Coquitlam Library Life Stories Part #5 Newcomers and refugees
Channel: tricitiestv
Date: 2023-02-16

This presentation is the fifth and last in a series of "Life Stories" put on by the Coquitlam Public Library intended to raise awareness of people who are from marginalized groups and how they have experienced prejudice, social exclusion or stigma.

Judith Kambia Obatusa shares her story on her Canadian immigrant experience. She was looking forward to immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, as were the rest of her family. Unfortunately while trying to settle in her son and daughter began to experience bullying in school. She was referred to the Child Welfare system which was a challenge for her. She feels that her parenting skills were questioned and that it was not a positive experience for herself or her family.

Through her rather negative immigration experience Judith learned to stand up for herself and that she is not powerless. She now realizes that she does not have to accept labels placed upon her by others. 

Judith is also an advocate is also an advocate of community service. She believes that through community service immigrants can more rapidly learn about Canadian culture and hasten their integration into the community. Buy getting involved in the community immigrants can find allies who can help with issues they may have navigating the system.

The following speakers stressed that there are several unseen barriers for immigrants. Quite often the educational credentials or business credentials of immigrants to Canada are not recognized or fully appreciate. This can be an extreme financial set back for newcomers.