Group Membership:

Please check which membership category you are applying for
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  • A cultural club shall be defined as a group of ten or more individuals who share a biological descent from a common ancestry; or who maintain a shared ancestral heritage or common language; or who have an attachment to a shared ancestral territory. Cultural clubs are entitled to appoint 2 voting representatives and an alternate.

  • Community groups are entitled to appoint 1 voting representative.
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Group Information:

Group Name:
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Group Address:
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President Name:
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My Pronouns are:
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President Address:
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Telephone: 1st Contact#:
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Telephone: 2nd Contact#:
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Your E-mail Address:
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Representative Information:

Name of 1st Representative:
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Telephone: 1st Contact#:
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My Pronouns are:
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Telephone: 2nd Contact#:
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Address:
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E-mail Address:
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Representative Information:

Name of 2nd Representative:
Must be a different name than 1st Representative.
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Telephone: 1st Contact#:
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My Pronouns are:
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Telephone: 2nd Contact#:
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Address:
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E-mail Address:
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Would your representative be interested in standing for election to the Board of Directors?
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May we provide your contact information to community members who express interest in your club/group?
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Organization's Official Name:
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Year Founded:
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Address:
(Street number and name, city, postal code)
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Mission and Objectives:
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Please specify the culture, ethnicity and/or religion your organization represents:
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Number of Members:
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Where do your members live?
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Other:
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Programs and Activities, including dates of cultural importance:
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Annual Special Events:
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Partnerships and Affiliations:
(if applicable)
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Why does your organization want to join Bridges Niagara?
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How active is your organization with Bridges Niagara outside Festival?
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What resources can Bridges Niagara offer to meet your unmet needs?
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How did you hear about Bridges Niagara?
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Aims of Bridges Niagara


  1. To operate Settlement services for newcomers to Canada.

  2. To co-ordinate the efforts of all ethnic organizations and interested individuals in developing Canada’s folk arts and to undertake where feasible, activities on behalf of and involving member groups and/or by addressing issues of intercultural significance or by facilitating cultural and social integration processes on an ongoing basis with emphasis on the immigrant community.

  3. To preserve the heritage and traditions of all the peoples in Canada.

  4. To provide the opportunity for an exchange among the peoples of various cultures, thereby promoting knowledge and understanding.

  5. To ensure democratic access by participating cultural groups within our own corporate structure.

  6. To provide co-ordination and administrative assistance to those cultural groups requesting and needing such assistance that are involved in programmes requiring the participation of two or more cultural groups.

  7. To assist in the development of emerging cultural groups.
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Rights and Responsibilities of Ethno-Cultural Club Members

Rights of Ethno-Cultural Club Members

  1. Cultural Expression:
    Members have the right to express their cultural identity freely and participate in activities that celebrate their heritage.

  2. Inclusion and Respect:
    Every member has the right to be treated with respect and to participate in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on their ethnicity, culture, or background.

  3. Access to Resources:
    Members have the right to access resources, information, and opportunities provided by Bridges Niagara, including events, workshops, and mentorship.

  4. Participation in Decision-Making:
    Members have the right to participate in the decision-making processes of Bridges Niagara, including voting on key issues during the Annual General Meeting.

  5. Educational Opportunities:
    Members have the right to learn about other cultures and participate in activities that foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

  6. Safe Space:
    Members have the right to engage in discussions and activities in a safe and supportive environment.

  7. Privacy:
    Members have the right to privacy concerning their personal information and cultural background unless they choose to share it openly.


Responsibilities of Ethno-Cultural Club Members

  1. Alignment with Bridges Niagara Mission and Vision:

    • We celebrate and promote cultural, social, and economic inclusion and well-being of all immigrants and newcomers.

    • We are a gateway to equitable, respectful, and welcoming communities for immigrants and newcomers in Niagara.



  2. Attendance at AGM:

    • Each organization is required to have one member attend the Annual General Meeting. If the President is unable to attend, they must appoint a delegate. This delegate must be recognized as a club member.



  3. Active Participation:
    Members are encouraged to actively participate in Bridges Niagara activities, events, and meetings to foster a sense of community and contribute to Bridges Niagara objectives.

  4. Compliance with Bridges Niagara Guidelines:
    Members must adhere to Bridges Niagara guidelines, policies, and code of conduct, including behavior standards during events and activities.

  5. Responsibility Towards the Community:
    Members have the responsibility to represent their cultural club positively and contribute to its outreach and community engagement initiatives.


These rights and responsibilities help create a healthy, respectful, and inclusive environment where ethno-cultural club members can share their heritage while learning from others.
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Expectations of Ethno-Cultural Club Members


  1. Alignment with Bridges Niagara Mission and Vision:

    • We celebrate and promote cultural, social, and economic inclusion and well-being of all immigrants and newcomers.

    • We are a gateway to equitable, respectful, and welcoming communities for immigrants and newcomers in Niagara.



  2. Attendance at Annual General Meeting (AGM):
    Each organization is required to have one member attend the AGM. If the President is unable to attend, they must appoint a delegate. This delegate must be recognized as a club member.

  3. Active Participation:
    Members are encouraged to actively participate in Bridges Niagara activities, events, and meetings to foster a sense of community and contribute to Bridges Niagara objectives. This includes sending representatives to required meetings, including the AGM. Attendance ensures your voice is heard in decision-making.

  4. Compliance with Bridges Niagara Guidelines:
    During events held in partnership with Bridges Niagara, club members must adhere to Bridges Niagara guidelines, policies, and code of conduct, including behavior standards. Further information on specific policies is available upon request.

  5. Provision of Data:
    Provide all data required and/or requested, particularly that related to identified regulatory processes for Festival Open Houses. This includes pre- and post-event surveys and adherence to deadlines.

  6. Responsibility Towards the Community:
    Members have the responsibility to represent their cultural club positively and contribute to its outreach and community engagement initiatives.

  7. Completion of Ethnocultural Club Application Form (2026 Version):
    To meet funding requirements, all ethnocultural clubs must complete and submit the 2026 Application Form.


These rights and responsibilities help create a healthy, respectful, and inclusive environment where ethnocultural club members can share their heritage while learning from others.
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Ethno-Cultural Clubs Found in Non-Compliance with Expectations

We recognize that Clubs operate on a volunteer basis, and an individual associated with the Club may take an action in contravention of the listed expectations. Should this occur, the Clubs will be subject to the Bridges Niagara’s Complaint Process. This ensures fairness is accorded to all parties.

Sanctions
If a complaint is upheld, sanctions may be imposed, up to, and including, rescinding membership.

Rescinding Membership
Any club that does not comply with the listed expectations may have its Bridges Niagara membership rescinded as a final measure.
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Signing and Confirmation of Membership application

Accepted Membership includes a completed Registration AND full payment.
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I,
Your Full Name
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a representative of
Organization's Official Name
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has the authority to sign on behalf of my ethno-cultural organizational member of Bridges Niagara, and acknowledge that our organization understands these rights and expectations and the terms listed in the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Policy, and will be in compliance with them. Click here to view the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Policy (will open in a new window)
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I agree to allow my information to be posted on the Membership Roster (only accessible to other Bridges Niagara Members):
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Signature:
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Printed Name of Signature:
Your Full Name
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Thank you for completing your information. Please make your payment to complete your 2026 Bridges Niagara Membership.

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