A piece of rock. A brush stroke on it. Although it may look ordinary, for a new child it can become a piece of memory to remember his country. For a parent, it can be a beautiful means of showcasing his culture in a new country. With such a thought, an exceptional ‘rock painting’ program has been organized for new families living in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This creative event will be held at the organizers’ office from 11 am to 12 noon on Friday, July 24. The participating families will draw pictures of their choice on smooth rocks with paint and brushes. Some may draw the flag of their country, some the national flower, some will draw a childhood village or a scene of nature. Each picture will be a personal story, an identity of a culture.
According to the organizers, many families initially face loneliness, language barriers, and social isolation when they arrive in a new country. Such events not only help children develop their creativity, but also play an important role in building identity, friendship, and mutual understanding between people from different countries.
Let’s say the Rahman family arrived in St. John’s from Bangladesh a few months ago. Eight-year-old Ayesha has yet to make many friends at her new school. In the rock painting program, she draws the national flower of Bangladesh, the lotus, on a rock, and a red maple leaf next to it. After finishing the picture, she tells the other children the story of her drawing. On the other hand, her mother draws the green fields and rivers of the village on another rock.
Soon, other families in the neighborhood also start telling their stories. Some come from Ukraine, some from Syria, some from the Philippines, and some from Nigeria. Although the languages are different, the language of colors becomes one for everyone. At the end of this one-hour event, they not only return home with colorful rocks, but also take with them new identities, new friendships, and a sense of being part of a new community.
According to the organizers, such small initiatives strengthen multicultural societies. Because, the most beautiful way to know each other’s cultures is to share stories, and art is one of the easiest ways to tell those stories.
Advance registration is required to participate in the event. All types of paints, brushes and necessary materials will be provided by the organizers. As the number of seats is limited, interested parties are urged to register quickly.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/LVEQUozxsy7gx7X2A
ST. JOHN’S, NL: A national flag is never just a piece of cloth.
The parade is not about politics or borders. It is about love.
That is the true spirit of multiculturalism.
Following a short break, the audience will enjoy the powerful rhythms of African drumming by Bolaji Balogun, before witnessing one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, the Parade of Countries Represented in Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrating the province’s multicultural communities.
Men (18+): 
Over three months of filming, the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show transformed local restaurants, catering kitchens, and community spaces into vibrant television sets where culture met cuisine. The result is an inspiring fourth season that celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing multicultural community through one universal language everyone understands: food.
With the theme “How It’s Made,” Season 4 offers audiences an authentic, behind the scenes look at how ten beloved ethno cultural dishes are prepared from scratch by newcomer chefs who have built businesses, careers, and new lives in the province. 
More than a cooking series, the production tells the human stories behind every recipe, showcasing the traditions, family heritage, and determination that continue to enrich communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Filmed between April and June, the season features ten newcomer chefs representing ten cultures, each sharing a signature dish while opening the doors to their kitchens and their journeys.
Season 4 is about much more than cooking. It is a celebration of the newcomer entrepreneurs who are strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy while introducing residents to authentic international cuisine. Their restaurants and catering businesses have become gathering places where cultures connect and communities grow stronger.
The Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show continues to serve as a platform for promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and sharing the remarkable stories of newcomers who now proudly call Newfoundland and Labrador home.
Hosted at the Tombolo Office in St. John’s, the workshop focused on helping newcomers understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly. Participants learned how AI can assist with writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, translating documents, understanding Canadian systems, improving communication, and completing everyday tasks more efficiently. The session also highlighted the limitations of AI and emphasized the importance of verifying AI generated information before relying on it.
After participating in the workshop, the participant learned how AI can help improve resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, translate documents, and better understand Canadian systems. The participant said the workshop changed their perception of AI and gave them greater confidence in using technology to support their career goals.
Organizers said digital and AI literacy are becoming essential skills in today’s world. By providing newcomers with practical knowledge and hands on experience, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to employment, improve digital confidence, and help participants integrate more successfully into Canadian society.
The match was organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and focused on unity, participation, and cultural exchange through sport. Players were mixed into teams to encourage inclusion and interaction among different communities.
The game was highly competitive and energetic throughout, described by attendees as a “high-voltage” match where neither side gave space or time on the ball. The pace stayed intense from start to finish at the Fortis Canada Complex soccer ground.
Spectators also praised the level of play, highlighting strong fitness, teamwork, and technical ability from all participants.
Several players shared their thoughts after the event:
Organizers highlighted that initiatives like this help bridge that gap for newcomers by providing access to sport, building friendships, and supporting community integration through shared activity.
The event concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, marking another successful example of how sport can unite diverse communities.
The event transformed the market into a vibrant cultural gathering, featuring live musical performances, energetic traditional dances, and an international fashion show. Models proudly showcased traditional attire representing countries including Ghana, Chile, Nigeria, Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Japan, China, and many others, highlighting the rich cultural diversity that makes Canada unique.
More than 40 vendors participated in the multicultural market, offering visitors a wide variety of international cuisine, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and cultural products. Guests explored traditions from around the world while supporting local multicultural businesses and artisans.
The celebration attracted a large crowd and created a welcoming atmosphere where families, newcomers, and long-time residents gathered to experience and appreciate the many cultures that enrich Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This celebration reflects the strength of our multicultural community and the importance of bringing people together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences,” the organizers said.
Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL expressed its sincere appreciation to all performers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and attendees whose support made the event a great success.
Maria’s story reflects the experience of many newcomers across Newfoundland and Labrador. Skilled immigrants often arrive with valuable qualifications and years of professional experience, yet many face challenges understanding how to have their credentials recognized and how to access careers that match their expertise.
The free information sessions will provide practical guidance on credential assessment services, professional regulatory bodies, educational upgrading opportunities, and pathways to employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants will also learn where to find trusted information, how to avoid common mistakes, and what support services are available throughout the process.
In addition to providing information on foreign credential recognition, the sessions will also highlight how Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and We Care Foundation of NL can support newcomers through mentorship, community connections, educational opportunities, and access to relevant resources.
Things began to change when she joined a local community cooking group. Through shared meals and conversations, she met people from different cultures, learned about Canadian traditions, and gained confidence speaking English. Those new friendships eventually led her to volunteer opportunities and part-time employment.
The program will provide a wide range of educational, cultural, recreational, and wellness activities that encourage participants to engage with fellow newcomers and local Canadians alike.