CBLIP Partner Update Event 2026: Muiwatmu’kl a’tukwaqnminal – Honouring Our Stories

Friday September 25, 2026

Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership
Interact on Slido Event code: #2241955 Access Translation Join Table Discussion via Zoom 1:30 p.m.

Agenda

  • 9:30 a.m.
    Registration and Networking
  • 10 a.m.
    Traditional Welcome
  • 10:15 a.m.
    Opening Remarks
  • 10:25 a.m.
    About the CBLIP
  • 10:40 a.m.
    Panel: Highlights & Hopes
    • Robert Bernard, CBLIP Mi’kmaw Advisory Committee Chair
    • Darlin Garland and Lisa Huang, CBLIP IAT Co-Chairs
    • Trina Hall and Erin Gallagher Lynk, CBLIP Council Co-Chairs
  • 11:10 a.m.
    Energizer
  • 11:20 a.m.
    Video: Stories from the CBLIP Immigrant Advisory Table
  • 11:30 a.m.
    The Power of Storytelling
  • 11:50 a.m.
    Video: Mi’kmaw – Newcomer Relations
  • 12 p.m.
    Tour of Exhibitor Tables
  • 12:30 p.m.
    Lunch
  • 1:15 p.m.
    Ko’jua Lesson
  • 1:30 p.m.
    Table Activity: Storytelling & Public Awareness
  • 2:10 p.m.
    Mi’kmaw Advisory Committee Reflections
  • 2:40 p.m.
    Welcoming Spirit Awards
  • 3:10 p.m.
    Door Prizes & Evaluation
  • 3:20 p.m.
    Closing

Download the Agenda (PDF)

Exhibitor Resources

Learn about the table exhibitors at this year’s event and the programs and services they offer to newcomers in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

  • Cape Breton Partnership

    The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.

  • Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association

    In Cape Breton, Chinese culture is promoted through performances and workshops, bridging the gap between locals and newcomers and providing newcomers with numerous volunteer opportunities.

  • Greenwell Center

    A great way to build community is through classes. Tai Chi Cape Breton offers affordable weekly classes in four locations. The Greenwell Center offers online and in-person classes, workshops, and retreats that help foster community and wellbeing. The Cape Breton Tea Company provides support for wellness through tea.

  • Immigration Francophone Nouvelle-Écosse

    Our French-speaking community organization offers French-speaking newcomers welcome, support, and orientation services to help them settle in and integrate into the community. We provide information, referrals to appropriate resources, and activities that promote inclusion, community participation, and the formation of social connections.

    These include:

    • Information on community services available in French
    • Assistance with settling in and integrating into the community
    • Referrals to health, housing, employment, education, and social services
    • Support with filling out forms or understanding certain administrative procedures
    • Francophone social and cultural activities to build connections
    • French conversation activities and language orientation
    • Employment support and information on career resources
    • Informational workshops on life in Canada
    • Activities for families, youth, and seniors
    • Mentoring or community pairing between newcomers and community members
    • Support for civic and community participation

  • L’Arche Cape Breton

    L’Arche Cape Breton is a not-for-profit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities and creating community through our homes and day programs. Our staff members are mostly from other countries.

  • Multicultural Association of Cape Breton

    The Multicultural Association of Cape Breton is a grass-roots, volunteer-led non-profit organization dedicated to supporting ethnocultural community development in Unama’ki Cape Breton.

  • Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management

    The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for coordinating disaster and emergency planning, preparedness, responses and recovery activities. We help make sure that Nova Scotians are safe and prepared during emergencies and disasters. We also provide timely emergency alerts and information.

  • Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association

    The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association provides leadership in hospice, palliative care, grief, and emotional wellness across Nova Scotia.

  • Service Canada

    Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.

  • YMCA of Cape Breton – Employment Services

    The YMCA of Cape Breton has been providing employment services for over 30 years. We offer employment assistance services that connect people to jobs and jobs to people.

  • YREACH Settlement

    YREACH provides community-based settlement and integration services to newcomers living outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Cape Breton Partnership Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada