More than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Indigenous person. As a newcomer to Canada, it is important to learn about Canada’s three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Inuit and Métis — all with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Here are 5 ways to educate yourself on the vibrant and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Seek Out Free Courses to Learn About Indigenous Cultures

Many universities offer free courses on Indigenous history and cultures facilitated by an all-Indigenous teaching team. They explore the past and perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada while providing further insight and analysis into national Indigenous-settler relations.

Participate in Indigenous Awareness Campaigns

Campaigns like National Indigenous History Month in June and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 are important reminders to recognize Indigenous people’s history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity and commit to action. Many organizations play an active role in raising awareness of and acknowledging Indigenous history to advance the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces.

Understand Land Acknowledgment

Indigenous peoples have traditionally delivered land acknowledgements before gatherings, ceremonies or events. Land acknowledgements recognize the Indigenous communities that initially inhabited the land or space where an event occurs. Learning about land acknowledgement is another way to educate yourself about Indigenous cultures, as it can help you learn more about the history of the Indigenous communities that once lived in the space you live, work or visit.

Visit Your Local Library

Libraries offer many learning resources about the history of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and their thriving cultures. They provide literary education through collections of Indigenous readings, including books that explore important elements of Canadian history, such as the traumas of residential school systems. Exciting works by Indigenous authors are available for both young and adult readers. Educating newcomer kids about Indigenous history and culture is another way to learn.

Browse Online Websites

There are plenty of resources online that can help you learn more about the Indigenous cultures in Canada. The National Film Board of Canada’s collection of Indigenous-made films is available to stream for free on their Indigenous Cinemas page. The platform offers old, new and classic movies in a variety of styles, including fiction, documentary, and animation.

The Royal Ontario Museum’s Indigenous Voices webinar series is available to celebrate and learn about Indigenous cultures. The program is designed for elementary and high school students and educators. It highlights distinct ancestral objects and offers activities to engage viewers. The program is free and ranges in topics from cultural dance to storytelling, and can be watched anytime online.

Campaigns like Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day can help educate you on Indigenous lives. Their website offers resources, event information, and different ways to support the campaign. 

As newcomers to Canada, we encourage you to understand the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Navigating the first month in a new country can be overwhelming. As you prepare for your new life in Canada, there are so many things that you must do soon after arriving. Access to the right information and resources can help you embark on your settling-in journey.

Get Your IDs

One of the first things you will be required to do during your first month in Canada is to apply for your identity documents, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), driver’s license and health card. You would need your identity documents before you can start looking for work. These documents are essential to applying for government programs and benefits available for newcomers to Canada. Visit Service Canada for detailed information about the required documents to complete your application.

Open a Canadian Bank Account

To manage your payments and bills, you must open a bank account when you arrive in Canada. Rent payments, groceries and transportation are only a few of the expenses you start to incur as you settle in. You may want to understand the chequing account, savings account, account charges, and credit history that your banking advisor can explain to you.

Purchase a Phone and Phone Plan

Many phone options are available in Canada, ranging from prepaid to postpaid plans. Some popular phone providers like Rogers, Bell and Telus have good network plans. It is worth asking for student and discounted plans for newcomers, which may or may not be available in the market upon your arrival. However, it is a good strategy to shop around and purchase a plan that best meets your needs and is not too heavy on your finances.

Find Affordable Housing

Without mention, you need a place to stay! Your apartment search begins as soon as you enter the country. Your first accommodation may be an Airbnb or another short-term rental. However, it would be best to look for a long-term residence for yourself. A lack of credit history and employment proof can make it challenging to rent places. However, some landlords are flexible and rent out their space if you can provide references from friends or family.

Explore the Job Market

Before you start applying for jobs, make sure to update your resume, practice your interview skills, and review your LinkedIn profile. Based on your job profile, you may also want to find out if you need any certification or license to continue working in your field of interest. Newcomers may also seek survival jobs to gain Canadian experience and complete bridging programs or additional courses before finding their dream job in this competitive job market.

Get Ready for the Winters

If you’re immigrating from a country without four seasons, be prepared to experience the Canadian winters. Winters in Canada can get very cold. Getting adequately equipped for winter is essential: get your winter jackets, snow boots, warm winter hats, gloves and other essentials in advance for yourself and your family so you can enjoy the chilly, snowy weather.

Find a Settlement Service

Settlement services like Achēv can help in so many ways. From language assessments and language learning to newcomer services and finding employment, there are so many programs you can find to achieve your full potential. Visit our website to see which program meets your needs. You can also visit our Newcomer Information Centre as soon as you arrive in Canada!

Get ready to explore Canada and the Canadian culture. As you settle in your new home, make friends, spend some time exploring the country and travelling and connect with people in your community to ease the stress of settling in a new country.

With the start of the school year, it is important to help your child get excited and ready for their studies. For newcomer children, many things can be done to help prepare for school in Canada. Here are eight back-to-school tips for your newcomer child to help them better succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.

Communicate with Your Child in English Regularly 

Students in Canadian schools speak many languages in their home environment. However, English will be the primary language of instruction for your child. If your child is not a native English speaker, helping them improve their English skills can help them be more comfortable in the school environment. Consider speaking in English a little bit each day to help them develop their ability. If you are also an English-language learner, this can help both of you improve your skills.

Help Your Child Make Friends

Friends are important when it comes to helping your child succeed in school. It is also an area where you can help your newcomer child prepare for school. Consider attending community events to help your child meet others in the neighbourhood, which can help your child begin to make friends. You can also help your child join activities or arrange a playdate with another parent of younger children. Knowing even a few classmates before the school year is a great way to make your child feel more comfortable.

Encourage Staying in Touch with Friends From Their Home Country

While meeting new friends in Canada is certainly important, encouraging your child to stay in touch with friends from their home country is an effective way to help provide some additional stability in their life and to make them feel more comfortable. Making time with their friends’ parents for phone or video calls or encouraging your child to write letters can be a good way to help them stay connected with their existing friend network while they begin to make new connections in Canada.

Read Books About Moving & Making New Friends

If you have a younger child, reading together is great practice. However, reading books about moving and making new friends is a particularly effective way to help your newcomer child prepare for school in Canada. It can help your child to prepare for the social aspects of starting a new school and can help provide them with some added confidence. It can also serve to help your child express questions or concerns that they have.

Help Your Child Stay Organized

Helping your child with their organization is a great way to make them – and you – feel well prepared for going back to school in Canada. A great way to do this is to set a nightly routine to prepare for school the next morning. Set out your child’s outfit for the next day and ensure that their backpack is organized with the books and supplies they will need for class the next day. Ensure homework is completed as well.

Meet With Important School Staff

There are many staff members at your child’s new school that are dedicated to helping them succeed. Many schools even have a dedicated settlement worker on site who can help you and your child navigate preparing for school. If your school does not have a settlement worker, you can meet with the school guidance counselor. In addition to helping answer your questions, this will give you and your child a familiar face to contact with needs once the school year begins.

Be Sure You Know the Class Schedule

Understanding your schedule is important for any student, particularly older students with many different teachers and class locations. Be sure to help your child understand where their classes are located and who their teachers are. This is an important part of the logistical phase of starting a new school year and can help ensure your child knows how to navigate the school and get to class on time.

Familiarize Yourself with School Resources

There are many things to know about the modern school environment. However, school resources are among the most important. Understand what exists in terms of tutoring and other support. Also, learn how the school communicates with parents and students. Many schools have comprehensive online software where students and parents can see schedules, contact teachers, view grades, and other things.

Final Thoughts

One of the greatest things you can do as a parent is to help your child prepare for success in their Canadian school. These eight tips are great ways to begin that process.

At Achēv, our Newcomer Services offer a wide range of services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada. Our Newcomer Information Centres are located across the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. Contact us today to register for our free newcomer services.

Engaging in volunteer work benefits both the individual and the community and has the potential to bring a positive change in our lives. Volunteering as a newcomer can provide you with a rich and meaningful experience. It serves as a gateway to cultural exchange, personal growth, and skill development.

Canada offers a welcoming environment for newcomers. Volunteering in Canada as a newcomer opens up a world of opportunities and rewards. Here are some of the benefits of engaging in volunteer work as a newcomer.

Build Your Network

Volunteering can give you great opportunities to connect with new people. You can boost your social skills by interacting with fellow volunteers and meeting professionals from different fields of work. These people can help you settle in your community by providing valuable insights and sharing their experiences, which can benefit you as a newcomer in Canada.

Improve Language Skills

As a volunteer, you can improve your English or French language skills. Regular interactions with native speakers can enhance your fluency and confidence in language speaking.

Gain Canadian Work Experience

Volunteering benefits newcomers by enhancing their employability. Those searching for jobs can add volunteer experience to their resume, which counts as Canadian work experience. Volunteering can also help you bridge gaps in your work history while you look for a job. You can ask the company you volunteered with to provide reference letters, which can be useful in your job applications.

Discover Your Career Path

Volunteering not only adds meaningful work experience to your resume but also provides you with valuable career information regarding your preferences and work habits. It can help you determine whether a career path interests you so you can make the right career choice. Volunteering can provide practical work experience in your field of interest.

Learn New Skills

With volunteer work comes the advantage of developing and enhancing a wide range of skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. These working skills can be used in your professional job in the coming times to improve your work efficiency. If you are a student, you learn to balance your school, work and home life at the same time. Even though it sounds challenging, it can be a great opportunity to develop your time management skills.

Contribute to Personal Growth

With volunteer work, you gain self-confidence that contributes to your personal growth. It provides opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, take on new challenges and gather positive life experiences. Volunteering is also a great way to discover new interests and hobbies and visit different parts of the city. It can help you reduce stress and provides a sense of purpose. 

Community Involvement

As a newcomer in a foreign land, away from your friends and family, it’s very easy to feel isolated. Volunteering can help keep yourself occupied by being involved with the community. Volunteering allows you to give back to the Canadian community that has welcomed you as a newcomer. By offering your time and skills to local organizations, you can make a positive impact on individuals and communities in need. This sense of contribution can be fulfilling and rewarding.

Gain Recognition

Volunteering is highly valued in Canada, and your efforts will likely be recognized and appreciated by both the organization you volunteer with and the broader community. This recognition can further strengthen your sense of belonging and make you feel more integrated into Canadian society.

Some people may prefer home-based volunteering due to a lack of transportation, time constraints, a disability or other reasons. Some organizations may offer remote volunteering opportunities via phone or computer. They may also require you to attend initial training or periodic meetings.

Volunteering is an integral part of the Canadian work culture. It allows you to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, enabling you to immerse yourself in Canadian culture.

As a newcomer to Canada, you can search for volunteer opportunities depending on your interest and career goals. You can volunteer at your local community centre, schools, libraries, hospitals and animal shelters. Volunteer opportunities can be searched online or by visiting some of these places in person. You may also ask your friends or family to refer you to an organization for volunteer work.

At Achēv, our newcomer services offer a wide range of services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada. Contact us today to register for our free newcomer services.

Back-to-school can be an exciting time for children in Canada. For parents, it’s often a time with a few added responsibilities to ensure that their children are ready to learn. With this in mind, we wanted to offer some back-to-school tips for newcomer parents. 

Check with Their School for Essential Items 

One of the time-honored traditions is back-to-school shopping. Different schools and grade levels will require students to be prepared with specific items. Be sure to check in with your children’s school to find out exactly what is needed. Many schools will provide parents with a list of required items. You should also check to see if you will need to provide lunch or any specialized clothing.  

Update Your Child’s School on Medical Conditions 

An important aspect of preparation for many parents is ensuring that the school has sufficient information about medical conditions and needs. If your child has any specific needs, such as specific medication to take or severe allergies, work with your school’s administration to help ensure that they are prepared should your child experience an urgent medical need during the school day.  

Label Your Child’s Belongings  

Children tend to misplace items from time to time. Even if you have a very organized kid, it helps to label your child’s belongings as it will make it easier for your child to keep them organized and for teachers to identify them. Using stickers or even a label maker is an effective way to do this. A little extra effort can help reduce your need to replace lost items.  

Talk About Concerns Your Child Has 

It’s normal for any student to be concerned about returning to school, particularly if this involves transitioning to a new school. Be sure to encourage your child to speak to you about any of their worries when it comes to starting the new school year. Encouraging your child to be excited about school and learning can help create a positive learning environment. Meanwhile, ensuring that your child feels comfortable chatting with you about school issues is always an effective strategy for helping them be successful.  

Find Out About School Fees 

It’s fairly typical for schools to have small fees that parents need to prepare for as it gets closer to the start of the school year. This can include things like paying activity fees for your child or buying special equipment such as indoor shoes for sports. Checking for school fees is important and can keep you from being surprised later.  

Consider Being Involved with a Parent’s Organization  

Many schools have parent advisory councils or other organizations to support the school. These groups often fundraise or organize different programs and events for students. If you want to meet other parents, becoming involved in these organizations is a great way to do so. Getting involved can also help you learn more about the school. Typically, these organizations are happy to allow you to volunteer as much or as little of your time as possible.  

Talk About a Homework Routine 

Homework can be one of the more unpleasant aspects of school for some students. After all, many students are anxious to play after spending a day learning. However, you will find that discussing homework routines and goals with your child ahead of time can help with their expectations. Create rules appropriate for your child when it comes to completing their homework. For example, setting rules for things like TV and internet usage will help ensure your child has enough time to do homework.  

Consider Child Care After School 

Working families will need to consider childcare after school in many situations. If you are looking for childcare, consider asking other parents you know for recommendations. For older children, after-school community sports programs can also be great options. Regardless of what your kids do after school, chat with them about the importance of following rules and listening to supervising adults.  

Final Thoughts 

Back-to-school is always a very exciting time of the year as your children get ready to transition back into the learning environment. These eight tips for newcomer parents to Canada can help ensure that you and your children are well prepared for school.  

At Achēv, our Newcomer Services offer a wide range of services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada. Our Newcomer Information Centres are located across the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. Contact us today to register for our free newcomer services. 

Moving to Canada involves many changes and transitions. For a lot of newcomers, one of these transitions is taking on post-secondary study. If you plan to enroll in college in Canada, we want to help you prepare for success. With this in mind, here are eight important tips for adult newcomers attending college in Canada.  

Find a Course Schedule that Works for You 

One of the biggest ways to set yourself up for success is to ensure that your class schedule works for your and your family’s needs. This includes making time for class around other responsibilities like work and family. Chat with your advisor about the various options available to make this possible. Fortunately, there are usually evening, weekend and online classes that can provide greater flexibility for you.  

Plan Your Week in Advance 

Perhaps the most important aspect of succeeding in college for adult learners is having strong time management skills. Plan your week in advance. A great method to do this is to block out the most important things first, which allows you to set up enough time for studying and coursework. It also lets you alter your schedule weekly, providing more study time before exams or less when you have other responsibilities.  

Build Relationships with Your Professors 

It’s fairly easy for people to forget that professors are people too. The reality is that most professors enjoy getting to know students and assisting them. Many instructors will happily share study tips or inform you about additional resources to help with your learning. Take advantage of office hours set by professors, and feel free to request feedback about how you can improve your work. Professors will generally be glad to invest their time helping students who are committed to learning.  

Get to Know Your Fellow Students 

Another important resource to ease your transition to post-secondary school in Canada is your peers. You should strive to get to know at least one person in each of your classes. This gives you someone to turn to if you have trouble understanding a concept or if you have an emergency and have to miss a class. Getting to know your classmates is also helpful for creating study groups or for courses requiring group projects. Expanding your social network helps give you a broader support system in your educational pursuits.  

Strive to Work Ahead 

Are you someone that tends to procrastinate? Many students struggle with procrastination in school. However, working ahead can make you much more productive and less stressed by not having to rush to meet deadlines. Try to set up your schedule in a way that gives you time to complete assignments at least a few days before the deadline. You will find yourself pleasantly surprised with how this helps reduce the stress of going to college. It will also provide you with leeway in case a situation pops up that delays your ability to complete an assignment.  

Go To Class 

This seems like common sense; however, it can be tempting to skip class now and then in order to get something else done. However, students who attend class regularly will feel more comfortable with the material and improve their overall learning. While there are always situations where you may not be able to attend class, such as getting sick, strive to go to class regularly to help optimize your success as a student.  

Understand the School’s Resources 

Almost every college and university has resources that help students. These include tutoring centres, career centres, and other offices dedicated to student support. Be sure to find out which resources are available at your institution. These are often covered during an orientation session. However, you can also visit the college’s website or speak with your academic advisor if you need to access these services. Tutoring, in particular, is an excellent service to help you better your understanding of concepts.  

Set Goals 

A great method to help you succeed in your studies is setting goals. Your goals should be specific and realistic. For example, a good goal may be to score 10 points higher on the next exam or to study chemistry for at least 30 minutes each day this week. Be sure that your goals are reasonable and attainable. This will help you to stay motivated.  

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to attending college in Canada as a newcomer, there are many things that you can do to help facilitate your success. Keep these tips in mind as you begin or resume your post-secondary studies.  

At Achēv, our Newcomer Services offer a wide range of services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada. Our Newcomer Information Centres are located across the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. Contact us today to register for our free newcomer services. 

Achēv, in collaboration with Blue Branch, is excited to introduce the new Labour Mobility Program (LMP). Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, this new initiative connects and facilitates entry-level career opportunities for newcomers in the construction/manufacturing sectors in Southwestern Ontario.

Entry-level positions with opportunities for advancement in construction/manufacturing

Southwestern Ontario cities have a high demand for positions to be filled in entry-level jobs. The Labour Mobility program aims to connect newcomers to Ontario within the last five years to employment opportunities within larger companies in designated cities. The program aims to achieve long-term advancement potential to the successful program participants. To learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria, please click here.

Concierge services and lodging provided to program participants

The Labour Mobility program helps support the transition into a new place of residence by providing subsidized living expenses for up to six months as participants settle into their new roles. Achēv, in partnership with Blue Branch, also provides personalized concierge services for additional support, including newcomer settlement and information support.

Explore a new city in Southwestern Ontario

Ontario is a large province with one of the highest population densities in the country. Southwestern Ontario cities can offer a high quality of life with the potential for career advancement. These cities offer parks and recreation, arts and culture, events, restaurants, and other local amenities.

The LMP program hosts regular information sessions.  To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to see upcoming sessions dates, please click here.

To apply for this program, email mlopes@achev.ca to begin.