Our First Event

In June 2026, twelve founding members and their families came together for the first gathering of Akwa Ibom Society Network BC. We shared a meal cooked by one of our own members, told each other where we're from, and spent the evening mingling and dancing together. It was simple, and it was exactly the kind of connection we set out to build. We officially incorporated as a society the following month, in July 2026.

Here's the full section for reference with everything else unchanged:

Project Overview
Akwa Ibom Society Network BC is a newly incorporated community initiative built by and for Akwa Ibom people living in British Columbia. We're building the connective tissue for our community here: a network that links newcomers, families, youth, and seniors together, and keeps us connected to home.

Why This Matters
Moving to a new country often means losing the everyday web of community that used to hold people up: extended family, cultural rhythms, people who understand where you're from. Rebuilding that here gives people a place to belong, practical support when they need it, and a way to pass our culture on to the next generation.

Our First Event
In June 2026, twelve founding members and their families came together for the first gathering of Akwa Ibom Society Network BC. We shared a meal cooked by one of our own members, told each other where we're from, and spent the evening mingling and dancing together. It was simple, and it was exactly the kind of connection we set out to build. We officially incorporated as a society the following month, in July 2026.

How We're Helping
We're building programs for newcomer settlement support, youth mentorship and leadership development, senior social inclusion, and economic empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship support. We're building our community one member at a time, and applying for grants to fund the programs above.