The Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan (SPCNO) has an established history in the community of spearheading multiculturalism projects and initiatives. As the sponsoring agency for the CIRM initiative, SPCNO organized education workshops, facilitated an anti racism protocol and sponsored diversity training within the community. In addition, SPCNO recently hosted a Dialogue on Multiculturalism in March, 2008 which included over 60 participants from non profit agencies, cultural associations, First Nations community, businesses, schools, churches, municipal and provincial governments, media and interested community members.

A wide range of stakeholders have been included in the planning and delivery of these projects, including Vernon and District Immigrant Services, the First Nations Friendship Centre, and Community Futures of the North Okanagan. These agencies, as well as others, have also taken on various partnerships within the community to develop and deliver projects and initiatives that deal with multicultural, diversity or racism issues.

It was determined by these community partners, that under the Community Partnership Funding, Attorney General’s Office, Immigrant Integration Branch, an Action Plan be developed for the North Okanagan which would be led by the SPCNO. As a result of this funding, an Action Plan Forum was held on February 18, 2009 with a broad base of community participation coming together to formulate an Action Plan for the North Okanagan. This Action Plan identifies specific activities that will create a more welcoming community and is the framework for the direction of future projects, and initiatives in this area. The Forum examined a Background Paper which encapsulated the history of multiculturalism and diversity projects over the past years that have been delivered in the North Okanagan and identified community assets and opportunities. A Draft Action Plan was also presented to the community partners, participants and stakeholders for feedback and input into the Welcoming Communities – Action Plan.

Our regional population includes immigrants at 12%, visible minorities at 4% and an aboriginal population of approximately 5%. The community consultation regarding the Action Plan was targeted to community stakeholders including non profit agencies, First Nations community, business associations, employers, schools, municipal and provincial governments, cultural associations and various community members who have a passion/interest in community inclusion.

Welcoming Communities - Action Plan (859Kb PDF)