Did you know that April is "Celebrate Diversity Month?"
Coquitlam says it's planning several initiatives that highlight how differences can contribute to a vibrant, welcoming community.
Throughout the month, the city is set to acknowledge the work that's breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone — regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other lived experiences — is able to live, work and thrive in their own neighbourhood.
Manisha Dutta, Coquitlam's manager of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), said displays will soon be up in public spaces in hopes of bringing awareness and appreciation for the city's diversity.
This year's theme: allyship and support for those historically marginalized.
"Allyship is not a one-time action, it is a journey of support, learning and commitment. This is a journey that we, as an organization, are also embarking on with purpose, while keeping the safety of our residents and community top of mind," said Dutta.
"The City of Coquitlam condemns hate in all forms. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, including people from equity-deserving groups such as LGBTQ2S+, racialized and disability communities."
According to Canada's 2021 Census, 46 per cent of Coquitlam residents were born outside of Canada with a total of 67,545 self-identified immigrants speaking more than 80 non-Indigenous languages:
- 4,290 Americas
- Brazil = 530
- Colombia = 355
- El Salvador = 290
- Guyana = 80
- Haiti = 20
- Jamaica = 100
- Mexico = 660
- Peru = 215
- Trinidad and Tobago = 160
- USA = 1,140
- Other birthplaces in the Americas = 730
- 10,230 Europe
- Bosnia and Herzegovina = 220
- Croatia = 420
- France = 190
- Germany = 560
- Greece = 135
- Hungary = 180
- Italy = 765
- Netherlands = 215
- Poland = 680
- Portugal = 275
- Romania = 935
- Russia Federation = 885
- Serbia = 150
- Ukraine = 700
- UK = 2,300
- Other birthplaces in Europe = 1,630
- 2,400 Africa
- Democratic Republic of Congo = 30
- Egypt = 265
- Eritrea = 50
- Ethiopia = 55
- Morocco = 30
- Nigeria = 135
- Somalia = 25
- South Africa = 600
- Other birthplaces in Africa = 1,200
- 50,035 Asia
- Afghanistan = 605
- Iran = 7,585
- Iraq = 460
- Lebanon = 160
- Syria = 330
- Turkey = 140
- China = 12,725
- Hong Kong = 4,985
- South Korea = 8,485
- Taiwan = 2,685
- Philippines = 4,100
- Vietnam = 895
- Bangladesh = 40
- India = 2,030
- Pakistan = 485
- Sri Lanka = 210
- Other birthplaces in Asia = 4,110
- 590 Oceania and elsewhere
In the last several years, Coquitlam has notably become a flagship community for events that honour the region's diversity.
These include Colour Fest, ScotFestBC, Caribbean Days Festival, B.C. Dumpling Festival and Kaleidoscope Arts Festival.
April initiatives for "Celebrate Diversity Month" include the following:
- "Walk in My Shoes"
- City hall display that aims to enhance empathy and understanding among neighbours by showcasing the stories of five newcomer women in the Tri-Cities
- New street banners with designs and messages that support inclusivity and belonging
- Copies of Mina's Lunch, a book recently published by the Asian Impact Society with themes of belonging and cultural awareness, will be available to read in the lobbies of various city facilities
- Messages at civic facilities promoting diversity
- Providing free posters celebrating diversity to local businesses and groups
As well, Coquitlam's EDI roundtable is scheduled to announce more campaigns during an council-in-committee meeting on April 17.
For more information, and potential inspiration for local residents to acknowledge "Celebrate Diversity Month," you can visit the EDI page of the City of Coquitlam's website.
