We Are Not The Others: Stories of Integration sheds light on immigrant integration

We Are Not The Others: Stories of Integration was presented by the Peterborough Immigration Partnership and WUSC at Trent in partnership with the International Development Studies Department at Trent University on March 22 at The Venue with the goal of highlighting newcomer stories and experiences of integration.

The event was kicked off with the WUSC at Trent screening of their documentary on their award-winning Student Refugee Program. The documentary shared the experiences of settling in Peterborough for student refugees and the role the organisation plays in supporting the transition and education of these students. WUSC at Trent is an entirely student-led organisation which sponsors up to three student refugees per year. Earlier this year, they were awarded the Local Committee of the Year Award by the World University Service of Canada in recognition of their achievements in  recruiting, supporting, and transitioning student refugees. See the documentary here.

This was followed by the play “We Are Not The Others,” a collaboration between McMaster University Social Work Professor Dr. Mirna Carranza and Toronto-based Persian-Canadian playwright Izad Etemadi. The play is based on a 2-year research project conducted by Dr. Carranza, and rooted in women’s experiences, exploring the intersections between immigration, trauma, loss, mental health, assimilation, resiliency, disappointment, and hope for a better life in Canada.

The event ended with a panel discussion on the theme of belonging and integration. It was moderated by Dr. Colleen O’Manique and featured Clifford McCarten; Emmanuel Gasore; Dr. David Firang; Dr. Carmen Teeple Hopkins; and Dr. Mirna Carranza.

The event was supported by: Trent University Departments of Political Studies, Gender & Women’s Studies, Master’s Program in Sustainability, School of Business, Office of the Deans of Arts & Sciences, Office of the Provost, Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), and Peter Gzowski College.