• 403-354-2817

  • 8500 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB

arrow
Latest News

A Collaborative Symposium on Immigrant Family Resilience

We are delighted to welcome you to the Harmony in Transition Symposium. This special gathering brings together leaders, changemakers, and community members to explore the power of resilience, connection, and healing in the immigrant experience.

This year’s theme, “Resilience in the Immigrant Community,” highlights the strength and adaptability of individuals and families navigating life transitions, from cultural integration to health challenges and relational shifts. Through powerful panels, interactive sessions, and meaningful dialogue, we will reflect on the systems that support or hinder immigrant well-being, and what it takes to foster harmony through change.

Whether you are a service provider, policymaker, nonprofit leader, community advocate, or member, your voice matters here. Let’s learn together, build bridges, and advance solutions that empower families, youth, and individuals to thrive, regardless of their journey.

Who Should Attend?

  • Community Members & Stakeholders – Engage in collaborative discussions.
  • Youth Leaders & Advocates – Contribute your expertise to shape solutions.
  • Teenagers, Youths & Young Adults (Ages 13-24) – Share your experiences and ideas!
  • Allies and policy  and decision makers 

 

REGISTRATION OPEN

Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Venue: Calgary Public Central Library

Join us for a powerful discussion on strengthening immigrant families and supporting youth resilience in our communities!

What to Expect:

  • Interactive Panel Discussion – Hear from youth, community leaders, and experts.
  • Survey Results Presentation – Understand the challenges and strengths within immigrant families.
  • Collaborative Brainstorming – Work together to develop culturally relevant solutions.
  • Youth Engagement – Young people will play an active role in shaping the conversation.
  • Adult Perspectives – Exploring factors that support resilience in immigrant families.

🍽 Food Provided | 👶 Childcare Available (Ages 0-12) | 🚌 Transportation Support Available for Eligible Attendees

Community & Academic Partners:

The Family Advocates Canada in partnership with The University of Calgary, Action Dignity, Centre for Newcomers, Calgary Public Library, Calgary Local Immigration Partnership, Maple Life Foundation, and Bright Light for Africa.

📢 Your voice matters—be part of the change!

Scan to contribute to the pre-symposium survey. Thank you

Panel Speakers

 

 

Dr. Tope Roberts

Dr. Tope Roberts (Dr. T) is a dedicated Nigerian-Canadian family physician whose career bridges clinical excellence and compassionate community service. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Roberts served as the Board Chair of Ruth’s House Society, a domestic violence shelter committed to supporting women and children fleeing abuse.

 

MLA Lizette Tejada
Lizette Tejada, MLA for Calgary-Klein and NDP’s Shadow Minister for Immigration, advocates for equity and inclusion. With a background in non-profit advocacy, she shapes policies supporting immigrants and racialized communities, striving for a more diverse and fair Alberta.

Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah
Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, Executive Director of CACC, is a Ghanaian-born leader committed to uplifting African and Black communities. Through advocacy and community development, he champions equity, inclusion, and sustainable impact in 

Ms. Natacha Jean – Jacques
Born in Haiti, Natacha has lived in Calgary since 1988. A nurse, educator, and nonprofit founder, she champions healthcare, education, and Haitian culture. As Calgary’s first Black Clinical Nurse Educator, she’s a trailblazer, mentor, mother and passionate community builder who proudly serves on the boards of multiple organizations.

Hon Leela Aheer
 
Hon. Leela Sharon Aheer is a former Alberta MLA and Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women. A champion for equity and community, she is also a music educator and strategic leader. She now serves as Senior Director at BioAro Inc. and Chief Growth Officer at BioSport.

 

 


Rev. Dr. Steven Stuurman
 
Rev. Dr. Steve Stuurman is a South African-born pastor, global entrepreneur, and founder of HOPE Foods and Steve Stuurman Ministries. He co-leads Shekinah Living Word Center in Calgary with his wife, Pastor Tamlyn, and is dedicated to empowering communities through faith, leadership, and holistic outreach.

Partners and Sponsors

 

Contact Us

S210 – Heritage Square, 8500 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB

Email: info@thefamilyadvocates.ca
Tel: 403-354-2817 
Charity Registration Number 703030809RR0001

Land  Acknowledgement 

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. We acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory. Finally, we remain committed to continue to learn about the truth regarding Colonialism and residential schools in Canada, and will actively work towards reconciliation while advocating for our government to do so as well

Contact Us

S210 – Heritage Square, 8500 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB

Email: info@thefamilyadvocates.ca
Tel: 403-354-2817 
Charity Registration Number 703030809RR0001

 

Our Programs

*Healthy Couples Program

*Parenting Programs

*Youth & Children Programs

*Marriage Mentoring & Family Coaching

*Expressive Arts

*Rooted & Rising Men

*Community Engagement

*Symposium

*Peer-To-Peer Support & Referral To Culturally Responsive Counselors

Land  Acknowledgement 

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. We acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory. Finally, we remain committed to continue to learn about the truth regarding Colonialism and residential schools in Canada, and will actively work towards reconciliation while advocating for our government to do so as well