As Chinese New Year approaches, Ohjay Javier, a Filipino settlement advisor with Southeast Advocates, reflects on his time in China and the challenges faced by newcomers adapting to life in Southeast Saskatchewan.
Javier, who has been in Canada for over a year and works with Southeast Advocates’ settlement program, spent nearly a decade in China starting in 2013. He described the Chinese New Year – which begins Wednesday, marking the Year of the Snake – as a time of vibrant community and tradition. "Chinese New Year is one of the big things that they celebrate throughout the year," Javier noted.
He shared that celebrations are often centred around family gatherings, lasting days at times. It depends on the family, but Javier said that they would get together, eat lots of food and even travel. He also talked about a Chinese tradition dating back to the Han Dynasty -- the famed Lucky Red Envelop.
"They give those out just as a symbol of prosperity. [They would] give out to people, even strangers. A lot of people are looking forward to that. It does not have to be a monetary gift. It comes in different forms, like fruits, food, or whatever it is."
Now assisting newcomers in Estevan and the broader region, Javier said Chinese immigrants often arrive seeking “a better life” and “to give their children a better future.” But the transition isn’t seamless.
“They are struggling at first, and some of them are still struggling,” he said, noting extreme cold and prolonged immigration processes as hurdles. “Some parts of China experience snow – not as cold as minus 30, minus 50.”
As a settlement advisor, Javier helps families navigate housing, employment, schooling and permanent residency applications through provincial programs. “We create an action plan for them,” he said. “Everything that they’re going to need to thrive in our community, we provide resources.”
The road to permanent residency for some of the people that he's handling is long and arduous. At times, he's seen some frustrations from fellow immigrants who continue to wait years to receive their permanent residency status, citing one family who's been waiting for four years. "I tell them, as long as you’re working here, keeping an honest living, contributing to the Canadian economy, then Canada will support you.”
With Southeast Advocates covering Estevan, Weyburn, and the broader southeast, Javier urged newcomers to reach out to their team. “Helping newcomers is not just helping an individual. It’s helping the community thrive.”
Newcomers can contact Southeast Advocates in Estevan at (306) 634-1440 or in Weyburn at (306) 842-9160. You can also find more information on their website and Facebook page.