Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

✨ June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.

As we approach the longest day of the year, it’s a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across this land.
For many Indigenous communities, the summer solstice holds deep meaning — a time of connection, renewal, and coming together. That significance continues today through traditions, languages, and community.

At CCIS, building inclusive communities means being intentional about learning, listening, and acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples whose lands we live and work on. This moment is not only about celebration, but also about reflection and continued commitment to respect and reconciliation.

Learn more or attend a local event: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967

✨ Tomorrow marks World Refugee Day.

A moment to pause and reflect, but also to remember why this work matters every single day.
At CCIS, we see firsthand the strength it takes to start over. Leaving everything behind, navigating the unknown, and still choosing hope — that kind of resilience stays with you.

We’re here for those moments that don’t always get seen. The early days of arrival, the first conversations in a new language, the small wins that build toward something bigger. Every step forward matters, and we’re honoured to be part of that journey.

To those who have been forced to flee: you are valued, you are respected, and you belong here.
We’ll keep showing up; today, tomorrow, and beyond. 💛

Today, the Refugee Claimants Transitioning into the Community (RCTC) program, part of CCIS, wrapped up a one-of-a-kind information session for refugee claimant clients—an initiative that goes beyond traditional employment pathways and opens doors to meaningful, long-term careers in the trades.

This session brought together 35 clients from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, all eager to explore new opportunities through a free welding training program. Participants learned about the program’s structure, including 3 months of hands-on training followed by 15 months of ongoing support, as well as the strong potential to transition into stable, high-demand careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and oil & gas.

What made the day truly special was the sense of community and camaraderie that emerged. Clients connected, supported one another, and began building a strong network, marking the start of a promising cohort driven by hope, resilience, and ambition. Every participant took the next step by registering for the assessment session, demonstrating a shared determination to create better futures for themselves and their families.

We are proud to support initiatives that empower refugee claimants, helping them move beyond survival jobs and into careers where they can thrive and grow.

📢 Program begins August 4, 2026 | Limited spots available

To learn more about the program, contact your assigned counsellor or call: 403.262.2006 or email:
Claudia ([email protected]) | Ban ([email protected]) | Thomas ([email protected])

For more information about our RCTC program, please visit: https://ccisab.ca/refugee-claimants-transitioning-into-the-community-rctc/

Starting a new life in Canada comes with questions, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At the Genesis Centre, our settlement team is here to support Permanent Residents and naturalized Canadian citizens with:

✅ Getting settled in your new community
✅ Understanding Canadian systems and services
✅ Setting goals and making informed decisions
✅ Accessing documents, benefits, and supports
✅ Everyday life guidance and settlement support
✅ Community information sessions and workshops
✅ Language interpretation and translation (by appointment)

🗣️ Services available in English, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Hindi, Punjabi, and Nepali.

📍 Find us at Genesis Centre – Community Wing, Office D111.
🕒 Hours:
Monday–Thursday: Walk-in services, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: By appointment only, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📧 To learn more or book an appointment: [email protected]

We’re here to support your journey, every step of the way!

Looking to build a career in Alberta’s clean energy and sustainability sectors?

ENERLINC is a free program for newcomers who want to explore opportunities in energy transition, carbon‑neutral careers, and leadership roles in a changing industry.

Empowering Newcomers for Energy Resilience and Leadership in Carbon Neutral Careers (ENERLINC) Program supports you with:

• Clear pathways into clean energy and sustainability careers
• Leadership and workplace skills for Alberta’s evolving energy sector
• Industry insight and real‑world knowledge
• Job readiness support and employer connections
• Guidance that builds confidence and long‑term career resilience

ENERLINC is about turning your experience, skills, and goals into meaningful opportunities in a low‑carbon economy.

🔗 Learn more about the program and requirements: https://ccisab.ca/enerlinc/ and for more information and registration, please contact:

Sholeh Mahdavi | 403.290.5110 | E-mail: [email protected]

Our June Employment Communication Workshop (ECW) cohort has successfully wrapped up their program this month. 🎓

Throughout the workshop, participants developed essential communication skills, gained insight into workplace culture in Canada, and built the confidence needed to navigate interviews and professional environments. The program equips newcomers with practical tools to move forward in their employment journeys with clarity and confidence.

To celebrate their achievement, participants proudly wore their cultural attire, adding a meaningful and personal touch to the graduation.

Congratulations: Rawdah Assaadawi, Hiba LAAIDI, Pierre florian IVAHA, Bamidele Agboluaje, Dr. Pratima Joshi, Zongfang(Rachel) Li, Youcef F. Ramdani, Diem Diep, Sachin Thakur, IDRISS MOUCHILI, Gangqiang D**g. 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you to Muzamil Kakar, our ECW coordinator for his continued support in guiding participants and helping them reach this milestone.

Registration is now open for upcoming ECW sessions: https://ccisab.ca/employment-communication-workshop/

For more information: [email protected] | 403‑605‑5908

✨The countdown is on! Join us for the 2nd annual Celebrating Together Multicultural Powwow in honour of Canadian Multiculturalism Day!

📅 Saturday, June 27 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 23 McDougall Court NE, Calgary (parking lot across the street)

✨Enjoy vibrant cultural performances, traditional dances, and powerful Indigenous drumbeats.

🌍 A family-friendly celebration—bring your kids and experience the richness of cultures together! And don't forget to bring a chair!

🥻👗Planning to attend? Wear something that represents your culture and celebrate with us!

🍪 Enjoy Indigenous and multicultural snacks and visit cultural vendors on site.

🤳 FREE event—register today:
www.ccisab.ca/celebrating-together

🎉 Stay tuned—more highlights coming soon!
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✨Le compte à rebours est lancé! Joignez-vous à nous pour la 2e édition de la Célébration commune d’un pow-wow multiculturel!

📅 Samedi 27 juin | 14 h 00 – 18 h 00
📍 23 McDougall Court NE (stationnement en face)

✨Profitez de performances vibrantes, de danses traditionnelles et de chants de tambour autochtones.

🌍 Un événement familial—amenez vos enfants! N’oubliez pas d’apporter une chaise !

🥻👗Portez une tenue qui représente votre culture!

🍪 Collations autochtones et multiculturelles et des vendeurs culturels sur place.

🤳 Événement GRATUIT—inscrivez-vous :
www.ccisab.ca/celebrating-together

🎉 Restez à l’écoute—plus de détails à venir!

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

At CCIS, we acknowledge the deep histories of this land and the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. As we support newcomers, we also see the importance of learning about the original peoples of these lands and encouraging meaningful understanding and respect.

This month is an opportunity to listen, reflect, and learn. We invite our community to explore Indigenous histories, support Indigenous voices, and take part in ongoing conversations that foster respect and connection.

Visual description:
An image featuring intertwined illustrated symbols representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, including a feather, a narwhal, and a fiddle, rendered in a flowing rainbow gradient. Surrounding these central elements are decorative motifs reflecting cultural traditions and connections to land, water, and community. Text reads: National Indigenous History Month and .

Congratulations to Mike Shaikh! 🎉🎓

We are honoured to extend our warmest congratulations to Mike Shaikh, our former Board Chair and current Honorary Member of CCIS, on receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Mount Royal University.

This distinguished recognition reflects Mike’s exceptional commitment to community leadership and his many contributions to organizations across Calgary, including CCIS: https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/honorary-degrees-mount-royal-sait-university-calgary

We are deeply grateful for his continued dedication and proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.

We are deeply grateful for his continued dedication and proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.