MULTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
The Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario (MANWO) is a regional umbrella organization for multicultural organizations, cultural groups, and ethnocultural communities working together to promote the concept of multiculturalism. The idea of forming MANWO originated at the first Northwestern Ontario Regional Multicultural Conference held in Thunder Bay in February, 1979, when delegates at the forum wanted to form a network linking small isolated communities across the region. A Steering Committee drafted the constitution, and the first Board Members were elected in April 1980. MANWO was formally registered as a corporate, not-for-profit organization in November, 1981.
MANWO's mission is to work for a fair and just society with equal opportunity, equal access, and equal participation in every aspect of Canadian life by all citizens regardless of race, culture, or ethnic background. The association's objectives can be summarized as follows:
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a) To promote the concept of multiculturalism throughout Northwestern Ontario, and develop appropriate resource materials to complement the same.
b) To provide settlement services that facilitate the cultural integration of new immigrants and refugees into the Canadian mainstream. c) To sensitize communities on the benefits of cultural diversity, enhance awareness of the contributions that foster appreciation of our rich heritage. d) To act as the chief advocate on behalf of multicultural and ethnocultural groups in the region, and work for positive changes to improve our well-being. e) To preserve cultural freedom and promote a national identity for all Canadians. f) To reach out to the youth, empower them to deal with the challenges of living in a multicultural society, encourage them to get along and prepare them to be responsible citizens. g) To work with communities, institutions and ethnocultural groups to promote harmonious relations, equality, fairness and justice for all Canadians. h) To support and strengthen ethnocultural groups for self-reliance and encourage them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian society. |
MANWO serves as the region's resource centre for information, training and resources on citizenship, multiculturalism and race relations. The association delivers settlement services to newcomers, links with other service providers in under-serviced areas of the region, and encourages main-stream institutions to be inclusive and sensitive to diversity.
MANWO's affiliates include Multicultural Associations, Native Friendship Centres, Race Relations Committees, Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest de L'Ontario, and the Regional Multicultural Youth Council. The following are the affiliates and their communities:
1. Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan
2. Dryden Literacy Association, Dryden
(Dryden Native Friendship Centre)
3. Geraldton Thunderbird Friendship Centre, Geraldton
4. Ignace Community / Stephen Cyr Youth Drop In Centre, Ignace
5. Manitouwadge Multicultural Association, Manitouwadge
6. Four Colours Race Relations Committee, Marathon
7. Multicultural Association of Kenora and District, Kenora
(Ne-Chee Friendship Centre)
8. Rainy Lake Multicultural Association, Fort Frances
(United Native Friendship Centre)
9. Rainy River Multicultural Association, Rainy River
10. Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre
(Red Lake Adult English Education Centre Inc,)
11. Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, Sioux Lookout
(Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre)
12. Terrace Bay/Lake Superior Multicultural Association, Terrace Bay
13. Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, Thunder Bay
(Regional Multicultural Youth Council (Youth Network)
14. Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest de L'Ontario -- AFNOO