B.C. Multiculturalism week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our multicultural communities and an appreciation of the ways in which diversity enriches our province.
This year, we asked organizations and groups throughout the Comox Valley and Campbell River to help show our genuine welcome to newcomers through Multiculturalism Week events from Nov. 18 to 27, 2022.
We asked for ways in which our communities can celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for interactions between all residents, new and old.
Local events, activities, and programs will be added below as we receive them. Please note: we are amplifying community events to promote cultural diversity and inclusion. The Immigrant Welcome Centre is not hosting these events other than the Multicultural Family Swim and International Seniors’ Group.
If you have an event you would like us to promote, please see our event criteria here and submit your event to Kristine at kristine.salzmann@immigrantwelcome.ca by Nov. 15, 2022.
COMOX VALLEY
Moonlight & Magic
Where: Downtown Courtenay
Date: Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, 5 to 9 p.m.
This is an annual event put on by the Downtown Courtenay BIA. It features numerous family-friendly activities such as a tree lighting ceremony, food trucks, pop-up markets, performers, and more. To celebrate some of the diversity in Courtenay, the Comox Valley Children’s Choir will perform some songs from other cultures and languages with special guests from the Immigrant Welcome Centre. The choir performs at 6:30 p.m. at the CVAG plaza. Learn more here!
IWC Multicultural Family Swim 
Where: Comox Valley Aquatic Centre (377 Lerwick Rd.)
Date: Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, evening
Registration is required (free). Connect with other newcomer families through this free family swim that also includes snacks donated by Thrifty Foods. Space is limited! Learn more and register here.
Truth and Reconciliation Learning Lab
Where: Weird Church (
Date: Thursday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m.
A free, monthly public storytelling, education, and discussion to better understand the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action. This session welcomes Rev. John Snow Jr., Indigenous Ministries lead in the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church and a direct descendant of Treaty 7 signatories; he is a sun-dancer and pipe-holder in the Nakoda Tradition. The Weird Church can be reached here.
LUSH Valley Cooking Class with Gold Phoenix Asian Foods
Where: Raven’s Moon Estate (4905 Darcy Road)
Date: Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022
Space is limited for this wonton cooking class featuring Tania Ly. Ly is the owner of Gold Phoenix Asian Foods and enjoys celebrating Chinese-Vietnamese culture through her cooking. There are only 8 spots for this class. Learn more and register here.
Audio documentation of your immigration story in a podcast
When: Submissions accepted throughout the month of November
Learn more: https://holdingheritage.com/about/
Submit your story: https://holdingheritage.com/contact/
Holding Heritage producer Hollie Ha is calling for submissions from the Comox Valley community to submit their refugee/immigration story for the opportunity to be made into a featured episode on her podcast – and audio documentation of your story.
CAMPBELL RIVER
National Child Day
Where: Campbell River Community Centre (401 11 Ave)
Date: Friday, November 18, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
Gather together for a morning of play, adventure, and learning.
Book Giveaway With Don Pennell, Shoo Shoo The Clown, Play Gym, Cardboard City, Imagination Station, And More
Exhibit: I am my mother’s daughter
Where: Campbell River Art Gallery (1235 Shoppers Row)
Date: Open Thursday-Saturday. Last day is Nov. 19, 2022
Learn more here.
A solo exhibition by artist Farheen HaQ featuring video and sculptural installation that celebrates the resilience and knowledge systems of HaQ’s mother. The exhibition weaves together intergenerational relationships, connecting the experience of the artist’s mother who arrived in Canada to meet her partner in an arranged marriage with HaQ’s experience as a child of that union.
Embroidery Workshop: A stitched momento
Where: Campbell River Art Gallery (1235 Shoppers Row)
Date: Sunday November 20, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Nicole Bertram owner of The Spool Sewing Collective in an embroidery workshop creating a momento with a sentimental piece of fabric.
Out current exhibition میں اپنی ماں کی بیٹی ہوں | I am my mother’s daughter has elements of memory, family, relationship and tradition. Participants ask to bring a piece of fabric they would like to embroider a word or bring a photo and embroider an outline of an image. (simple family photos, friends ect)
All supplies are provided, seats are limited please register!
Facilitator: Nicole Bertram
Register here.
IWC International Seniors’ Group 
Where: Campbell River Community Centre (401 11 Ave.)
Date: Monday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Seniors who are new to Canada and the North Island are invited to meet new friends and engage in fun and educational activities. Pre-registration is not required. Call our Campbell River office to learn more at 250-830-0171 or see our Events calendar.
