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African Christian Churches. Integration and Adaptation of African Newcomers. a. Alberta: immigrants (census 2006). 5,4 % (28 525 ) of the 527 030 immigrants, are francophones. Source : Stat. Canada, Census 2006, Product no 97-557-XCB2006021 au catalogue de Statistique Canada.
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African Christian Churches Integration and Adaptation of African Newcomers
a. Alberta: immigrants (census 2006) • 5,4 % (28 525 ) of the 527 030 immigrants, are francophones. • Source : Stat. Canada, Census 2006, Product no 97-557-XCB2006021 au catalogue de Statistique Canada.
b. Alberta: Francophone immigrants by country of origin , 2001-2006. Source: stat. Can, Census 2006, produit 97-557 XCB 2006007, Stat. Can cat.
c. Where do they live? Source: Stat. Can, Census 2006, produit 97-557-XCB200-6021, Stat. Can. Cat.
2. Partners in settlement process • a. The subsidized francophone organizations • b. Associations organized by country of origin • c. Churches
a. Francophone institutions in the community • Lack of resources to take up new challenges related to • Cultural barrier: - a cultural identity - Minority thinking • Lack of competence to work with newcomers • Difficulty to build networks with francophone newcomers
b. Responses from Immigrants • a. Associations by countries of origins
b. Churches • Religious groups fill in the gap left by the government and francophone organizations; • Attempts for newcomers to solve their own challenges;
Remarks: • Even though, the names are in English the main language spoken is French • The numbers presented in this PowerPoint are estimate given by the leaders of these churches.
Characteristics • They are principal support of the majority of African newcomers settled in Edmonton • Positive social changes: welcoming of newcomers, housing etc. • They are deeply rooted by their African values • Leadership is somewhat familiar with the Canadian culture; • Monoethnic;
A • 1. Family, friends • 2.Churches, 3. Country associations right and wrong information B Public institutions, Schools etc. Right informations ?
d. A Survey • 68.1 % of the response thought Francophone immigrant churches should be more involved in the social integration of their members in Alberta: • Connect the welcoming communities to the immigrants • networking; • Eliminate isolation; • Share experiences; How are Church actions and initiatives bound to emerging Canadian values?
Challenges • Strengthening of traditional African values: (same sex marriage…) - Management problems • Leaders are newcomers
Final remarks Contemporary society: • Tendency « to ignore religion until some religious group or individual behaves well rather badly »; • Religion is an important factor in the settlement process of african immigrants.