Each program is part of an ecosystem in which volunteers, interns, mentees, practicum students, and community members can be supported wherever they are in their journey. Our programs incorporate cultural intelligence awareness training; cultural, media, and digital literacy development; and language and translation support. We work closely and collaborate with post-secondary institutions, local employers and businesses, arts and other community service organizations.
REP Here In Canada’s programs are developed and delivered by, for, and with newcomers, immigrants and members of underrepresented communities.
Here Magazine and heremagazine.ca
An award-winning multimedia platform by, for, and with newcomers and immigrants to Canada.
Here Magazine embraces the notion that lived-experience storytelling, meaningful cultural exchange, and education are key to growing empathy and building bridges of understanding. Co-created with members of underrepresented communities to amplify newcomer, immigrant, and Indigenous voices and experiences, Here Magazine has established itself as a positive messaging platform celebrating the Canadian multicultural mosaic, diversity, and inclusive communities. Here Magazine was the 2020 recipient of the national Canada Life Literacy Innovation award.
Funded in part by the Government of British Columbia and the Canadian Periodical Fund.
Visit heremagazine.ca
Newcomer Journey through Local Healthcare
A project with REP Here In Canada funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada
What is the project?
From March 2023-March 2024, REP Here In Canada (REP Here) will be forming a Newcomer Advisory Committee and engaging with newcomers of all backgrounds to Canada who live in Victoria BC to learn about their experiences accessing local healthcare services.
These narratives will then be used to create composite stories as an approach which acknowledges individual complexities while also extracting broader insights and understanding. The project amplifies underrepresented voices in our communities in order to better inform the delivery and accessibility of healthcare services in Victoria BC.
What happens after the stories have been collected?
The newcomer stories and anonymized details will be presented in a community forum including local health practitioners, health authorities, and the Public Health Agency of Canada in order to help inform and influence policy and practical change to access and delivery of local healthcare to improve community health outcomes.
How can I participate? Your involvement could range from participating in the survey to joining the Newcomer Advisory Committee for the project, and anything in between!
Access survey HERE
REP Incubator
A mentorship program for newcomers, immigrants, and those with historical and/or current barriers to equity.
REP Incubator engages newcomers and members of underrepresented communities to grow their professional networks, gain “Canadian workplace” insights, and build sustainable relationships in their industries or fields of practice. The program equips individuals, employers, and organisations with resources and knowledge aligned with cultural intelligence best practices with the goal of collaboratively creating safe and non-discriminatory workplaces and promoting anti-racism practices.
Funded in part by the Government of British Columbia and Creative BC.
REP Here Lab
A skill-development program that equips newcomers with the tools to amplify their own stories.
REP Here Lab supports newcomers in developing their writing, photography, videography, and public speaking skills and encourages participation in our multimedia platforms through content development. Workshops and training are co-developed and delivered with community mentors and educators.
Funded in part by the Government of British Columbia.
REP Here Sessions
Community-based dialogues and information sessions.
REP Here Sessions creates space and supported virtual and in-person spaces for underrepresented community members to initiate dialogues and develop information sessions around topics that are relevant and current to them. Past sessions have explored themes such as racism in elections, LGBTQ+ newcomer needs, tax filing, consular matters, PR pathways, and COVID-19 vaccine information.
Funded in part by the Government of British Columbia.
Practicum and Internships
A practicum and internship program that supports post-secondary or recently graduated students in communications and creative disciplines in British Columbia.
We accept expressions of interest year-round from post-secondary students from various programs and post-secondary institutions. Paid internships are subsidized by the Magazine Association of BC and are 16-20 weeks in length. Practicum placements are flexible and adaptable to program requirements. Students with historical and/or current barriers to equity are encouraged to apply. Remote placements are considered.
Workplace Language and Literacy
Pilot to launch September 2023.
An in-place language and literacy support program delivered to newcomer employees in businesses and organizations throughout the Capital Regional District.
Whether you are a large employer or a small business owner, the Workplace Language and Literacy program brings language and literacy training to your workplace to support your staff to help make them more effective and confident at work and in life!
This no-cost program has been developed in partnership with REP Here In Canada, Tweak Social Innovation, and the University of Victoria.
Please contact Sofia Lopez for more information at: [email protected]
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