Resources for Local Residents

Share the successes of newcomers in your community, i.e., in community papers or at your place of worship.

If you immigrated to Canada, share your story and experience with a newcomer. Help people understand the barriers and challenges new immigrants face.

Chat with newcomers about the culture and background of their home country.

Learn some interesting demographic facts of your neighbourhood, i.e. the number of newcomers and their countries of birth.

Learn some common phrases in a newcomers language.

Listen to a newcomer’s story.

Acknowledge news and events happening in home countries. Some newcomers have left turmoil and family/friends who may be suffering.

Share Canadian culture and values with a newcomer. For example, talk about sports and customs.

Invite newcomers to come with you to Canadian cultural events and festivals. A list of events can be found here https://www.reddeerevents.ca/, sports clubs https://www.playitagainsports.com/locations/red-deer-ab, arts and culture programs https://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/.

Make yourself the “go-to” person for a newcomer if they have any questions.

Offer a tour of the neighbourhood. https://www.reddeer.ca/

Be a newcomers contact in case they need something. They might not have anyone.

Be patient with language barriers.

Learn cultural references and etiquette. Thumbs up might not mean OK to everyone. https://www.commisceo-global.com/

Take the time to learn a newcomers name, and the proper way to pronounce it.

Learn what organizations and resources are available in your community so you can help to make referrals and connections.