participants expressed an enormous interest and commitment to helping immigrants build their lives in Ottawa and become fully integrated and productive members of our community.
Click here to read the full content of participant reflections.
“Friendly Shores, Open Doors”: Summary of the Forum Content by Greg Frankson
Renowned Canadian spoken word artist and social activist Greg Frankson was one of the Forum participants. He offered a poetic summary of the Forum’s spirit and content.
Click here to read Greg Frankson’s Forum Summary Through Poetry.
OLIP also presented an afternoon at the movies, which featured five independent films from the National Film Board, on a variety of themes that give voice to the pressing issues of immigrant integration, followed by discussion sessions.
– Everybody’s Children
– Doctors Without Residency
– Hanging On
– Une femme de tête
– The Downtown Project
“World Languages Collection” display by the Ottawa Public Library
The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) presented a captivating literary display featuring some titles from the OPL World Languages Collection. This collection showcases books and other materials in nine heritage languages. Three writers of immigrant descent presented their works to Forum participants.