Notes
Community organizations: Black Communities Working Group on Wellbeing & Safety
Future research / gaps identified:
1) Interview members of the African Francophone immigrant communities, not just stakeholders
2) Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the communities in addressing these challenges
Integration timeline: newcomers not defined
Key findings:
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Participants reported issues with accessibility and availability of services and supports
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Challenges with professional integration due to lack of recognition of their degrees, certifications or requirement for Canadian work experience
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Experience of social and cultural isolation within their communities
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Subsets within the Black community face intensified difficulties due to compounded minority status (e.g. Haitian immigrants, black Muslim women immigrants)
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Loss of identity within their communities and loss of community itself
Key populations: African Francophone immigrants currently living in Edmonton, AB
Key recommendations:
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Continue community discussions to provide intentional direction and guidance by people who are affected
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Courses of action taken following these discussions to not dwell unduly on struggles faced by the Black community but greater focus should be on bringing meaningful solutions to the table
