Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) is inviting newcomer families to an information session focused on understanding Canadian culture and forming meaningful connections.
Olesja Schwabauer, Program Director at EIS, says the event will take place on June 16 at 6 p.m. at K.R. Barkman Park. It will feature a guest speaker who will talk about the art of making friends in a new country—part of a larger series of cultural information sessions.
"We are planning a lot of information sessions on the Canadian school system and how to be successful, so we can help kids...become successful in whatever they want to be," she says.
She notes this upcoming session is especially important for youth adjusting to the unfamiliar customs of Canadian life.
One of the challenges, she says, is navigating differences in communication styles—particularly for those coming from cultures where people tend to be more direct.
Schwabauer says there are some unique challenges posed by Canadian culture. For example, saying "Let's get coffee."
"For newcomers, it's 'Let's have coffee.' That means, 'OK, I'm going to go home and take a look at my schedule, and we're actually planning it. So I'm texting you, 'When is coffee? Tomorrow, 2 p.m.?' For Canadians it's not," she explains.
The difference in directness can sometimes lead to miscommunication, or the perception of someone being rude, she says.
It can also make it harder to form friendships, especially when social norms involve planning ahead rather than dropping by.
"One of my moms... (an) Indian lady, said she missed so much that people used to just turn up at houses. Now you have to give notice and send messages first, then you have to arrange your date. She misses people turning up at her house," says Donna Pae, coordinator of EIS' HIPPY program.
Schwabauer says everyone is welcome to attend the June 16 session, and they're hoping to see at least 30 youth join the conversation.
She adds that EIS also holds monthly welcome meetings to help newcomers build friendships—and encourages long-time residents to join in.
The next one is on June 24.
"Our programming is about successful integration into the community, meaning not only newcomers integrating into the community, but the community also understands newcomers," she says.
As part of Summer in the City, a citizenship ceremony will take place on Saturday to honour those who have officially become Canadian citizens.
Schwabauer encourages community members to attend and show their support.