Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP), administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, was thrilled to present the 2025 Welcoming Spirit Awards at the annual Partner Update Event: Elisk+Nweyek – Weaving Together – Tisser Ensemble on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

This is the second year the CBLIP has presented the Welcoming Spirit Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who have made a significant contribution in building welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers to Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

“Each of this year’s Welcoming Spirit Award recipients have demonstrated remarkable heart and dedication in supporting newcomers as they find their place in Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” said Kailea Pedley, CBLIP Program Manager. “Their generosity, empathy, and commitment to building inclusive communities shine through in everything they do. We are proud to honour those who embody the spirit of welcome and help make our region a true home for all.”

The recipients of the 2025 Welcoming Spirit Awards are:

• Individual: Shane Condon
• Organization: Multicultural Association of Cape Breton

If you were born outside of Canada and now call Unama’ki – Cape Breton home, we invite you to consider nominating an individual or organization who helped you feel welcome for a Welcoming Spirit Award in 2026 when nominations open (summer and fall 2026).

To learn more about the Welcoming Spirit Awards, please visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/welcoming-spirit-awards/.

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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership:
Administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP) is a collaborative initiative designed to foster welcoming communities that support the full participation of newcomers in the social, economic, political and cultural life of Cape Breton-Unama’ki. For more information, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/CBLIP.