Page 65 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Migration to non-metropolitan Canada

Figure 2. The mosque (the building in the middle and on the right) in
Brooks, Alberta, was expanded in 2013, which provides a place of worship
Figure 1. Two individuals are seen interacting outside the “Madina for the local Muslim population
Shopping Centre” and the “Africa SuperMarket.” Ethnic stores are
common areas for immigrant interaction in Brooks.
community. Many interviewees in Brooks felt that, while
you know, a lot of different countries…So it can make they did feel welcomed in general, there were subtle
you feel like you are home, even though it is not a home, unwelcoming attitudes embedded within the mainstream
home.” Finding people who shared similar experiences in community. This was described by one interviewee
integration was important, as it was a positive experience (Interviewee H) who had immigrated to Canada and had
of settlement in smaller cities. Having the experience of settled in Brooks to reunite with family as: “So I think that
sharing the same ethnocultural background, or experience Brooks is a spectrum. And there are many people who
as a “visible minority,” was described as satisfactory by maybe are against immigration…but there are definitely
an interviewee (Interviewee E): “So because Brooks is so two sides, because we are super multicultural, but we also
diverse, now, I think one of the good things is that if you have this group of people who maybe do not really like
are going to immigrate anywhere, and go to Brooks, you that, but they have lived here their whole life…So those
will find someone like you, eventually, because everyone are some challenges, you are always going to seem like an
outsider…”
is here.” The role of places of worship was a considerable
aspect in shaping an immigrant’s experience living in Although Brooks’ multicultural community indicated a
Brooks. Figure 2 depicts a former residential home welcoming and tolerant environment, as shared by many
(Figure 2: Middle building) that was first purchased by the participants, the influx of immigrants to this traditionally
Muslim community and converted into a mosque. It was homogenous small town presented challenges in fostering
later expanded in 2013 into a second building (Figure 2: inclusion and intercultural connections. This was described
Building on the right). The mosque is located relatively in by an interviewee who also immigrated to Brooks to
isolation from the main commercial areas, on the periphery reunite with family (Interviewee I) as: “Some challenges
of the municipality. When asked, “How satisfied are you I think, like when you first get to Brooks, is that feel like
with the stores and services available in Brooks related to you are left out because you are different than others, you
your ethnic, cultural, or religious needs?,” one interviewee speak a different language, you cannot communicate as
(Interviewee A), who had relocated from Medicine Hat, well. So, people just see you as an outsider. And you start to
Alberta, to Brooks in 2000, highlighted the establishment feel like you do not belong in Brooks. But then you realize
of a mosque and place of worship is paramount for a sense that there are also nice people in this area, you start to feel
of connection in the community. welcomed, and you start to feel at home and like it is a new
place that you can also make your own.”
3.3. Community challenges faced by immigrants in a There were a variety of responses to the question: “Where
non-metropolitan community
are some places that you feel connected to the community?.”
Interviewees discussed the opportunities and challenges Some interviewees referred to their workplace, school, or
of living in Brooks. The advantages of living in a non- community recreational center as a place where they feel
metropolitan community include factors such as connected to the community. Two interviewees noted
proximity to work and services, quiet neighborhoods, and that places of worship, such as mosques and churches,
a perceived sense of safety. The disadvantages mentioned play a significant role in connecting individuals to the
encompass a lack of urban amenities, such as a variety of community. However, various interviewees mentioned
shops, restaurants, and places to visit. One challenge that that there is no place, or a lack of places, that they feel a
was consistently mentioned by interviewees in Brooks connection with. Interviewees indicated that despite the
was related to their perceived sense of belonging in the presence of annual multicultural celebrations and events

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 59 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.6309