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Join us for the Newcomer Social!
All are welcome to attend the drop-in style event for an enriching evening of music, food, fun, and new friends. To register for a free ticket, visit Newcomer Social Event Registration.
Land Acknowledgement
We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. We are all beneficiaries of the Peace and Friendship Treaties with the Mi’kmaq First Nation, and we are all Treaty People. We also recognize and acknowledge the histories, contributions, and legacies of the African Nova Scotian people and communities who have been here for over 400 years. We will continue to learn more about how we can deeply engage and move forward the work of truth, reconciliation, and equity.
Welcome statement
Welcome to this year’s Newcomer Social. The Pictou County Partnership, North Shore Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), and the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs are proud to host this community event as a welcome to all newcomers to our region and as a celebration of our growing cultural diversity.
We will have some entertainment to share with you while you enjoy some food and have some fun while making new friends.
We are also happy to share some information on local supports and programming that is available in Pictou County for newcomers and employers from partner organizations Career Connections/NS Works and the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs. Stop by and check out our virtual reality 360 community tour with a VR headset and learn more about the Pictou County Partnership’s immigration programs!
You’ll find some information on your tables with QR codes that can be scanned to learn more about programs and to translate the event’s agenda into your preferred language.
Thank you all for coming.
Event schedule/performer bios
4:30 p.m. Official Welcome
- Newcomer Business Navigation - Program Announcement
- North Shore Local Immigration Partnership Announcement
4:45-5:30 p.m. Performances
- Nishu Sooriyarathna
Nishu is a singer-songwriter & an artist (selling canvas oil paintings & pencil arts to support her education costs) who is originally from Sri Lanka and arrived in New Glasgow with her parents in 2020. She is currently a Grade 12 student at North Nova Education Centre and will be attending St Mary’s University in the fall.
- Victoria Robertson
Victoria has been playing piano since she was 5 years old. She is currently at level 8 of the Royal Conservatory of Music and teaches piano as well. Victoria likes taking part in theatre performances as well as singing folk songs.
- Ashwani
Ashwani is a flutist by hobby. Originally from New Delhi, India, he arrived in New Glasgow 5 months ago. Since then, he has taken on a position at Walmart. He is a pharmacist by profession, currently in the process of obtaining his license here in Canada.
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Circus Performance and Playtime with Asa Nodelman
Asa Nodelman is the Ringmaster at Watch & Spectacle Circus and has been creating in the circus realm for over 12 years. Originally from Winnipeg, Asa and his partner Wanda relocated to New Glasgow in March 2022. He leads the Circus FACTory on Thursday nights at Nova Scotia Community College where circus lovers of all ages can learn new skills for a nominal drop-in fee of $2. For more information: mister.caduceus@gmail.ca. Following Asa’s performance, he will be offering some guided circus playtime for anyone who wants to try it out!
6:30 p.m. Performance by Daniel
Daniel is originally from Mexico and is currently living in Merigomish where he is working at Lismore Seafoods. Daniel will be sharing his rap music.
7 p.m. Event concludes - Thank you for coming!
North Shore Local Immigration Partnership Announcement
The North Shore Local Immigration Partnership is here at the event to learn more about community assets and what newcomers enjoy in Pictou County. Please share your input on the flipcharts around the room or on the webpage accessed by the QR code on the postcards on your table. Your input will help inform future welcoming communities initiatives.
Newcomer Business Navigation Program
The Pictou County Partnership have launched a new wrap around program developed to better support the needs of immigrant entrepreneurs in starting a business or becoming self-employed. The province will contribute $221,025 to the Partnership’s free Newcomer Business Navigation program, effective April 3, 2023, confirmed until March 31, 2026, with extension opportunity.
Menu with dietary information
Vegetable & Fruit Trays
Breads & spreads
4-Layer Dip
Classic slider (with Halal Beef)
Scallops with Bacon
Scallops (no bacon)
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Spanakopita
Mini Quiche & Cream Cheese Mouse (Vegetarian)
Poached Shrimp & Dill Cream (Gluten Free)
Sweet Tray