To enable individuals to discover their own strengths and potential through volunteer projects involving Canadian and international participants. Through these projects, the volunteers' exposure to diverse peoples and cultures will introduce them to the possibility of peace through deeds, as well as give them exposure to cultural diversity and the tools for tolerance. The projects are developed in cooperation with local community groups as well as other local, national and international organizations. They aim to foster understanding of people of different social, cultural, political or religious backgrounds by working, learning and living together.
Work projects such as the ones we offer have been in existence for over 80 years bringing diverse people and cultures together to experience life in different communities. In English-speaking Canada , the concept of promoting peace through short-term, non-denominational work projects or “camps”, drawn from international groups, remained virtually unknown.
In 2003, following the close of International Volunteer Service Canada, Ottawa resident and previous board member, Shirley de Souza, along with support from SCI USA, VFP USA , and previous IVS Canada workcamp volunteers, developed and incorporated NOCONA Canada in order to continue giving Canadians as well as the international community the opportunity to participate in volunteer workcamps and to see the seeds of change worldwide. Nocona Canada was accepted as the Canadian office within the Service Civil International network, allowing easy exchanges between Canadian volunteers and those from overseas.
Previous Camps in Canada
Prince Edward and Hastings Counties , Ontario (2001)– International Volunteer Service ( Canada ) hosted a group of international volunteers August 24 until September 1, 2001 , in celebration of the United Nations' International Year of Volunteers. The small group ranged in age from 12 - 57, and consisted of some volunteers from Canada as well as people from the United Kingdom , the United States and Russia.
International Volunteer Service ( Canada ) hosted a group of international volunteers August 24 until September 1, 2001 , in celebration of the United Nations' International Year of Volunteers. The small group ranged in age from 12 - 57, and consisted of some volunteers from Canada as well as people from the United Kingdom , the United States and Russia.
The group lived and worked together for nine days. They visited three homes for the aged: Hastings Manor, Belleville , Centennial Manor, Bancroft, and McFarland Home, Picton, spending time with the residents and performing some gardening in rose gardens and a pumpkin patch.
Merritt , British Columbia (2002-2003) – The Interior Salish Indians of the Lower Nicola Valley of British Columbia hosted two 14 days camps involving 24 volunteers from around the globe. Volunteers worked and lived among the native communities participating in traditional working and cultural lifestyles (attending pow-wows and local native dances), including salmon fishing in the Fraser River Valley and food and berry gathering for distribution to the elderly.
Flores Island , British Columbia (2004-2005) – The Ahousaht native community will host 20 volunteers during two 14 days camps. This year, volunteers will continue their work from 2004 to help build the Youth Cultural Centre, clearing of the environment and learning the traditional ways of life including boat building.
