Belonging is for Everyone
Belonging is for Everyone is a campaign by the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership – a collaborative, community initiative made up of many local organizations working to help make it easier for newcomers to settle on the Island.
Launched at the Stories of Belonging: CBLIP Partner Update Event in November 2021, the campaign’s mission is to spark ideas and conversations about how we can all help foster welcoming and inclusive communities, where everyone can feel a strong sense of belonging. We believe that by finding points of connection and exploring our shared experiences, we can build healthier and happier communities where everyone feels supported and valued. We can all play a role in making sure everyone feels that they belong in Cape Breton-Unama’ki.
Click here to read the full press release
How can I get involved?
There are many ways that each of us can be part of helping everyone to feel valued in Cape Breton-Unama’ki. If you’d like to find some more ways to be involved, we invite you to consider these suggestions:
Explore the stories of people across Cape Breton-Unama’ki – and hear what belonging means to them.
The Braun Family,
Baddeck
“Belonging to me means you’re part of the community. You…
READ THE FULL STORY
Louisdale Welcome Group,
Richmond County
Welcome rocks, sand dollars, bottles of jam and baked goodies…
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Lauri Ravanello,
CBRM Welcome Group Volunteer
“I want to do my part to make Cape Breton…
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Amrinder Singh,
CBRM
“I’m really fascinated by the beauty of this Island. The…
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The Patel Family,
Port Hood
“Settling here was beyond my expectations. We have a big,…
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Sonia Morris,
Isle Madame
“It makes my heart sing the way people pull together,…
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The Schlemmer Family,
Baddeck
“We love the rich culture, the beautiful landscapes and beaches.…
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The Newlands,
Petit Étang
“The breathtaking scenery and the warmth of the people make…
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Sarah and Rodrigo,
CBRM
“If you’re looking for quality of life, tranquility and a…
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Heather Lewis,
CBRM
Heather says the slower pace that Cape Breton offers, along…
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Amandeep Bhatia,
CBRM
“Once you come to Cape Breton and start meeting people,…
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The Holzinger Family,
Point Michaud
For Sonja, living near the ocean, surrounded by the beauty…
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Rickey Lanting,
Port Hawkesbury
“I am being repaid while doing what I love—helping more…
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Justine Birungi, Josephine Adikini, and Peter Kimani,
Iron Mines
“these three individuals are not just contributing to L’Arche; they…
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Katrin (Kat) & Joachim (Jo) Lucks-Stolley,
Cleveland
“We have found jobs where we can contribute our skills,…
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Jino James, Rani Jino & Kids ,
Port Hawkesbury
“The family is delighted with their decision to call Unama’ki…
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Read reflections from local leaders on themes of belonging, inclusion, and immigration.
"Immigration is the key to growing a community that is diverse in culture and skills. That skill is what drives our economy and innovation. The culture is what creates our sense of community and belonging."
Amanda McDougall
Mayor
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
"Opening our doors and our hearts to people who choose Cape Breton as their new home is so important; everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging in the place they live, work, and play!"
Amanda Mombourquette
Warden
Richmond County
"I feel that immigration is critically important to Cape Breton. We need to welcome newcomers from across Canada and countries all over the world. They bring new energy, ideas, and entrepreneurship, as well as exciting new cultural practices that make our society richer."
Joella Foulds
Artist
"Diversity is what makes our communities unique. As a Mi’kmaq community, our people have taught and learned from settlers for generations. We must continue to welcome immigration to our communities as it promises a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow for our island."
Terry Paul
Chief & CEO
Membertou
"The idea of home and belonging in Cape Breton has always been about living among many cultures. That we all find ourselves sharing this beautiful island is our good fortune. Welcome home."
Bette MacDonald & Maynard Morrison
Artists
"When we embrace diversity, we’re embracing the greatest strengths of a larger network – one from which we can all grow and prosper. Cape Breton is a community built on immigration and we must continue to welcome the risk-taking, daring, innovative adventurers who’ve chosen to join – and add to – our beautiful island."
Wesley J. Colford
Artistic & Executive Director, Highland Arts Theatre
"Belonging is a shared joy of community and cultures, welcoming newcomers and helping each other with life’s challenges and building a future together.
"
The Barra MacNeils
Artists
"Inclusive communities means everyone feels welcome and belongs. I am so proud to be a leader on our island of Cape Breton Unama’kik and to work with other amazing leaders to ensure we are striving always towards inclusion and welcoming everyone who arrives by land, air and sea to make this beautiful island their home."
Brenda Chisholm-Beaton
Mayor of Port Hawkesbury
"When we open our doors to newcomers, we open a world of opportunity. Newcomers help Cape Breton-Unama’ki to grow and thrive, adding to our Island’s rich cultural mosaic."
Carla Arsenault
Principal, NSCC Marconi Campus
"Belonging to me means I’m home. Welcoming newcomers from another community, another province, or another country to our island home – as I’ve been welcomed myself – is a privilege I’m proud to share. "
Tyler Mattheis
President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership
"It’s the people that make up a community and when we embrace diversity and work together, we share in enriching the lives of everyone, creating happy and healthy places to live, work and play."
Bruce Morrison
Warden, Victoria County
"How lucky we are to have students, families, and employees from all over the world choosing Cape Breton. We become more when our worlds open up to their worlds, when we begin to understand the perspectives and wisdom they carry on family, community, development, and leadership. Our future becomes brighter with each new arrival."
Erika Shea
President & CEO, New Dawn Enterprises
Resources
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Last Modified: November 15, 2023
