ICA Indigenous Journey
By Karman Lippitt, Community Engagement Facilitator


We are very excited to announce our success in receiving funding from Canadian Heritage for a two-year ICA Indigenous Journey project. In this project, we will work with the Called to Action Collaborative (a team of consultants that includes Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, coordinated by  Arrive Consulting ), our staff and members of the community towards these significant, organizational goals:
 
  • To strengthen relationships, partnerships and networks with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations in the region
     
  • To integrate Indigenous perspectives and protocols into ICA policies, programs, communications and physical spaces
     
  • To increase Indigenous engagement and training opportunities for ICA Board, staff, clients and stakeholders
     
  • To provide newcomers with increased awareness of Indigenous cultures
 
The grant funds from Canadian Heritage will help us to build relationships and deepen ICA's organizational capacity to work more effectively with Indigenous people in our area of operation. While we have always sought opportunities to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and individuals, it has been largely project based. Through this initiative, ICA is working to ensure that the processes and protocols of Indigenous engagement are integrated into our business practices and program delivery throughout the organization.
 
As a settlement agency supporting refugees and newcomers to Canada we have a responsibility to lead Indigenous engagement and reconciliation processes for our clients and our community. This activity is identified as a priority in the ICA Strategic Plan 2018-2022:
 
Integrate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations. Partner with Indigenous groups, and scholars to learn about and incorporate learnings to ensure newcomers to Canada appreciate the complexities of our historical and present relationships with Indigenous Peoples. 
 
We are excited about the possibilities and look forward to a shared journey with a highly collaborative, process-oriented approach that will further our on-going work on Truth and Reconciliation. We look forward to sharing our Indigenous Journey with you to benefit the wider community.

Ride or Walk with ICA on October 5 for Newcomer Refugee Youth 
By Steven Baileys, Community Development Coordinator


What MOVES you to make a difference in your community? 
 
Here at ICA, we believe riding our bikes or taking a step forward can positively impact our community with benefits for everyone! 
 
On Saturday October 5, join with ICA staff and friends as we lace up our walking shoes or mount our bikes to participate in the annual Ride for Refuge event. This fun, family friendly event supports non-profit organizations like ICA to raise funds and make a difference for vulnerable members of our community. At last year's Ride for Refuge, ICA and friends raised more than $6,500 to directly support ICA's newcomer refugee youth programs.  
 
Your legs may get tired, but your heart will be full as you and hundreds of Victorians cycle or walk across the finish line. We invite to join with us and other friends of ICA on Saturday October 5. It's easy to do. You can join our amazing ICA team in raising funds and MOVE to make a difference in the lives of newcomer refugee youth! 
 
To learn more or support ICA's Ride for Refuge teams, click here.

Click on this link to make your donation. Scroll down the page to see the teams and make your gift.

Camp Connect Program 
By Karishma Konikkara, Community Engagement Intern


"The camp leaders were so good, we learned kickboxing, dancing, cooking and the tree of life," said 12-year-old Zoe to her grandmother, who had asked Zoe what she loved most about summer camp. Zoe immigrated from China and participated in the Camp Connect Explorers program in August. 

Summer may be over, but the benefits of building new friendships and community relationships and having wonderful shared experiences with different cultural groups will be carried forward by all the youth who attended ICA's summer camp program in July and August. A dedicated team of Settlement Youth Workers organize, develop and run our summer camp programs and create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for the youth and children to make new connections, learn new skills and have fun...


Employment Resources 


Did you know?

ICA is a Work BC Employment Services Centre? We have a full suite of services for all your employment needs, including a variety of workshops and programs.