This blog post was written by Amanda Loch and Jorge Garza, with contributions from Jessica Kwik, Sa’adatu Usman, and Cathy Yan.
April 4 marks Refugee Rights Day in Canada, a moment to reflect on the journeys of those seeking a new beginning in our communities. At the Tamarack Institute, we celebrate the resilience and work of refugees and newcomers as part of our commitment to building communities where everyone experiences belonging as a human right.
The Power of Local Partnerships
We believe in the power of local partnerships to strengthen community connections and build unbreakable solidarity. Across Canada, organizations work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, creating pathways for refugees to thrive.
This year, we are excited to share two stories of community partners building belonging among refugees and newcomers through Tamarack’s 2025 Circle of Actions cohort, which supports 13 communities to develop plans and interventions for belonging.
Global Citizen Incorporated in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Global Citizen Incorporated champions better integration and employment opportunities for newcomers by recognizing the immense value of the skills they bring. Their Founder, Sa’adatu Usman, advocates for enhancing and refining the skills newcomers have already acquired and transforming them into pathways for economic prosperity and social cohesion. Usman also encourages Newcomers to share their stories as a way to advocate for the opportunities and interventions they feel they need to thrive.
This approach empowers refugees, enriches the local economy, and showcases the reciprocal benefits of relationships grounded in solidarity and shared Knowledge. Global Citizen Incorporated also works to foster acceptance and belonging for newcomers in school settings.
The Peel Newcomer Strategy Group in Ontario
In Ontario, the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group at the United Way of Greater Toronto focuses on building a strong sense of support for newcomers in the Peel community. It does this by facilitating partnerships for newcomer inclusion, fostering cross-cultural connections, enhancing access to community resources, and promoting positive narratives around immigration.
By connecting newcomers and their new home communities, the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group communicates ways to foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond the immediate needs of settlement.
The Role of Newcomers and Refugees in Community Engagement
These are just two examples of the countless initiatives happening across Canada highlighting the power of local action to create welcoming and cohesive communities.
The work doesn't stop here. Building true belonging with refugees and newcomers requires a shift in our collective mindset, a willingness to see beyond labels, and the ability to embrace the richness that diversity brings.
Newcomers and refugees also play a vital role in community engagement conversations on local resilience and climate action. Their unique perspectives and experiences contribute valuable insights to innovative solutions. Making space for everyone’s perspectives, including those of newcomers and refugees, is essential for creating a more equitable and regenerative future.
Bearing this in mind, belonging for refugees and newcomers is about more than simply what they do; it's also about the positive relationships we can create with one another. Developing those genuine relationships that people need to feel they belong takes accessible and culturally sensitive spaces for dialogue – places where newcomers feel seen and valued. It requires building trust and recognizing belonging as a two-way street.
Refugee Rights Day
On Refugee Rights Day, let's move beyond symbolic gestures to tangible action. Let's support the local collaboratives working on the frontlines, creating pathways for refugees to thrive. Let's also challenge our own biases and assumptions and embrace the opportunity to learn from the diverse experiences of those who have become our neighbours.
Building belonging is an ongoing process and a collective responsibility. This is why the Tamarack Institute is advocating for a Canada-Wide Strategy to make belonging a policy priority and a fundamental right. By working together, we can create a Canada where belonging transcends borders and where every individual is welcomed, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential within our vibrant social tapestry.
Dive Deeper
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Learn more about Tamarack's work on belonging and join the movement.
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Read this story on 13 champions who are building plans and interventions for belonging through Tamarack’s Circle of Actions.
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Take a look at this article on empowering newcomers to the Peel Region through participatory grantmaking.
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Explore this tool to help you build a responsive, strategic, and inclusive approach to conflict transformation.
Do you have any questions or comments? Would you like to learn more about our belonging movement or get involved? Let’s connect!
Contact Jorge at jorge@tamarackcommunity.ca or book a meeting with him.
