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About Cowichan Intercultural Society

The Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) is spearheading the movement to welcome and support refugees to the community. CIS is Cowichan Valley’s immigrant and refugee support organization. We facilitate mutual respect, trust, support and education in the culturally diverse Cowichan Valley. Our vision is of an inclusive and welcoming community, where every person feels valued and has a sense of belonging. In 1981, a large influx of Vietnamese refugees to the Cowichan Valley residents led residents to organize a new non-profit organization: the Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society (CVIIAS). Their mandate was to: facilitate the settlement and integration needs of immigrants and refugees and promote the diverse cultural heritages of valley residents. Committed volunteers helped newcomers find employment, complete required documents to reunite with families, and arrange interpreters. Others taught cross-cultural awareness across the Cowichan Region, through schools and community events. In 1982 the Intercultural Women’s Group was born. CVIIAS gained the charitable status it still maintains today. Work with immigrants and long time residents of the community continued, and a welcome addition of federal funds led to hiring a part-time coordinator. Over the years we have continued to work with welcoming newcomers and long time residents of the community and expanded our services. We have grown to 18 active community programs, 20 employees, 11 volunteer Board of Directors, and over 150 volunteers. Now known as Cowichan Intercultural Society, we continue the vision of our founders for a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

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