Terrace B.C. - Skeena Diversity is celebrating 25 years of helping newcomers feel at home in Northwest B.C. What began as a small community initiative has grown into a vital hub offering settlement services, language support, employment assistance, and—perhaps most importantly—a sense of belonging.
Many of the staff and board members are immigrants themselves. They say their own experiences help them understand what newcomers go through.
“Moving here was hard at first,” said one staff member. “Now, I get to help others who are starting their own journey. It means a lot to give back.”
Skeena Diversity isn’t just about services—it’s about building a welcoming community. People come to improve their English, meet new friends, and find a sense of belonging.
The organization continues to respond to the evolving needs of immigrants, especially as national policies shift. In October 24, 2024 -Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027, a proposed federal legislation—Bill C-2, which aims to reduce the number of permanent residents by 21%—has raised concerns within newcomer communities.
The chair of the board weighed in, saying the bill could have lasting effects on both newcomers and the regions that benefit from their contributions.
“Immigrants are a big part of our communities,” said the board chair. “We hope Canada stays open and welcoming in the future.”
As the organization looks ahead, Skeena Diversity says it will keep working to support immigrants and help build strong, diverse communities.
For more information, visit www.skeenadiversity.com