Provincial Government Encourages Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to Celebrate Multiculturalism Week

  • Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

March 16, 2018

March 18-24 is Multiculturalism Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, a time to celebrate the province’s rich diversity of cultures and the contributions of residents of all backgrounds.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are invited to decorate their homes and businesses with multi-coloured lights, a tradition that began in Labrador West and has since been adopted by communities throughout the province.

As part of the celebrations, organizations and communities will hold events such as meet-and-greets and intercultural exchanges. The Provincial Government recently announced more than $23,600 in funding to support 19 events throughout the province, one of the actions identified in The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 19th annual Sharing Our Cultures event will take place Sunday, March 18, at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s. The theme of this year’s event is Music, Dance, Stories. Started by Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe, Sharing Our Cultures promotes intercultural understanding and respect among youth.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Multiculturalism Week coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This year’s theme is ‘Promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity in the context of combating racial discrimination.’

The Provincial Government committed to increasing immigration to the province to 1,700 newcomers annually by 2022.

Quotes
“Multiculturalism Week is an opportunity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to join together in celebration of our unique backgrounds and shared values. I encourage everyone to participate and celebrate what makes our province such a beautiful, safe, and welcoming home for all.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

– 30 –

Learn more
Minister Hawkins Invites Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to Celebrate Multiculturalism Week – gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/aesl/0315n09.aspx

Provincial Government Announces Funding for Multiculturalism Week Events – gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/aesl/0315n03.aspx (Version française)

List of Multiculturalism Week Events – www.nlimmigration.ca/en/news/multicultural-week-2018.aspx 

The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador  – www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/publications/pdf/ImmigrationPlan.pdf 

Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism – nlimmigration.ca/ 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @AESL_GovNL , #MCWNL

Media contact
Ryan Crocker 
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca

2018 03 16 1:35 pm