When Roopa Rakshit arrived in Canada in 2012, she admits she felt more than just a little lonely. “There were challenges to overcome in culture, community, and professional placements, such as developing soft skills and integrating and contributing to the work market – and of course there was the weather!” Roopa laughs.
Roopa decided the best way to meet people was to dive right in and volunteer in the community. “I met lots of people this way and learned so much. It was a great way to learn and assimilate into the Canadian culture.”
Then Roopa had an idea. If she felt like this when she left India and came to Thunder Bay, then there must be many other immigrants who felt the same way. She shared her idea with Laura Fralick, an active community volunteer, and they invited a few friends to a meeting and the International Tapestry Women’s Network (ITWN) was born.
“The Tapestry is all about weaving friendships across borders and creating a respect for one another,” Roopa smiles. “It was created with the goal of promoting new friendships, sharing our cultures, and creating a stronger sense of community belonging. We’ve created a safe space in our gatherings for women to express themselves and gain new connections.”
The group celebrates equity and diversity – fostering an inclusive community. “The platform emphasizes the importance of being cognizant of other cultures, beliefs, and different lifestyles. We realize that we are all different and we don’t place any judgement or ask people to change.
We only ask that people open their hearts,” Roopa says.
It is often easier for immigrant men to adapt into another culture as they are exposed to it through their work. Women, on the other hand, often stay at home, looking after the children and the elderly parents. “The Tapestry gives women an outlet to discuss their professional backgrounds, socialize, share their experiences and find and offer support,” Roopa says.
The Tapestry celebrates their members talents through cultural events including their annual Gala and their Ethnic Food Picnic.
The Picnic features home-based caterers sharing their cultural foods for the community to enjoy. But there is more to the Picnic than just food. There is music, dancing, bright cultural outfits and a real sense of community that erases the borders and fosters sharing and acceptance.
The 2024 Gala event, “Brides of the World”, showcased bridal outfits from twelve different countries and gave attendees the opportunity to dress in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoy locally prepared ethnic foods and multi-cultural performances of dance and music. The event is held mid May and everyone is welcome!
The money raised from the Tapestry events supports several charities including Bethammi Nursing Home, Precious Bundles, Alpha Court Community Mental Health and Addiction Services, Faye Peterson House, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Sherbrooke Public School, various community food groups, as well as helping newcomers to Thunder Bay.
The Tapestry continues to weave together friendships of different cultural backgrounds and create a strong knitted environment that fosters acceptance, all while sharing other beliefs and traditions with the people of Thunder Bay. What a wonderful accomplishment.
For more information and to contact the Tapestry Women’s Network, visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/womenstapestry
