Public Engagement
The SL-LIP is committed to building bridges across cultures by actively supporting opportunities for immigrants to engage in shared experiences, celebrate diverse traditions, and contribute their unique perspectives. Through inclusive programming including cultural festivals, social media campaigns, and collaborative programming we empower newcomers to form meaningful connections to foster mutual understanding and respect.
Welcoming Week
Lambton's Welcoming Week is an annual celebration designed to create connections between newcomers and long-term residents, promoting a more inclusive and vibrant community. Organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership, these annual events feature a variety of activities, including cultural events, story-sharing sessions, film viewings and educational resources. This nationally celebrated week aims to highlight our region's commitment to being a welcoming place, showcasing its diverse resources and encouraging positive engagement between different community groups.
Festival of Cultures
The SL-LIP Festival of Cultures is a vibrant celebration held annually on New Year's Eve at Centennial Park's Suncor Agora stage.
Organized by the Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia, Lambton College, and Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, this free, family-friendly event aims to promote cultural diversity and connection within the community. It features international food vendors, live performances, activities for children such as cookie decorating and balloon artists, and concludes with a fireworks display. The festival highlights various cultural traditions, including a slideshow showcasing different New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide. It is part of broader efforts to create a welcoming environment for newcomers in Lambton.
Black History Month
The SL-LIP plays a pivotal role in organizing Black History Month events that celebrate cultural diversity and educate the community about Black Canadian contributions.
Partnering with the Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia, SL-LIP hosts activities such as the Anti-Black Racism Arts Challenge for youth, film screenings, and family dinners featuring African cuisine. The initiative also includes performances by the Kalabante dance troupe, Francophone artists like Stella Adjoke and presentations by the Buxton Museum on local Black history.
Through daily social media posts highlighting influential Black Canadians, SL-LIP amplifies underrepresented stories, fostering year-round awareness and inclusion. These efforts aim to strengthen community ties and honor the legacy of Black Canadians while addressing systemic racism.
Hockey Fans of Tomorrow
In 2023, Hockey Canada partnered with the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (SL-LIP) to welcome newcomer families to a live rivalry game between Women's Hockey Canada and Team USA, many experiencing hockey for the first time. The event also included a food and toy drive, making it a meaningful community gathering.
Following its success, the partnership continued in 2024 for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Hockey Canada provided 10–15 free tickets per game across 13 matches. A total of 204 newcomers attended, many for their first Canadian hockey experience.
More than just sport, this initiative fostered connection, community, and inclusivity in Lambton.
Sarnia Sting and TMRRW
Sarnia Sting and TMRRW Inc. launched Sting Fans of TMRRW, a program offering newcomer families in Lambton a true Canadian hockey experience with free tickets to regular season games (10 per game), foam fingers, and popcorn vouchers.
In partnership with the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), newcomer families are selected and welcomed at the arena—highlighted on the Jumbotron during the second period for a memorable introduction to the sport.
Know a newcomer family interested in attending? Contact us to be part of this special experience!
Canada Day
Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (SL-LIP) staff joined the Canada Day Committee to help organize the Canada Day event in Sarnia-Lambton. As part of the committee, SL-LIP staff coordinated multicultural performances and helped manage volunteers for the parade.
Art in the Streets
This past July and August, Arts-in-the-Street brought Lochiel Street to life with five vibrant events celebrating Latin culture. In partnership with Latin Fire, the City of Sarnia, and the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership, the event featured dynamic salsa and bachata performances, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Under the theme Unity in Motion, the event welcomed people of all backgrounds to connect and celebrate together. Timed with Sarnia’s First Fridays, it also helped draw foot traffic downtown and support local businesses.
More than just entertainment, Arts-in-the-Street supports Lambton County’s cultural and economic development goals—fostering inclusion, community engagement, and a sense of belonging for all.
Tapestry of Voices: Celebrating Canada's Linguistic Diversity
Tapestry of Voices is a powerful exhibit by the Canadian Language Museum that explores Canada’s vibrant linguistic landscape—including over 60 Indigenous languages, two official languages, and 100+ immigrant languages. It highlights how languages evolve, blend, and can be preserved for future generations.
From December 18 to January 7, the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership partnered to bring this exhibit to five public locations across the region, including:
- Lambton Shared Services Centre
- Sarnia Library
- Francophone Community Centre
- New Year’s Eve Festival of Cultures at Centennial Park
The exhibit offered a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich tapestry of voices that make up our community.
Empower Minds: Mental Health & Substance Use Awareness
On November 20, the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), in collaboration with Lambton College and Lambton Public Health, hosted Empower Minds—a mental health and substance use awareness event tailored for newcomers.
Held at Lambton College with 21 participants, the event featured a panel of experts from CMHA, the Peer Mental Wellness Program, MHEART, CHIC Team, and BMC Pharmacy. Topics included prevention, community support, legal considerations, and crisis response.
Strategic Impact
Empower Minds supports LIP’s 2022–2025 Settlement Strategy by improving newcomer access to mental health resources and aligns with Lambton County’s 2024–2027 plan to enhance mental health and addiction services. This initiative helped reduce stigma, foster connection, and empower newcomers with essential knowledge and support.
Social Media Engagement: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion
"Diversity is a strength that shapes our communities." — Mahatma Gandhi
Since January 2023, the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (SL-LIP) has been sharing monthly Diversity & Inclusion posts on social media to celebrate our region’s rich cultural fabric.
Each post features a Diversity Calendar highlighting:
- Religious holidays
- Heritage months
- Cultural events & awareness days
Goals:
- Raise cultural awareness
- Promote inclusivity
- Strengthen community connections
- Foster a welcoming environment
Recent Highlights:
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Mar 21)
- French Language Day (Mar 20)
- Persian New Year – Nowruz (Mar 20)
- Holi (Mar 14)
Stay connected and celebrate with us—follow SL-LIP on Facebook, Instagram and X!
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