The goal of the Guide is two-fold:
1) To help newcomers to more effectively navigate local systems and access programs and services in a timely manner
2) To introduce the Indigenous Community to newcomers, so they begin learning about the people of the land even before they arrive. We hope that this resource will be useful for both – people who are in the process of immigration but have not decided yet which area of Canada to call home, and new arrivals.
Each section includes a brief description of the South Okanagan-Similkameen service area and some tips from fellow immigrants. We also included pre-arrival and post-arrival checklists and some interesting facts about the region.
- INTRODUCTION TO THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
- SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN
- PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
- FIRST FEW DAYS CHECKLIST
- NEWCOMER SERVICES
- Basic Orientation Points
- Settlement Services
- Supports for Temporary Foreign Workers in Similkameen
- Language Training for Immigrants and Refugees
- Language Training for Temporary Foreign Workers & Foreign-born Canadian Citizens
- Translation & Interpretation
- Rent
- Purchase
- Emergency Housing
- Grocery Stores
- Ethnic Restaurants
- Food Banks
- Low Cost Furniture & Clothing
- Postal Services
- Driver’s License
- Public Transportation
- Transportation for People with Disabilities
- Volunteer Drivers
- Taxi
- Bicycle
- Car Dealerships
- Online Buy and Sell
- Car Rentals
- Auto Mechanics
- Employment Supports
- Supports for Entrepreneurs
- Chambers of Commerce and B2B Events
- Health Insurance
- Hospitals
- Health Centres
- Walk-in Clinics
- Dentists and Optometrists
- Pharmacies
- Counseling
- Elder Care
- Traditional/Alternative Medicine & Wellness Practices
- Preschool Programs
- Schools
- Cultural/Language Schools
- Colleges, Universities, Adult Education
- Festivals/Events
- Family Activities
- Arts & Culture
- Social Clubs Run By Residents
- Online Mentorship
- Faith-based Originations
- Banks & Credit Unions
- Legal Services
- Seniors’ Services
- Children & Youth Services
- 2SLGBTQ+ SERVICES
The Welcome Guide was developed on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people, and we are very grateful to the Syilx people for hosting us on their land and helping us understand the Indigenous culture and traditions, and share this information with newcomers.
This Welcome Guide is a product of collaboration. It was developed by immigrant volunteers, members of the Welcoming Community Workgroup of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership (SOSLIP) and the team of the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS).
We express a special gratitude to:
• sknir’men – Buttercup Anona Kampe, a member of the Penticton Indian Band and an
educator, for sharing her knowledge and reviewing the content on the Indigenous Community,
• Mitra Fathian and Hector Carlos for collecting information,
• Andrew Kemp for editing and guidance, and
• Ben Laurie for creating beautiful illustrations for the Guide.
