Cedar Weaving
2025-08-08 12:00 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver)
Join us for a fun day filled with knowledge! Come to Saysutshun Island and participate in this hands-on experience led by knowledge keeper, David Bodaly. Learn about the culture and history of the land and its people through the materials and technique of Cedar Weaving. Traditional cedar weaving was and still is an important practice for Coast Salish Peoples. It is used to create various items like baskets, mats, and clothing, connecting people to their cultural heritage.
Transportation and activity are FREE for CVIMS clients!
SPACE IS LIMITED and PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, no later than August 6th.
Date: Friday, August 8th, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 3:30pm
Register: workshops@cvims.org

VIU Pathways to Postsecondary
2025-08-12 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for this information session on this program for anyone who needs to take Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English Language Learning (ELL) to get into VIU programs. A great program for those looking to upgrade their skills and succeed in Canada’s in-demand sectors!
You tell us what VIU program you want to take, and we help you make it happen!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm
Location: In-person or Zoom

CRA Tax Clinic
2025-08-19 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 15:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Taxes? Got questions? Make an appointment to attend the CRA Tax Clinic and get one-on-one guidance, assistance and answers to your questions regarding taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Get assistance on:

Taxes: Get clarity on tax filing requirements, deductions, credits, and deadlines, ensuring compliance with CRA regulations while maximizing your tax benefits.
Government Benefits and Credits: Learn about available government benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credits, and other income support programs, and how to apply for them.
GST/HST Guidelines: Understand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) requirements for businesses and individuals, including registration, filing, and remittance procedures.
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings: Explore pension plan options, including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), and how they impact your financial future.
CRA My Account Assistance: Receive assistance with setting up and navigating your CRA My Account, a secure online portal where you can manage your tax and benefit information conveniently.

Contact your Settlement Worker to REGISTER
APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED

Art Therapy
2025-09-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-10 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-31 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-07 09:30 - 12:00 and 4 more dates | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This 10-week workshop is designed to help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels. There will be a new theme explored each week with the guidance from Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor.
Time: 9:3 0am – 12:00 pm
Interested? REGISTER HERE

September 19 – Goals and Visions
September 26 – CVIMS Closed, no workshop
October 3 – Stress Management
October 10 – Healthy Boundaries
October 17 – Anger Management
October 24 – Communication Skills
October 31 – Grief & Loss pt. 1
November 7 – Grief & Loss pt. 2
November 14 – Self Care
November 21 – Courage & Resilience
November 28 – Cultivating Community
December 5 – Exploratory

Mentor Connect
2025-10-08 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Information Session
In partnership with Immigrant Employment Council of BC [IECBC], learn their MentoConnect Program. Skilled immigrants are connected with professionals to help them familiarize themselves with local professionals norms, networks, and Canada’s labour market. These one-on-one mentorships can bring valuable insights and connections.
Can be attended in-person or via Zoom.
Register: workshops@cvims.org

Banking in Canada
2025-10-15 16:30 - 18:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Managing your finances can be overwhelming. Join this information session led by Derek Chen, Community General Manager of CIBC Bank and learn how to better manage your money. Understand how to manage every day expenses and unexpected expenses, as well as how to budget in to achieve your financial goals and protect your money.
In-Person or via Zoom session
REGISTER HERE

Halloween Safety | Trick or Treating
2025-10-31 15:30 - 17:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
A time for SPOOKY FUN!
Parents and children welcome! Parents will attend to learn about Halloween safety while children make some crafts with the SWIS Team. Then, we can all join in some Halloween fun and go Trick or Treating to the CVIMS buildings.
For the Parents’ Halloween Safety Workshop, REGISTER HERE!
Register children up to grade 12 for Trick or Treating HERE!

New to British Columbia
2026-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
If you’re new to B.C. or are returning after living outside of the province, here’s what you need to know about driving, calculating your insurance premiums, initial rates and more.
In Person 5-5:45 pm
319 Selby St, Room 23
Register at workshops@cvims.org

Art Therapy
2026-01-30 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
January 30, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Breast Cancer Awareness
2026-02-06 11:30 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This Information Session aims to increase knowledge,
promote early detection, raise awareness of resources
and support.
February 6, 2026
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Room 21
Register at: Event Registration

Super Clinic with CRA and Service Canada
2026-02-17 10:00 - 15:00
Join us to find out more about the benefits,
credits, pensions, programs, and services
you may be entitled to!
10 am – 3 pm
101-319 Selby St. Room 9
Contact your Settlement Worker or Case Manager to Register

Art Therapy
2026-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
February 27, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Art Therapy
2026-03-20 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
March 20, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

World Earth Day
2026-04-22 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Interactive Workshop for Newcomers in Nanaimo
Learn. Practice. Feel Confident. Make a Difference.
Are you new to Nanaimo and unsure how to manage your household waste? Join our interactive workshop designed to help you understand local waste sorting rules and build confidence in your daily routine.
What You’ll Learn
Sort Waste the Right WayLearn how to correctly separate recycling, compost, and garbage according to Nanaimo’s guidelines.
Understand Local RulesGet familiar with local waste management practices and avoid common mistakes.
Reduce Household WasteDiscover simple and practical ways to minimize waste at home.
Support a Cleaner CommunityContribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable Nanaimo.
Build Everyday ConfidenceFeel confident managing your waste and navigating daily life in your new community.
For more information contact workshops@cvims.org

Interim Federal Health Program info session
2026-04-28 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
What You’ll Learn
Stay informed about upcoming updates to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This session will help you understand what’s changing and how it may affect you.
Key Topics:
What’s Changing:An overview of important IFHP updates taking effect on May 1, 2026
Impact on Your Coverage:How these changes may affect your current health benefits and eligibility
Covered Services:A clear breakdown of which services will continue to be covered—and which may no longer be included
What You Need to Do:Steps you should take to ensure your coverage continues without interruption
April 28, 2026
4:30pm – 5:30 pm
Selby Office, Room 10
Register at: workshops@cvims.org

Emergency Preparedness
2026-04-29 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready for emergencies? You should always be prepared for whatever might come!
Join this information session and learn what and how to prepare for emergencies specific to living on Vancouver Island. Understand local risks and learn how to respond with confidence.
In this workshop you will learn common emergencies, what to include in a household emergency kit, how to create an emergency plan, staying informed, and more! Special Guest: Evan Lloyd, Emergency Manager of City of Nanaimo.
Come and learn, be prepared!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, | 4:30 – 5:45pm
In-person and online!

Canadian Citizenship
2026-05-26 17:00 - 18:00
Learn about

Eligibility and Requirements
Process
Necessary documents and fees
What is on the test and how to study

In person or via Zoom
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
5 pm -6 pm
You can email workshops@cvims.org to register.
(spots are limited)

Social Prescribing
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00
Social Prescribing Information Session for Seniors
When: June 9, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM or 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd, Nanaimo
Who Can Join: Adults aged 55+ and their family members or loved ones
Learn about free and low-cost programs and services available to seniors in Nanaimo. Social Prescribing connects older adults with community activities and supports that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
CVIMS clients will have the opportunity to meet with our Health Navigator and staff to explore local resources that help seniors stay healthy, active, and socially connected.
Register with your settlement worker, case manager, or send an email to workshops@cvims.org .
