Webinar and dessert social promote equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Goderich Library

The Huron County Immigration Partnership Council gathered at the Welcome Week Webinar at the Goderich Library

The Huron County Immigration Partnership Council brought together community members on Sept. 17 for a webinar on diversity and inclusion, followed by a dessert social celebrating multicultural cuisine.

The webinar was led by Dr. Vidya Shah, an associate professor at the University of Toronto's Ontario institute for studies in education. Dr. Shah leads research and programs on equity, anti-racism and inclusive approaches. 

“I would say that it's so important for people to know that the world feels like it’s becoming more oppressive,” said Mark Nonkes, manager of the Local Immigration Partnership.

“Even locally, we have factions that are challenging the notion that only certain types of people belong in our community and that is dangerous.” 

The presentation focused on removing binary thinking (us vs them) and creating a balanced community that promotes inclusion and diversity of all races. The webinar was joined by county officials and took place in-person at the Goderich Library and featured a multicultural dessert following the presentation. 

"The way that we explore and the food that we like also piques our curiosity about who made the food that we’re eating and why this is important to different cultures,” said Nonkes.

“We learn about people through food, arts and culture because we get to explore and understand who people are and what's important to them through conversation and we start to notice similarities between them and us.” 

The webinar was featured as part of Welcoming Week, a global initiative launched in 2012 which encourages communities to celebrate inclusivity. Since 2021, more than 4,000 people in Huron county have joined local events promoting belonging for all.

“I think people need to feel more connected in the community and we all share an interest in having a good life in this community and we want to make sure that the people that live here feel it’s possible,” said Nonkes.

“All the people in this organization are actively working to support the immigrants and newcomers that come to Canada to make sure they feel welcomed.” 

Nonkes said that the Immigration Partnership Council meets once a quarter to discuss challenges that need to be addressed in the coming months.