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New to Canada?

New to Canada? page

speqtrum now offers services for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth who are new to Canada! This is Hamilton's very first program serving Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomers. We provide this support to newcomers in partnership with the YWCA's Join Program for newcomers.

How We Support 2S-LGBTQIA+ Newcomers

Integration​

  • Support with integration from Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ peers

  • Help to build relationships between Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomers and intersecting community members to break isolation

  • Build community spaces and networks through our regular community events, workshops, and socials

  • Form relationships within and across communities to advocate for mutual needs

Re-Orientation​​

  • Resources and basic support navigating services such as healthcare, employment, social assistance, and housing as a Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ person

  • Weekly Check-ins within our Check-in program

  • Identify safe(r) spaces and resources for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Newcomers' needs

  • Build skills, confidence, and knowledge that assist newcomers in self-advocacy and integration

Weekly Events

Our weekly events are every Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Events will be offered in a range of languages and language supports.

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What we will do:

  • Build a community where Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomer youth can meet and support one another

  • Have fun at social events like games, crafts, and arts nights

  • Exchange key settlement and integration information in a safe(r) space through an Anti-Oppressive lens

  • Learn and practice key skills that allow you to navigate systems, access resources and advocate for yourself and others​​


If you would like to suggest an activity or topic for a session, or if you'd like to co-plan a session with us, contact us.

Community Kitchens

Our monthly Intergeneration Kitchens (Mother Tongue) are a space to connect within and across communities! These social events are a chance to connect with other Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomers, Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ elders, racialized Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth in the community, as well as allies from different cultural and linguistic groups. Mother Tongue will be offered in many different languages, with language supports/interpretation provided when requested. 

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Join us to:

  • Share and exchange cooking skills, stories, and laughs

  • Build community and expand your network

  • Speak your mother tongue in a safe, affirming space

  • Learn to facilitate group sessions

  • Receive an ingredients kit before each event

  • Want to lead a Mother Tongue session? Contact us. 

One-on-one Support

We also offer weekly one on one chats for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomer youth, where folks can chat with our Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Youth Support Worker about challenges, hopes, dreams, or whatever they are experiencing at the time. Contact us to sign up!

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All Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ newcomer youth can also sign up for any speqtrum general programs, which are open to all Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth. If you are a newcomer looking to access our programs please email newcomer@speqtrum.ca or call 289-439-6154 to book an appointment!

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Please note that these events will not always be offered in English, but an interpreter can be provided if one is required.

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