When Lizette Ramirez disembarked a plane at Calgary International Airport June 2012, she was greeted by fresh summer snow.
“I knew Canada was cold, but come on now,” Ramirez joked.
Calgary was Ramirez’ last stop in a journey that took her from Chile through Toronto. The step off the plane marked the start of a new chapter in a new home, and one of the biggest transitions of her life.
The unfamiliar weather wasn’t the only thing that kept Ramirez from feeling at home. Despite a background in translation and education, she began a job at a resort in Canmore – arranged by her immigration agent. During her two-and-a-half year tenure there, she said she experienced discrimination from both her employer and guests, which she had to endure without a support network.
“Maybe it was because I was just a hotel worker,” Ramirez said.
“I didn’t feel like people were listening to what I was saying. They were like, ‘Meh, whatever, she’s from another country.’ They were difficult times for me, because I had never felt discriminated against before, so I didn’t know how to react.”
Ramirez said she began isolating herself as a defense mechanism.
The disconnection felt by some Canadian newcomers has led a group of Cochrane immigrants to organize the town’s first Multicultural Celebration. The group hopes the event will draw immigrants and non-immigrants together to build relationships and raise awareness about Cochrane’s diversity.
“There’s not too many spaces for immigrants, or maybe I’m not aware of them,” Ramirez said.
“We are here and we can help and we are part of the community.”
Andrea Baeza, one of the event organizers, struggled with similar feelings when she arrived from Chile 11 years ago and didn’t speak a word of English.
“At the beginning, everything was so amazing, meeting different people,” she said.
“Over time, language can be a boundary in terms of being able to do anything. Creating more spaces – inclusive spaces for people who are new to Canada…that is the main goal, to create a community in Cochrane.”
According to Cochrane’s 2016 census, 1,575 respondents identified as non-citizens of Canada and 3,190 identified as immigrants. More than 1,400 – the bulk of Cochrane’s immigrant population – have arrived since 2006.
Ramirez said while she no longer works at the hotel and now lives in Cochrane, the sense of disconnection that stemmed from her experience lingers. As immigrants, her family faces various challenges – including a lack of strong community networks. Ramirez said she also fears she doesn’t fit in.
“Sometimes, I’m afraid that I’m not going to be able to understand people,” she said.
Fleeha Ahmad, a settlement services co-ordinator with the Town, said disconnection can leave new residents prone to isolation and depression.
“It’s a very common thing,” Ahmad said, noting seniors and new mothers are especially susceptible.
“That’s why it’s important to have these community events.”
The free event – which will be held at Cochrane Alliance Church May 5 starting at 4 p.m. – is open to all, and will include face painting, bouncy castles and an optional potluck-style meal.
“We want everyone to come here and start talking about what it means to be an immigrant, be a refugee, and what it means to create a sense of awareness and support,” Baeza said.
