Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership is a collective of community stakeholders which are working together to create a culture of inclusion and enhance Hatters' sense of belonging within the city.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Members of the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership are collaborating to create new opportunities for Hatters to feel welcomed and included in the community.
Founded in 2020, MHLIP is a collaborative community initiative comprised of various local organizations, institutions and businesses which originally came together to support immigrants and newcomers to Medicine Hat.
However, since its establishment, the partnership’s focus has shifted to supporting the community en masse, as members believe all Hatters can benefit from such efforts.
“At the end of the day, a welcoming and inclusive community is good for everyone; people who are new to Medicine Hat and people who have been longtime residents,”
MHLIP co-ordinator Jennifer Mah told the News. “So, everything that we choose to do revolves around (creating opportunities for) everybody to be really engaged in the community and empowered and feel a sense of belonging.”
To better understand what was needed for people to feel welcomed, included and belonging to a community, the partnership conducted extensive community-based research, ultimately identifying the need for social, economic and intercultural connection.
Those needs were incorporated into the partnership’s three main priorities, which are to support newcomers in developing community connections; assist newcomers in finding employment; and bring newcomers and long-time residents together to promote understanding and acceptance, and facilitate connection.
“We want to create a culture of inclusion,” said Mah. “We want all people to feel safe, welcomed, respected, valued and connected.”
Mah explained each priority is handled by a unique team of community partners, such as the City of Medicine Hat; Medicine Hat Police Service; the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce; local school boards; community support agencies like Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, Saamis Immigration and Being Human Services; employment agencies; private businesses; and community organizations, including inter-cultural groups and neighbourhood associations.
Mah is grateful for the support of community partners, as well as community members.
“I think (the community’s reception to MHLIP) has been fantastic,” she said. “We started out with maybe about five key players, and then it got to 15, and now it feels like all sorts of individuals and organizations just really want to (get involved).”
For more information about MHLIP, visit mhlip.ca or the MHLIP Facebook page.
