Canadian Multicultural Festival

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day. It is a day to celebrate the contributions of the diverse cultures that make up our home on Turtle Island, Canada. The day was first commemorated in 2003.

From June 1 to 28, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) will be organising the third Canadian Multicultural Festival in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. In 2023-2024, the NCC supported over 2000 clients hailing from over 100 countries and speaking more than 70 different languages. Each of them brings unique customs, music, dance, food, sports, and stories contributing to a vibrant community.

We invite you to join us for a month of programming that tells a story of our multicultural Peterborough through dance, sport, food and crafts.

2024 Launch: Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace

Join us for a Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace as we launch the Multicultural Festival!

Bring your dancing shoes and get your hips moving as we dance the evening away to Bollywood hits! Instructor Magna Karthik will lead us through a dance routine – absolute beginners to experienced dancers welcome.

Be sure to check out the Marketplace for Indian-inspired snacks, henna, rangoli art, crafts, and artwork by local artists! The dancing starts at 6pm. Wear comfortable colourful or Indian clothing to enhance the festive spirit. This event is family friendly and everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, June 19
4:30pm to 7:30pm
Millennium Park (131 King St.)
Rain Location: Indoors at Peterborough Square

Please contact Tu Nguyen at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Try It Series...

Try your hand at dance and cooking, learning languages and trying hot drinks from across the world facilitated by experts in the community and newcomers who share a love of their cultural traditions.

Zumba - June 22 @ 3:00pm

Jollof Rice Cooking Class - June 23 @ 12:00pm **FULL**

Edit June 15: **This activity is now full**

Please contact Bhisham at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

Taste the flavours of Nigeria as we learn to cook the famous Jollof Rice! This smoky and flavourful rice dish is popular across West Africa and the star of any plate!

Halal chicken and vegetarian options available.

Registration is required. This cooking class is limited to 20 people.

In-person at the New Canadians Centre
221 Romaine St. Peterborough

Sunday, June 23, 2024
12:00 - 3.00pm

Language Exchange - June 24 @ 3:30pm

Explore the diverse cultures of Peterborough through language.

Join us to learn common words and phrases in Spanish, French, Hindi, and Arabic through conversation and games! Put your knowledge to the test after for a chance to win prizes.

This is a drop-in style event, and everyone is welcome!

In-person at the New Canadians Centre
221 Romaine Street, Peterborough

Monday, June 24, 2023
3:30 - 6:30pm

Please contact Tu at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Coffee & Tea Tasting "Sip Around the World" - June 25 @ 2:00pm

Join us for a delightful journey of flavors at our coffee and tea tasting event as we “Sip Around the World.” Discover and savor unique brews from different corners of the globe, including Karak tea from the Gulf Region of the Middle East, Honduran coffee, Ethiopian coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, and Tunisian mint tea.

Registration is required. There is a limit on attendance for this tasting afternoon.

In person at the New Canadians Centre
221 Romaine Street

Tuesday, June 25, 2024
2:00 to 4:00pm

Click here to register!

Please contact Bhisham at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Community Conversation: World Refugee Day - "Our Home"

Join us for a thought-provoking Community Conversation panel discussion on World Refugee Day, exploring the theme “Our Home.” Hear inspiring stories, valuable insights from diverse speakers, and engaging dialogue on fostering welcoming communities and supporting refugees.

Thursday, June 20, 2024
6:00 - 8:00pm
Peterborough Public Library

Please RSVP to secure your spot

Moderator: Simal Iftikhar

Simal Iftikhar has been deeply committed to her work in activism and social justice in the community of Nogojiwanong, Peterborough. Due to her experiences with immigration as a Pakistani-Canadian, Simal is completing her Master’s degree at Trent University in Education, and focusing her research on supporting refugees resettling into Canada and better understanding the barriers newcomers face in the Canadian education system.

Simal has also worked in the non-profit sector for almost 5 years, working in children’s mental health, health care programming, and child care. These intersectionalities have led to her deep passion for social justice and creating positive changes in our local community. Simal uses her privilege and voice to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals who deserve to have their stories heard.

Panelist: Alena Heitlinger

Dr. Alena Heitlinger is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Trent University. She was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She left her native country as a refugee after the Soviet invasion in August 1968. After obtaining her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology in the U.K., she came to Trent in 1975. The author of eight books and numerous articles, she has published in the areas of gender, health professions, demographic and social policies, migration, and ethnicity.

One of her books, Émigré Feminism: Transnational Perspectives (1999), features essays by Alena and other authors who came to Canada as immigrants. Twice Chair of the Sociology Department and the holder of several research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, she was also the recipient of the Trent University Distinguished Research Award in 2000. Alena is married with two sons and three grandchildren.

Panelist: Helen Reader

Helen Reader is the manager of Selah House, which provides temporary housing and settlement services for refugee claimants. Helen launched Selah House in June of 2022 with the help of The Peoples Church in Toronto. Previously she worked for over 11 years as Housing Coordinator and Settlement Director of Micah House Refugee Reception Services in Hamilton. Before moving to Canada in 2004, Helen taught English for 2 years in Vietnam, and worked as a community developer for 10 years in the Philippines.

Helen is married to Greg, who was born and grew up in Peterborough’s north end. They have two adult children, Eryn and Daniel.

Panelist: Mandana Kamali

Mandana Kamali is a compassionate advocate for human rights, with over three decades of dedicated humanitarian work. As an individual from a minority who faced significant discrimination and adversities in her home country, she has been actively engaged in refugee support activities in Peterborough since her arrival about two years ago.

Holding a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development and certifications in Mediation and Positive Psychotherapy, Mandana combines academic knowledge in education with hands-on experience to support families in every situation she can. Committed to the power of community and drawing on her extensive experience in community-building activities for children and juniors, Mandana has forged strong collaborations with global NGOs, local institutes, and grassroots organizations. Passionate about improving others' lives, Mandana exemplifies empathy and dedication, continuously working to inspire and drive positive change in the refugee landscape.

Panelist: Mohammed Shamout

Born as a Palestinian refugee in Syria, Mohammed immigrated to Canada in 2016 as a student refugee through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) program with the goal of resettlement and to complete his undergraduate degree. In 2021, Mohammed graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and proudly obtained his Canadian Citizenship.

Prior to immigrating to Canada, Mohammed worked alongside a humanitarian organization in Beirut, Lebanon, where he provided direct support to refugees in their resettlement process. Mohammed is excited and honoured, to continue working alongside newcomers here in Canada with the New Canadians Centre. He feels deeply passionate about aiding those who are new and adjusting to Canada like he was just a few years ago.

Apart from work, Mohammed loves playing Ping-Pong, running and listening to music.

Around the World in Northumberland

Let’s journey the cultural landscapes of Northumberland through music, dance, and drink! Enjoy cultural performances by the Northumberland Multicultural Dance Troupe and drinks and snacks from around the world!

Please bring lawn chairs or blankets and meet us outside the Marina. This is a free, family-friendly community event.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
6:00 - 8:00pm
Cobourg Marina (103 3rd Street, Cobourg)

Please contact Anna at [email protected], (905) 519-3472 if you have any questions.

NCC's 45th Anniversary Block Party

Join us as we celebrate 45 years of community and welcome with our neighbours!

Come to the New Canadians Centre for a fun-filled afternoon outdoors, including a talent show, multicultural crafts, henna, face painting, a bouncy castle, and food! There will also be a bike playground facilitated by GreenUp, and activities facilitated by the Peterborough Public Library and YMCA.

In addition, visit the Cultural Fair to learn about some of Peterborough’s multicultural and faith-based groups and their programming.

Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. This is a free, family-friendly community event.

Friday, June 28, 2024
2:00 - 6:00pm
In-person outdoors at the New Canadians Centre (221 Romaine St.)
Rain location: Indoors at the New Canadians Centre

Please contact Bhisham at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Multicultural Food Crawl & Sampling Day 2024

Taste the flavours of the world at our 10 featured international restaurants in downtown Peterborough!

Pick up a Multicultural Food Passport at any of these participating restaurants or at the New Canadians Centre! For every $10 you spend from June 1 to 30, you'll earn a stamp on your passport. Collect six stamps, and you'll be entered into a draw to win one of three $100 Boro Gift Cards!

On Friday June 28, stop by our 45^th Anniversary Block Party at 221 Romaine Street (2-6pm) to try free samples of some of their menu items (while supplies last)

Vote and Share Your Experience on social media

Vote for your favourite restaurant of the Crawl online for a chance to win Boro Dollars!

Tag us to share your experience @newcanadianscentre #multiculturalfoodcrawlptbo on Instagram or Facebook! We will draw 2 posts at random to win a $25 Boro Gift Card!

Click here to access the Food Crawl Map

Ariyana Middle Eastern Food

Ariyana is an authentic family-run Middle Eastern restaurant and catering business. Ariyanna offers a variety of authentic dishes, including Kebab, Shawarma, Biryani, Falafel, Samosas, and Baghlava. Each dish is crafted with passion for quality and a dedication to flavour.

Location: 396 George Street North.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday from 11am - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday from 12pm – 8.30pm

Instagram: @ariyanas_shawarma

Bhojan Indian Cuisine and Bar

Bhojan is an authentic family-run Indian restaurant. Bhojan is a vegetarian establishment, and the proteins used in their dishes are enhanced with various spices and decadent flavour. They offer an extensive menu that includes authentic Indian street food, momos, Indian burgers, a variety of curries and even some fusion options such as Indo-Chinese. They also have a grocery store across the street where you can find all the ingredients you need to prepare Indian food at home.

Restaurant Located at 427 George St. N.
Grocery store located at 428 George St. N

Hours of Operation
Monday from 5pm - 10pm
Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 10pm
Sunday from 2pm - 10pm

@bhojan_ptbo

Cork and Bean Peterborough

Come and taste all-time-famous Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese egg tart, and other delicacies at Cork and Bean Peterborough. The café always serves the top-quality hot and iced drinks, as well as savory and sweet food options like freshly baked pastries, soup, sandwiches, and Charcuterie.

Location: 382 George Street North.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Wednesday from 8am - 7pm
Thursday – Friday from 8am – 10pm
Saturday from 8.30am – 10pm
Sunday from 9am – 5pm

Instagram: @corkandbean.ptbo

Curry Village

Curry Village is an authentic, family-run Indian restaurant. Curry Village brings together the culinary traditions from various regions of India. From the classic Indian curry to the favourful and heart-warming Biryani, Curry Village always prepares their dishes with utmost care and attention to detail.

Location: 306 George Street North.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday from 11.30am – 2.30pm and from 5 – 9.30pm
Friday from 4 – 10pm
Saturday from 11.30am – 2.30pm and from 5 – 10pm
Sunday from 5 – 9pm

Fresh Dreams

Fresh Dreams is an authentic Spanish, family-run restaurant where it is not just about food but also about celebration, community, and the joy of sharing. The rich flavours of paella to the freshness of “Gambas al ajillo” shrimps, Fresh Dreams guarantees to make every dining experience memorable.

Location: 373 Queen Street.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday from 5.30 – 9pm
Saturday from 5.30 – 10pm.

La Mesita Mexican Restaurant

La Mesita Restaurante is an authentic Mexican restaurant and catering business that offers fresh and traditional Mexican dishes using local ingredients whenever possible, and they’re never afraid to add a bit of heat to their dishes.

Located at 247 George Street North in Downtown Peterborough

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday from 11am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday from 11am - 9pm

Instagram: @lamesitarestaurante

Levantine Grill

Taste Syrian delicacies right at home in Peterborough at the Levantine.

Grill, serving up a variety of Middle Eastern favourites in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu is vast, with everything from classic chicken shawarma to veggie bowls and traditional Mediterranean pies, kebabs, and a large variety of salads and appetizers, including hummus and Baba Ghanouj.

Located at 356 Charlotte St

Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday from 11am - 9pm
Sunday - 12pm - 7pm

Instagram: @levantinegrill

Milk + Tea Shop

Bubble Tea, also known as Boba, Pearls Milk Tea, or BBT, originated in Taiwan and has taken over the world. Milk and Tea Shop is Peterborough's first dedicated bubble tea location. It is iced tea but can also be served hot, with tapioca pearls, fresh juice loaded with jelly or as a beverage without pearls.

Located at 360 George Street in Downtown Peterborough

Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Thursday from 11am - 7pm
Friday - Sunday from 11am - 9pm

Instagram: @milkandteashop

OMG (Oasis Mediterranean Grill)

Oasis Mediterranean Grill or OMG is an authentic Mediterranean, family-run restaurant. From the savory goodness of shawarma to the refreshing taste of hummus, every dish offered by OMG is truly a celebration of the Mediterranean’s diverse culinary heritage.

Location: 460 George Street North.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday and Saturday from 11am - 9pm
Friday from 11am - 10pm

Instagram: @omgrillshawarma

Village of Thai