For more information about Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) visit the WOW 2018 web page.

Welcoming Ottawa Week 2018 – Calendar of Events

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Launch of 2018 Welcoming Ottawa Week

June 18, 2018 @ 7:30 am - 10:00 am

A breakfast event hosted by the Mayor of Ottawa in collaboration with the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership to kick-start the 2018 Welcoming Ottawa Week activities. Highlights include presentation of Welcoming Ottawa Ambassador awards to Ottawa residents who were nominated by newcomers as having contributed to their integration into life in Ottawa. This invitation only event is for OLIP partners, WOW event hosts, civil society leaders, faith leaders and business and government executives.

Immigrants of Ottawa

June 18, 2018 @ 8:00 am - June 30, 2018 @ 12:00 am

This online photo exhibit showcases the faces and stories of the 2018 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassador award recipients and their nominators. Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors are nominated by members of the community for having demonstrated qualities of openness, curiosity and friendliness that transcend differences. This exhibit is curated by Ottawa photographer Nyamulola Kambanji in collaboration with Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership.

Visit to the Canadian Museum of History

June 18, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

A visit to the Canadian Museum of History as part of a cultural activity and to facilitate the integration of newcomers.

Welcome and Diversity at Gabrielle Roy Public Elementary School

June 18, 2018 @ 10:00 am

Since May 2018, the students of Gabrielle Roy, a Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) public elementary school, have participated in the creation of a collective artwork (mural) for the school’s entrance. Senior management of the school decided to organize this art activity which uses the themes of diversity and inclusion and is led by a local artist. The project encourages students and teachers to be welcoming and open to the cultural diversity of the school’s students.…

Social Media Campaign

June 18, 2018 @ 10:00 am - June 30, 2018 @ 12:00 am

A social media campaign that includes videos filmed at Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) elementary secondary and adult schools. The videos feature testimonials on the reception and the inclusion of newcomers in (CEPEO) schools. The campaign aims to increase the awareness of the welcoming school community for successful inclusion and integration of newly arrived students and their families into society. It also aims to reassure these newcomers that they have their place among us. A video…

Book Launch: Toward Equity and Inclusion in Canadian Cities

June 18, 2018 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

The official launch of the book, Toward Equity and Inclusion in Canadian Cities, edited by Fran Klodawsky, Janet Siltanen and Caroline Andrew and published by McGill-Queens University Press.

Welcoming Ottawa Mural Community Design Consultation

June 18, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Over three meetings, building tenants and community members will conceptualize an image to be painted on an outer wall of the building at 215 Wurtemburg Street, in collaboration with artist Claudia Salguero and local organizations. The mural will be created over summer and fall 2018 by Ottawa residents, including newcomer youth and adults, Indigenous community members, and long-term residents, in various locations across Ottawa. The finished mural will showcase the contributions of all residents to a diverse, inclusive and vibrant…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Little Italy

June 18, 2018 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Guided walk with Luciano Pradal throughout Little Italy to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants will take a leisurely stroll down Preston Street, hearing about the Italian community and other immigrants who settled in the area. They learn about important institutions like St. Anthony’s Soccer Club and visit many landmarks. See a video about this tour. Register for this tour.

Free Pass to Yet Keen Seniors’ Day Centre

June 19, 2018 - June 22, 2018

Thirty free passes will be given away to seniors over 60 years of age. Pass holder can access various health-related and social programs and activities provided by the Yet Keen Seniors' Day Centre during opening hours between June 19 and 22, 2018.

Exhibition of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Croatia

June 19, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Touristic presentation of the Republic of Croatia through artistic photographs and Croatia tourism promotional materials. There will be free samples of Croatian chocolates. The event is open for public.

Community Workshop – Cultures of Participation: Exploring the Integration of French-Speaking Immigrants through Social Engagement in Various Francophone Community Sites

June 19, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

In this community presentation, the University of Ottawa's Diversity and Equity Research Group(DERG),in collaboration with the Vanier Community Service Centre, will share the results of a recent study examining the social participation of Ottawa's French-speaking immigrants in various Francophone community sites. This includes a focus on the motivation, experiences and benefits of participation in these sites, as well as the enablers and barriers to social engagement and the forms of social capital that can result from it. This presentation will…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Lowertown West

June 19, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Guided walk with Mark Farine throughout Lowertown West to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants walk though this vibrant neighbourhood to learn about the evolving social history, architecture and commerce and how this area was the heart of early Bytown (Ottawa’s original name). Register for this tour.

#ShowYourWelcome

June 20, 2018 - July 20, 2018

Refugee 613 invites everyone to #ShowYourWelcome on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! #ShowYourWelcome is a social media campaign to showcase the many different stories of Ottawa welcomers who go out of their way to help refugee newcomers feel at home in our town.Check out the daily posts and share your own story, big or small! Take a photo and add the #ShowYourWelcome hashtage and it will be shared. This is a way for the whole city to know how many people…

Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) Citizenship Ceremony

June 20, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the OCSB is hosting a citizenship ceremony to celebrate with 20 newcomers who are becoming Canadian citizens. This event will allow staff and students to see a citizenship ceremony as a kick-off to Canada Day celebrations and to connect with those who have chosen to settle in Ottawa. Participation is by invitation only.

Food of the Month

June 20, 2018 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

A potluck with international food shared with colleagues over lunch. This is a closed event for World Skills employees.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Vanier

June 20, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Guided walk with Émilie Brenning throughout Vanier to see the rich and interesting heritage of this historically francophone neighbourhood. Participants will visit a series of fascinating murals that depict the neighbourhood’s diverse history, along with churches, a historic cemetery and much more. Émilie Brenning also gives tours through Muséo Parc Vanier. Register for this tour.

Voices of Welcome and Refuge – A Human Library for World Refugee Day

June 20, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

This event is a human library to mark World Refugee Day. The Global Centre for Pluralism in partnership with Refugee 613 will feature speakers sharing their stories from all dimensions of the refugee experience in Canada, including private sponsorship, policymaking and settlement. It will include the launch of Refugee 613’s social media campaign #ShowYourWelcome and a gallery of portraits from the storytelling project, Community.

100in1Day Wrap Up Party

June 20, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

On June 20th, Synapcity is hosting a party to celebrate 100in1Day, a citizen-led grassroots festival that is taking place on June 2nd across the city. 100in1Day is a grassroots festival that provides a platform for residents to lead activities that make Ottawa better - more connected, healthier and livelier. During the celebration event, we will showcase the actions of people across the city, including many newcomers, to transform our city in a positive way, all on one day.  The party…

Opening a Business in Canada

June 20, 2018 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Karla Briones, a serial immigrant entrepreneur and business strategist, in collaboration with CollabSpace will present "Opening a Business in Canada: What to Consider." This seminar is for newcomers interested in starting a business. Attendees will leave with a good understanding of where to begin, where to look for information and potential funding. Bring business ideas and questions to this welcoming event.

25th Annual Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

June 21, 2018 - June 24, 2018

The festival is free to the public and showcases round the clock dragon boat races, free nightly concerts, featuring some of Canada's biggest acts and hottest new rising stars, Family Fun Zone activities and entertainment, heritage performances, as well as exhibitors and vendors to satisfy the shopping and culinary appetite. The festival runs multiple days: June 21 & 22 (5pm -11pm), June 23 (7am-11pm) and June 24 (7am-10pm).

Discover Ability Workshop

June 21, 2018 @ 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Join the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN) and Ottawa Employment Hub to learn how the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) applies to your business and the advantages of developing an inclusive workforce.  Learn… About the AODA and your responsibilities under the Act How to develop an accessibility plan and comply with the AODA Why hiring individuals with disabilities makes good business sense About the resources available to help…

Newcomer Drop-in

June 21, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

The monthly informal drop-in for newcomers aims to provide space to be welcomed and informed about programs and services offered at the South East Ottawa Community Health Centre and in the community, as well as to hear about newcomers' needs and to respond accordingly.

“Go Back to Where You Came From”: Dismantling Myths about Ottawa’s Newcomers

June 21, 2018 @ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

This event involves an interactive dialogue around dismantling myths about newcomers, along with an overview of newcomers’ journey from their country of origin to their new home, from a unique perspective. It will touch on the various systemic challenges that newcomers are faced with upon arrival, focus on the role that social determinants of health play during the settlement process, and the importance of advocacy when it comes to addressing and removing barriers. The session includes a tour of Somerset…

Employer Learning Forum

June 21, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

The topic of this event is Welcoming Workplaces are Winning Workplaces. Participants will learn how to create a diverse and welcoming workplace to position their organization to attract top talent.

Workshop on Social Media use in Refugee Resettlement: Experiences and Practices of Syrian Newcomer Youth in Ottawa

June 21, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

This interactive workshop shares the findings of a study on the social media use of recently resettled Syrian newcomer youth (female and male) in Ottawa. It focuses on how social media can facilitate and assist in the resettlement process and everyday experiences after arrival, including to access information about services and education and to support the building of new connections and friendships across space, place and time. Key insights are based on the results of a Social Sciences and Humanities…

Welcoming Ottawa Week – Kanata North

June 21, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

All in Kanata North are welcome to attend Councillor Marianne Wilkinson’s Welcoming Ottawa Week – Kanata North in the Beaverpond on Thursday, June 21 from 4pm – 6pm (raindate on June 23 from 4pm – 6pm). It will feature an educational walk through the Beaver Pond led by the Junior Rangers, information stations for parents on important summer public health concerns (ticks, community policing and safety, and more), a speaker’s corner where subject matter experts can give a brief 5-minute…

Ottawa Police Diversity Celebration

June 21, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

It is a celebration of all different cultures and religions within Ottawa, there will be cultural performances, table displays of cultural artifacts, free food and opportunity to interact with Police Officers in a friendly environment.

Inuit Children in Ottawa

June 21, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The Humans for Peace Institution is proud to work hard to strengthen the relationship between newcomers and Indigenous peoples in the capital region. As part of this event, a group of Syrian children who raised $2,500 to help the Inuit children in Ottawa will visit the Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre to celebrate both National Indigenous Day: June 21(#NIPDCanada) and World Refugee Day: June 20 (#WorldRefugeeDay). The Syrian newcomers will sing songs, play games, and hand over their cheque to support the Ottawa…

Welcoming Ottawa Mural Community Design Consultation

June 21, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Over three meetings, building tenants and community members will conceptualize an image to be painted on an outer wall of the building at 215 Wurtemburg Street, in collaboration with artist Claudia Salguero and local organizations. The mural will be created over summer and fall 2018 by Ottawa residents, including newcomer youth and adults, Indigenous community members, and long-term residents, in various locations across Ottawa. The finished mural will showcase the contributions of all residents to a diverse, inclusive and vibrant…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Chinatown

June 21, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Guided walk with Don Kwan throughout Chinatown to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. They learn about the multicultural village this neighbourhood has become, not only including Asian cultures, but also influences from French Canada, the Middle East, Latin America and more. See a video about this tour. Register for this tour.

Refugees of the Blue Planet

June 21, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Special Film Screening of "Refugees of the Blue Planet". This National Film Board documentary explores stories from environmental refugees, following the accounts of people displaced and living in various parts of the world and their similarities to the accounts of those living in Canada (in French with English subtitles). In partnership with the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership's celebration of Welcoming Ottawa Week 2018! Following the film, Dr. Luisa Veronis will reflect on and lead a discussion of key issues explored in…

Community Picnic for Newcomers

June 22, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

This is a community picnic for newcomers to celebrate the end of the school year for many students from OCISO. It includes games for children, soccer for adults and water balloons for the brave. The event is an opportunity to make new friends and have some fun. Please bring a lunch.

Lunch and Learn – Child and Youth Mental Health

June 22, 2018 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

This presentation will discuss how a group of francophone newcomer youth allied with non-newcomer youth and CHEO's mental health planners. They came to form a youth advisory committee which was tasked with increasing access to mental health care services. It highlights how their project grew to play a significant advisory role to all major francophone mental health care service providers. he presentation will also include information related to fostering early childhood mental health.

WordPress Workshop

June 22, 2018 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Your website is the destination for your current and potential clients to find all the information they need to know about you. It needs to be as user-friendly and informative as possible, to keep these individuals engaged, sharing information about you on social media, and coming back to support your organization in the future. WordPress is a free content management system that allows you to build and manage your own Website or blog. Websites are easier and less expensive to…

Welcoming Newcomers in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)

June 22, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

This event is an opportunity to celebrate the support of newcomer families in the Ottawa area. It will reunite families with the Family Resource Centre and celebrate educational success within the OCDSB, a school board with a rich and diverse student population and staff. The OCDSB aims to provide equitable learning opportunities for all learners through inclusive design. As it continues to establish and maintain strong relationships with students, families, and community partners, it supports the achievement and wellbeing of…

Healthy Walk with Francophone Newcomers

June 22, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

This event is comprised of a jog in the Vanier area with Economic and Social Council of Ottawa-Carleton staff and Francophone newcomers. The starting point is at the Economic and Social Council of Ottawa-Carleton’s office.

Henna Art

June 22, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

This event provides a professional henna design by the Henna Lady team of Ottawa which uses only 100% natural henna and an ancient recipe. This temporary body art is suitable for all ages and designs can last for a few days.

Rideau Rockliffe Multiculturalism Celebration, Barbeque and Bike Distribution

June 22, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

For the third year in a row, Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is celebrating the contribution of multiculturalism to Rideau-Rockcliffe 13 ward residents. They will host a barbeque and distribute children's bikes to community members. This event brings together residents to celebrate the community and learn about the resources available at the Centre. In partnership with the Ottawa Safety Council and the Bike Rodeos program, parents and their children will learn about bike safety and the rules of the road, through…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Vanier

June 22, 2018 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Guided walk with Émilie Brenning throughout Vanier to see the rich and interesting heritage of this historically francophone neighbourhood. Participants will visit a series of fascinating murals that depict the neighbourhood’s diverse history, along with churches, a historic cemetery and much more. Émilie Brenning also gives tours through Muséo Parc Vanier. Register for this tour.

African Stories, Songs, Drumming and Dance: “Under the Palm Tree”

June 23, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Kahmaria Pingue and Hamid Ayoub, “Under the Palm Tree”, will make African and Caribbean stories come alive with songs, dance and drumming.

Henna Art

June 23, 2018 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

This event provides a professional henna design by the Henna Lady team of Ottawa which uses only 100% natural henna and an ancient recipe. This temporary body art is suitable for all ages and designs can last for a few days.

Decorating a Piñata

June 23, 2018 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Mexican artist Fabiola Vincent will decorate Mayan Pyramid piñatas. Everyone will take home their decorated piñata! This is a family event, for children aged 4 to 12 and their parents, Register on the Ottawa Public Library website.

Henna Art

June 23, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This event provides a professional henna design by the Henna Lady team of Ottawa which uses only 100% natural henna and an ancient recipe. This temporary body art is suitable for all ages and designs can last for a few days.

Community Kicks

June 24, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Recreational co-ed soccer tournament for ages 15+ (soccer challenges and mini tournament for all ages in conjunction with event supported by local soccer clubs) that welcomes the world through the power of sport. The goal is fun and breaking a sweat together. Everyone is invited to this all ability event. Bring a picnic, while the DJ spins upbeat recreational tunes. Pickup games of all sorts will connect people regardless of language and beliefs.

Women Empowerment Bazaar

June 24, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

The aim of this bazaar is to empower newcomer women and help them to start their own business. It will have more than 50 vendors that showcase local businesses, with products ranging from books, dresses, fair trade food and olive oil, henna tattoo artists, calligraphists, handcrafted items, etc.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Lowertown East

June 24, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Guided walk with Mark Farine throughout Lowertown East to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants learn about how French, Eastern European and Jewish immigrants transformed this neighbourhood. They visit schools, bakeries, restaurants and religious institutions that have been influenced by successive cohorts of immigrants. Register for this tour.

African Stories, Songs, Drumming and Dance: “Under the Palm Tree”

June 26, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Kahmaria Pingue and Hamid Ayoub, “Under the Palm Tree”, will make African and Caribbean stories come alive with songs, dance and drumming.

Tour of Parliament Hill to Welcome Newcomers to Canada – Hosted by Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament, Ottawa-Vanier

June 26, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

MP Mona Fortier, member for Ottawa--Vanier will host a tour of Parliament Hill to welcome newcomers to Canada. By invitation only

Strengthening Cultural Competencies and Uncovering Hidden Biases – OCISO Career Mentorship Seminar

June 26, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

This seminar, facilitated by Karima Kara, promises to be an exciting and valuable interactive learning session on Examining Hidden Biases and Leading Inclusively. It is a forum for the Ottawa community and recent newcomers to Canada to engage in rich conversations about communicating more effectively across cultures and leading more inclusively, examining hidden biases and assumptions and applying best practices when working across cultures and navigating the Canadian workplace.Karima Kara is as an engaging and inspiring facilitator, coach and mediator,…

5 to 7 – Francophone Economics – Networking Activity

June 26, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Networking event with employers and immigrants looking for work.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Little Italy

June 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Guided walk with Luciano Pradal throughout Little Italy to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants will take a leisurely stroll down Preston Street, hearing about the Italian community and other immigrants who settled in the area. They learn about important institutions like St. Anthony’s Soccer Club and visit many landmarks. See a video about this tour. Register for this tour.

Ottawa-Gatineau Bus Tour for Welcoming Ottawa Week 2018

June 27, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau and the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership are partnering to host a bus tour for newcomers to the Region. The tour will support the successful integration of newcomers by highlighting the strong regional metropolis that exists in Ottawa and Gatineau; the local historical, recreational and cultural attractions; and the many services and programs available throughout the cities. (Limited seats/Registration is required)

Leveraging the Magnet network to connect employers to immigrant talent

June 27, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Ottawa Employment Hub has partnered with Magnet, a collaborative network powered by a job-matching platform that connects employers to talent based on skills and qualifications. Join us to hear from Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet and Hire Immigrants, housed at Ryerson University, on how the platform promotes immigrant employment in Toronto and other communities.  Find out how Magnet utilizes an advanced and protected recruitment model that promotes diversity and supports bias free recruitment strategies.  Get a sneak peek at…

World Skills Open House: “A Multicultural Workplace”

June 27, 2018 @ 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

As part of Multiculturalism Day celebrations in Canada, World Skills Employment Centre invites the community to visit its main office to enjoy a display of colour, flavours, and culture. Visitors can sample delicious treats kindly offered by our staff and will learn relevant and curious facts about each of the countries represented at World Skills, curated by its passionate team! The goal is to pay homage to Ottawa’s diverse and inclusive communities, by celebrating the cultural backgrounds and richness that…

Celebrating Export Development Canada (EDC) Business through a Cultural Lens

June 27, 2018 @ 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

On Canadian Multiculturalism Day, EDC employees will take a journey and discover countries where it does business. Employees will learn about the people, culture, economy and fun facts of those countries. It will highlight six countries: two countries in existing markets (Mexico and the United Arab Emirates) and four countries with developing and emerging markets (Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and South Africa).

Multicultural Colours: Art Workshop with Immigrant and Community Seniors

June 27, 2018 @ 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

This free, drop-in event brings together participants from the Catholic Centre for Immigrant (CCI) English Conversation Circles from across the city and their neighbours for an afternoon of multicultural watercolour painting, led by visual artist and CCI volunteer Iwona Buziak-Mohamed. The workshop will be led primarily in English and all other languages are also welcome. This is opportunity for all seniors to come together, make new friends, and communicate through the universal language of art. It takes place on a…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Lowertown West

June 27, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Guided walk with Mark Farine throughout Lowertown West to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants walk though this vibrant neighbourhood to learn about the evolving social history, architecture and commerce and how this area was the heart of early Bytown (Ottawa’s original name). Register for this tour.

Indigenous Walking Tour

June 28, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Guided walk through downtown Ottawa that explores monuments, landscape, architecture and artwork from an Indigenous perspective.

Irregular not “illegal,” “asylum seekers” not “queue jumpers”: Demystifying the Canada-US border crossings and exploring the City of Ottawa’s role

June 28, 2018 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

A record number of people are crossing into Canada from the US at small border towns rather than official ports of entry to seek asylum for a chance to build a new life. This panel will demystify the situation at the Canada-US border and explain why the crossings are not "illegal," and why "irregular" is a more accurate word. The panelists will explain the Safe Third Country Agreement between the US and Canada which drives people to seek asylum through…

Art Exhibit and Open House

June 28, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

This event is an intimate art exhibit to showcase the work of the Immigrant Women Services Ottawa female newcomer clients. It will celebrate the artists and their artwork, while listening to their authentic stories. All are welcome.

Welcoming Ottawa Mural Community Design Consultation

June 28, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Over three meetings, building tenants and community members will conceptualize an image to be painted on an outer wall of the building at 215 Wurtemburg Street, in collaboration with artist Claudia Salguero and local organizations. The mural will be created over summer and fall 2018 by Ottawa residents, including newcomer youth and adults, Indigenous community members, and long-term residents, in various locations across Ottawa. The finished mural will showcase the contributions of all residents to a diverse, inclusive and vibrant…

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Little Italy

June 28, 2018 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Guided walk with Luciano Pradal throughout Little Italy to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants will take a leisurely stroll down Preston Street, hearing about the Italian community and other immigrants who settled in the area. They learn about important institutions like St. Anthony’s Soccer Club and visit many landmarks. Register for this tour.

Equity in Ottawa: A Collective Effort

June 29, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Achieving equity in Ottawa requires a collective effort to eliminate the barriers that immigrants and racialized people experience in daily life. Equity Ottawa is a collective of organizations and community members working together to address these barriers and create an equitable city. Join the discussion about how to advance equity and address racism in Ottawa. Learn about Equity Ottawa’s work and the next steps we can take together, with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Register for this event.  

Indigenous Walking Tour

June 29, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Guided walk through downtown Ottawa that explores monuments, landscape, architecture and artwork from an Indigenous perspective.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Lowertown East

June 29, 2018 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Guided walk with Mark Farine throughout Lowertown East to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. Participants learn about how French, Eastern European and Jewish immigrants transformed this neighbourhood. They visit schools, bakeries, restaurants and religious institutions that have been influenced by successive cohorts of immigrants. Register for this tour.

Celebrate Canada Day and Eid Al-Fitr Together

June 29, 2018 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre celebrates Canada Day and Eid Al-Fitr together with its Syrian refugee clients. Everyone is welcome to join this cultural entertainment.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Chinatown

June 30, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Guided walk with Don Kwan throughout Chinatown to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. They learn about the multicultural village this neighbourhood has become, not only including Asian cultures, but also influences from French Canada, the Middle East, Latin America and more. Register for this tour.

African Stories, Songs, Drumming and Dance: “Under the Palm Tree”

June 30, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Kahmaria Pingue and Hamid Ayoub, “Under the Palm Tree”, will make African and Caribbean stories come alive with songs, dance and drumming.

Celebrating Cultures: A Movie Screening

June 30, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

The event will include snacks and a screening of three folktales from around the world.

Make an Inukshuk Wall Hanging

June 30, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

At this event, Janice Oolayou from the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre will teach participants how to use embroidery skills with a large, safe needle and to decorate a wall hanging with an Inukshuk design. Everyone will take home their decorated wall hanging. The event is for children aged 6 to 12 and their parents. Register on Ottawa Public Library website or drop-in.

2018 African Caribbean Canadian Multiculturalism Day Celebration

June 30, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

This event brings together more than 51 country associations of African descent and Black Canadians to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and traditions. It will showcase authentic African foods, fashion, music, dancing and performances. This family friendly event will have free food for everyone, as well as plenty of children’s games.

Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour of Chinatown

June 30, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Guided walk with Tam-Ca Vo-Van throughout Chinatown to learn about the contribution of immigrant communities to the neighbourhood, along with its history, people and vibrant culture. They learn about the multicultural village this neighbourhood has become, not only including Asian cultures, but also influences from French Canada, the Middle East, Latin America and more. Register for this walking tour.

Youth Futures: Wakanda

June 30, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

This event reunites different cultures and origins in a similar manner to the fictional country of “Wakanda”, from the Black Panther movie. It unites participants in the Youth Futures program, as well as immigrants and citizens to help them experience a piece of Canadian culture, while integrating their own through activities that facilitate integration. “Wakanda” signifies a blend of cultures to shed light on the beauty of diversity which is a crucial part of Canadian culture. The event incorporates sports,…

Henna Art

June 30, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

This event provides a professional henna design by the Henna Lady team of Ottawa which uses only 100% natural henna and an ancient recipe. This temporary body art is suitable for all ages and designs can last for a few days.

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Our Partners

We would like to thank all contributors and event hosts for supporting Welcoming Ottawa Week 2018.

For more information about Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) visit the WOW 2018 web page.