Fostering inclusion and meaningful connections
The Intercultural Centre (IC) provides opportunities for all learners to take part in events, activities and workshops that foster respect, inclusion, creativity, teamwork and resilience, as part of Bow Valley College’s “Open Doors – Open Minds” strategy.
Visit us in room N322 of North Campus or reach out to us at intercultural@bowvalleycollege.ca.
The Intercultural Centre will be CLOSED on Friday April 12 and Wednesday April 17.
Intercultural Competence
We offer programming to support you in developing introductory skills in intercultural competence. Our events, activities and workshops focus on building self-awareness, learning new perspectives, and engaging with diversity.
Engaged Citizenship
Get involved at your campus and in your community! Whether it’s learning something new about your community through one of our presentations, or volunteering in the community, we provide opportunities for you to develop new skills, and have meaningful interactions.
Global Mindset
The Intercultural Centre’s programming encourages the College community to see itself as part of an interconnected world. Through our events, activities and workshops, we strive to develop thinking that is truly global.
Join the ICan Crew
The Intercultural Centre has many opportunities for volunteering such as Curiosity Champion, Teach Your Talent, MC in the IC, and more! Volunteering for these positions in the IC will help you build your confidence, develop an inclusive mindset, and act as a great addition when applying for awards, scholarships, and other schools. Read on to learn more about each volunteer opportunity.
Curiosity Champion
Curiosity Champions greet learners who visit the Intercultural Centre. They provide tours of the current Discovery Hub and answer general questions about what the Intercultural Centre offers. There will always be a staff member to support our Curiosity Champions.
Language 101
This is a student-led series where you can introduce and teach basic words and phrases in a language you are fluent in. We provide support and coaching for anyone who would like to teach a workshop!
MC in the IC
MC in the IC is an opportunity for learners who would like to practice their public speaking in a safe environment. This volunteer opportunity allows learners to take small steps towards achieving the comfortability to speak to larger groups.
Second Chances Free Store - Generosity Ambassador
The Second Chances Free Store is open and free for all, it has items such as clothing, housewares, jewelry, and school supplies. Generosity Ambassadors are present for the checkout process to ensure policies on higher demand items are respected, and to record the number of individuals who have accessed the store. No other information is recorded!
The hours for the Second Chances Free Store are Monday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Showcase Co-Creator
The IC Showcase is a mini display on the 3rd floor of North Campus. The purpose of the showcase is to feature topics relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This can range from different types of diversity to social justice issues. The time commitment and workload for this opportunity can be adjusted upon request.
Teach Your Talent
Teach Your Talent is a learner-led event where you are given the opportunity to share a skill you are passionate about with you fellow peers. Learners in the past have taught art, karate, cultural dances, calligraphy, and more!
To get involved:
Second Chances Free Store - Now open!
Come visit our Second Chances Free Store at the Intercultural Centre! Please bring your own bags as well will not be providing any.
If you would like to donate some pre-loved items, please see our list below for what items we will accept and what we will not. If an item is larger than a bag or would be difficult for someone to carry on transit, we will not accept the item. If you are unsure or have any questions, please feel free to email intercultural@bowvalleycollege.ca for more information.
We request that donations be clean and in good condition.
Accepted:
- Reusable bags
- Clothing items (shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, clean bras, etc.)
- Shoes
- Houseware (mugs, plates, cups, etc.)
- Accessories (no hair accessories, hats, or earrings)
- School Supplies (empty binders, pens, etc.)
- Bags, purses, backpacks
- Umbrellas
Not Accepted:
- Undergarments (socks, underwear)
- Bathing Suits
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Bedding, blankets
- Hats
- Hair Accessories
- Toiletries
- anything that would be difficult to take on transit or walk with.
Upcoming in the IC
Discovery Hub: Black Histories, Presents, and Futures
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Dive into the impactful history of Black Canadians by exploring the remarkable communities they built and the legacies they left behind. Rediscover and celebrate their influential stories, reshaping the narrative of our shared heritage.
Featured Artist, Anthony Russell
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Visit the Intercultural Centre to view Anthony Russell's artwork, which will be displayed throughout Black History/Black Futures Month. He is a local Calgary artist who uses mixed media techniques to tackle racial and social injustice topics within the melanin community. He aims to educate people about social issues and give back to the community through the arts.
Thursday February 1
Kick off Black History Month with the IC!
Tuesday February 6: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday February 7: Self Expression Workshop with Artist and Playwright, A.N.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Looking to find your way back home to yourself? Discover the power of introspection, journaling, and sharing with Calgary-based pop-rock artist and playwright A.N. (Ado Nkemka). She is promoting her first project I'm Not Afraid to Die Anymore after years of finding her voice.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/tQHQqAXmxU
Tuesday February 13: EDI Series, Black History, Black Love | IN PERSON
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join us this Valentine's Day for our workshop that doesn't just address the struggles that Black people have faced historically, but also the joys and dimensions of Black love. You can register for the event here, but you are more than welcome to drop in if you don't get a chance to register.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/6fzfjL4hkd
Tuesday February 13: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday February 14: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Wednesday February 14: EDI Series, Black History, Black Love | ONLINE
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us this Valentine's Day for our workshop that doesn't just address the struggles that Black people have faced historically, but also the joys and dimensions of Black love. You can register for the event here, but you are more than welcome to drop in if you don't get a chance to register.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/6fzfjL4hkd
Thursday February 15: John Ware Reclaimed Viewing
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
John Ware Reclaimed follows filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to re-examine the mythology surrounding John Ware, the Black cowboy who settled in Alberta, Canada, before the turn of the 20th century. Foggo’s research uncovers who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism, both past and present. The screening of the film will be followed by a talkback session with the filmmaker, Cheryl Foggo. You can register for the event here, but you are more than welcome to drop in if you don't get a chance to register.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/3WuFT2Kc51
Tuesday February 20: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday February 21: CLOSED
The Intercultural Centre will be closed on February 21st for a staff event.
Monday February 26 - March 8: FREE STORE, Business Wear Donation Drive
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Outgrow your old suit jacket or dress? Consider donating your used business wear to the Second Chances Free Store to share your gently loved items with our learners as they gear up for interviews.
Monday February 26: Black Mental Health Workshop
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Intercultural Centre invites all Black identifying learners to a wellness workshop on self-care hosted by BVC's counselling team. Please join us for activities, conversations, community building, and some snacks, and take home a self-care kit that you've put together for yourself. You can register for the event here, but you are more than welcome to drop in if you don't get a chance to register.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/Gua7TmXz7x
Tuesday February 27: That's My Jam!
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for some live music! You can sing along, play along, or just enjoy the tunes! Click here to request a song.
Tuesday February 27: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday February 28: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Discovery Hub: Indigenous Women in Our Community
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indigenous women in our community! Explore their incredible accomplishments and be inspired by the impactful stories and journeys they've paved.
Tuesday March 5: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Friday March 8: Intercultural Centre is CLOSED, join us in the Iniikokaan Centre!
Friday March 8: Indigenous Women Leaders Panel
Location: Iniikokaan Centre (Hybrid)
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
As we navigate what reconciliation looks like moving forward, take some time to join us for our Indigenous Women Leaders Panel on March 8, to coincide with
International Women's Day. Join us to learn about how these women paved their career paths, the challenges they faced, how reconciliation impacts their work, and come celebrate their accomplishments with us!
Panelists:
- Christy Morgan (TELUS)
- Lorelei Higgins (Mrs. Unit y World Canada 2024)
- Loretta Tuttauk (Loretta's Wellness Circle)
- Nicole Robertson (Muskwa Productions)
Register to attend the panel via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4teRy0jZU
Monday March 11: Teach Your Talent, Ramadan with Fatima
Join our student-led series, where students share their expertise about a skill or topic with our community. In this session, we will learn more about how Fatima observes Ramadan!
Register for the event via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/yLcfPJtAid
Tuesday March 12: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday March 13: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Thursday March 14: Stress Management & Healthy Coping
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a presentation on how to manage your stress and learn healthy coping mechanisms!
Friday March 15: Film Friday - Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Step into a world where every story matters, every voice is heard, and every perspective is celebrated at our IC Film Fridays! Join us for an inspiring journey that explores the human experience, fostering conversations on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We will be screening Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again for March's Film Friday! Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again shares the powerful story of Mary Two-Axe Earley, who fought for more than two decades to challenge sex discrimination against First Nations women embedded in Canada’s Indian Act and became a key figure in Canada’s women’s rights movement.
The screening will be followed by trivia with a prize, and there will be popcorn!
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/Vc7rCanXas
Wednesday March 20: The Work is Not Done! with Dr. Ana Pardo
Join us at the Intercultural Centre for a talk by Dr.Ana Pardo, Director of Access and Inclusion Services at Mount Royal University. Dr. Pardo, with over 35 years of experience,will discuss disability, diversity, and equity issues. Her expertise is backed by a PhD in Educational Psychology, focuses on promoting inclusion in
educational settings. Don't miss this insightful event as we celebrate International Women'sDay 2024 under the theme #InspireInclusion.
Register for the event via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/EyVVL0xUhg
Wednesday March 20: EDI Series, Postcolonialism and Art | IN PERSON
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join the Intercultural Centre in an exploration of the impacts of colonialism in a postcolonial world and learn about how different artists around the world have, and continue to, contend with their nations’ new realities.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/kAUm9nKhCA
Thursday March 21: EDI Series, Postcolonialism and Art | ONLINE
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the Intercultural Centre in an exploration of the impacts of colonialism in a postcolonial world and learn about how different artists around the world have, and continue to, contend with their nations’ new realities.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/kAUm9nKhCA
Friday March 22: Language 101 - Hindi with Neha
Join our student-led series, where you can learn the basic phrases of a language. In this session, Neha will teach the basics of Hindi.
Register for the event via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/Mp6U1qQA77
Tuesday March 26: That's My Jam!
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for some live music! You can sing along, play along, or just enjoy the tunes! Click here to request a song.
Tuesday March 26: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday March 27: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Wednesday March 27: Careers in the Arts with the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation
What:
Join us in the IC to discover how learners can connect to the arts community, find resources, & have a career in the arts with Toyin Lafenwa Oladele from the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation. Toyin will also be speaking about her experience as an arts professional, founder of a nonprofit, entrepreneur, consultant, and community leader.
More about the Speaker Toyin Lafenwa Oladele:
Toyin is a multi-disciplinary artist and arts manager originally from Nigeria with almost two decades of experience in the arts, she has demonstrated excellence in organizational development, strategic planning, program development, and implementation and is a passionate EDI advocate.
She is a project manager for the City of Calgary Northeast Public Art Initiative and has been involved as a consultant in different projects with both government and private organizations across Canada including the City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary’s Chinook Blast Winter Festival, Bird Creatives, Ethnik Festivals for Arts and Culture, Rozsa Foundation, and Business Arts.
Amongst other notable recognitions, Toyin has been recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, named Avenue Calgary Top 40 under 40 in 2023, Ethnik Festival Star Person of the Year 2023, Local Women and Global Changemakers Award by Calgary Immigrant Women Association in 2022, Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to watch by CIBWE in 2022, and Top 25 EDIA Persons of the year by Canadian Multicultural Group in 2021.
Register via MS Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/inETCrNrHD
Discovery Hub: Inclusivity
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Discover what the term inclusivity means, and how you can be more inclusive!
Tuesday April 2: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday April 3: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Friday April 5: Film Friday - Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Step into a world where every story matters, every voice is heard, and every perspective is celebrated at our IC Film Fridays! Join us for an inspiring journey that explores the human experience, fostering conversations on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We will be screening Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again for March's Film Friday! Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again shares the powerful story of Mary Two-Axe Earley, who fought for more than two decades to challenge sex discrimination against First Nations women embedded in Canada’s Indian Act and became a key figure in Canada’s women’s rights movement.
The screening will be followed by trivia with a prize, and there will be popcorn!
Monday April 8: Black Wellness Workshop
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The IC invites all Black-identifying learners to a wellness workshop on self-care hosted by BVC's counselling team. Join us for community building & snacks. Register for the event here or drop in.
Tuesday April 9: Language 101: Mandarin with Xiaolu
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Join our student-led series, where you can learn the basic phrases of a language. In this session, Xiaolu will teach the basics of Mandarin. Register here or drop in.
Tuesday April 9: TEDTalk Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and mind-expanding discussions? Look no further! Join us every Tuesday for a new and exciting TED Talk Series and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. See you there!
Wednesday April 10: EDI Series, Mad Studies: Mental Health and Neurodivergence | IN PERSON
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Come learn about the growing and evolving field of Mad Studies, which examines issues related to people whose experiences may not fit the norm. By reclaiming the terms "mad" and "madness," Mad Studies blends theory and activism. Register here or drop in.
Thursday April 11: EDI Series, Mad Studies: Mental Health and Neurodivergence | ONLINE
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Come learn about the growing and evolving field of Mad Studies, which examines issues related to people whose experiences may not fit the norm. By reclaiming the terms "mad" and "madness," Mad Studies blends theory and activism. Register here or drop in.
Friday April 12: Intercultural Centre is CLOSED
Monday April 15: Earth Month Flower Making Event
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month with the Intercultural Centre and the Sustainability team by crafting some flowers using materials donated from our Interior Decorating program! Destress, get ready for spring, and leave with flowers. Instructions will be provided, and no sewing skills are required.
Wednesday April 17: Breakfast Club IS MOVED to the 24th
We will see you on April 24!
Wednesday April 17: Intercultural Centre is CLOSED
Tuesday April 23: That's My Jam!
Join us in the IC for a jam session! You can sing, play, or even just enjoy the live music. Questions? Contact intercultural@bowvalleycollege.ca.
Wednesday April 24: Breakfast Club
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Picture this: a cozy corner filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the crunch of granola bars, the sweetness of fruit bars, and the nutty goodness of assorted nuts. Join us for a delightful start to your day, engage in camaraderie and conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and connected. ☕🌞
Intercultural Centre Events
Teach Your Talent: Learner led workshops
220
Workshops delivered at the Intercultural Centre
1350
ICan Crew learner volunteers
IC Learner Insights: Share ideas with your peers
"I find that volunteering is important to help grow as a person. I started because I needed a change. It has helped me to step outside of my comfort zone."
Intercultural Centre
Bow Valley College
North Campus, Room N322
345 - 6 Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2G 4V1
intercultural@bowvalleycollege.ca
