TERRACE, B.C. – For a quarter of a century, Skeena Diversity has been the welcoming heart of the Northwest, helping thousands of newcomers navigate the challenges of building a new life in a new country. As the organization marks this major milestone, its work has become more critical than ever amid shifting national immigration policies.
What began 25 years ago as a small community initiative has grown into a vital hub. Today, Skeena Diversity offers a comprehensive suite of services, including settlement support to help with housing and healthcare, language classes, employment assistance, and programs designed to fight isolation and build a sense of belonging.
For many of the staff and board members, the work is deeply personal. As immigrants themselves, they have a unique understanding of the journey.
“Moving here was hard at first,” one staff member shared. “Now, I get to help others who are starting their own journey. It means a lot to give back.”
This work is happening against a backdrop of national change. Last fall, the federal Minister of Immigration announced new targets that signal a shift in Canada’s immigration strategy, moving to stabilize and eventually slightly reduce the number of new permanent residents after years of record-high intake.
This proposed shift has raised concerns within newcomer communities and the organizations that support them. The chair of Skeena Diversity’s board noted that such changes could have lasting effects on both the newcomers and on regions like the Skeena, which rely on their contributions to the workforce and community.
“Immigrants are a big part of our communities,” the board chair said. “We hope Canada stays open and welcoming in the future.”
As Skeena Diversity looks back on 25 years of building a stronger, more diverse community, it also looks ahead to the challenges of the next 25. Its mission remains the same: to ensure that every person who chooses to call the Skeena home has the support they need to not just settle, but to thrive.
