Immigration Issues (Part 1)

SACPA Thursday, November 17, 2005 Immigrant Settlement Experiences in Lethbridge Issues of settlement, as experienced by recent immigrants to Lethbridge, will be discussed at the November 17 session of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs. Lately, immigrant populations are arriving in Lethbridge from the Sudan and Afghanistan. Both groups embrace traditions and cultures that are significantly different from those which are experienced here in Lethbridge and, as a result, the settlement process can pose challenges and barriers to be overcome in order to achieve an eventual and active full participation in the Lethbridge community. Sarah Amies, Program Director for Immigrant Services with Lethbridge Family Services, will present cultural profiles of the Sudan and Afghanistan, describe the available, local settlement services and will talk about the challenges, barriers and successes experienced by the immigrant population in Lethbridge. Speaker: Sarah Amies. Sarah Amies has lived, worked and raised a family in Lethbridge since 1982. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge (’BA – Distinction) in 1988. For the next 13 years, she worked as the Applied Studies program coordinator and as an Arts and Science Academic Advisor for the U of L. In January 2001, Sarah started working with Lethbridge Family Services as the Program Director for Immigrant Services department. In this capacity, Sarah is involved in community development and educational initiatives as well as overseeing the daily operations of the settlement office. Sarah is very dedicated to working with the city of Lethbridge and its citizens in order to develop a community that is increasingly supportive of and welcoming to our newest neighbours. Moderator: Austin Fennell Location: Sven Ericksen''s Family Restaurant, 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S. Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch Download the Audio of this session. Download the Audio of Audience Q&A from this session.