Deliver programs and services designed to advance immigrants, migrants, refugees, visible minorities, first-generation Canadians and their families in becoming full and equal members of Canadian society.
KIS Mission
Our Vision. Mission. History
Vision
Kamloops Immigrant Services envisions a Canada where newcomers find a safe, supportive home and where their talents, perspectives, and experiences strengthen the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our communities. As a leader in settlement services, KIS is committed to:
- Promoting awareness of the contributions newcomers bring to Canada.
- Positioning Kamloops as a city of choice for immigrant newcomers by addressing emerging client needs with innovative services.
- Creating inclusive communities where immigrants feel safe and can fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life.
Through collaborative partnerships and strategic agreements, KIS fosters acceptance and diversity, advocating for policies that ensure social, political, economic, and educational equity for newcomers. By facilitating multicultural collaborations, raising public awareness, and reframing the public narrative, KIS strives to build a culturally responsible and responsive society that celebrates and integrates the unique heritage of newcomers.
Mission
To deliver programs and services that empower immigrants, migrants, refugees, visible minorities, first-generation Canadians, and their families to become full and equal members of Canadian society. KIS advocates for local, regional, and national settlement, integration, and multicultural issues. We raise awareness of the importance of immigration, multiculturalism, and diversity, promoting respect and understanding to overcome barriers and challenges newcomers face.
History
In March 1980, the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Associations responded to the need for settlement assistance for the large numbers of South East Asian refugees who were arriving in Kamloops.
The Vietnamese and Immigrants’ Community Center was opened, with a staff of two. Many will remember this time as the arrival of the Boat People incident. In 1982, the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Associations had fulfilled their mandate for two years’ assistance. However, the need for services to immigrants from various backgrounds was evident. Thus, on January 20, 1982, KAMLOOPS-CARIBOO REGIONAL IMMIGRANT SOCIETY was incorporated as a non-profit society with the purpose of sponsoring an immigrant service agency. This agency was named “The
Immigrants’ Community Centre”. In 1985, the agency was more appropriately re-named Kamloops
Immigrant Services. Programs and services are delivered through Kamloops Immigrant Services.