We are building artifacts of the future and working to understand what they need in order to survive and thrive. We are imagining equitable futures.
Vision
We see Canada as a place where everyone feels welcome and has a strong sense of well-being and belonging.
Mission
We seek to understand the evolving definition of what it means to be Canadian from new and developing Canadians. We elevate and amplify the individual stories and living experiences of Newcomers, Immigrants and Youth (especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People-of-Colour).
We define “new” as Newcomers, Immigrants and first-generation Canadians; individuals who have chosen to call Canada home, at least for now. About 1 in 5 individuals in Canada are foreign-born bringing their own culture, languages, and stories with them.
We define “developing” as Youth; individuals who are growing up in Canada. Approximately 25% of Canada’s population are youth who are more diverse, connected, socially engaged, and educated than ever before.
Our aim is to see the equitable futures we are imagining come to life.
Values
“Diversity is a fact.
Equity is a choice.
Inclusion is an action.
Belonging is an outcome.”
– Arthur Chan
As an organization, we strive every single day to find belonging for ourselves and for every person who lives in this country we currently call Canada in our organizations, systems, policies, programs and services.
If we are going to truly be a country that is welcome to everyone that calls this place home, then we are going to need to do a lot of work for our future generations.
Do you have a design challenge in your community?
Get in touch! We are always on the look out for new partners to work with.
Timeline
From May 29 to June 1, we presented the first public installation of The Stories of Us at the HAPPENING Multicultural Festival. We showcased the incredible stories of our participants and created an interactive installation where anyone who visited was encouraged to tell us where they were from.
The DIA participated in Toronto Newcomer Day for the second time showcasing some of our new stories.
Our project The Stories of Us was one of the winners at Ontario Culture Days this year! We ran a series of workshops at the Toronto Public Library with newcomers talking to them about their experience of moving to Canada and reflecting on the experiences they’ve had since arriving here. We’re thrilled to be recognized in the Removing Barriers to Access category and congratulate all the other winners.
The DIA facilitated two workshops at the Toronto Public Library (York Woods and Northern District) for The Stories of Us during Culture Days.
We were thrilled to receive notice that The Stories of Us was one of 99 recipients of the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada through the Service Delivery Improvement contribution.
The DIA facilitated a workshop with administrators and students for Centennial College’s Leadership Academy about what leadership means and who leaders are.
Our Future Happens Here project receives a grant from the School for Social Entrepreneurs for further development.
The DIA begins its pilot project of The Story Stitching Project (now known as The Stories of Us) with a group of ESL students at Sanderson Library.
Our Board of Directors holds its first official board meeting and retreat.
The DIA becomes an official federally incorporated not-for-profit!
The DIA received funding from the United Church of Canada’s Social Innovation department to present The Storybook Project at the annual Skylight Festival.
The DIA pilots Project potaTO with two workshops at the Toronto Youth Cabinet.