Established in 1981, the Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba (CCOM) has been a vital part of the Caribbean community in Winnipeg for over four decades. From its early days as a small organization focused on supporting Caribbean newcomers to Manitoba, CCOM has grown into a respected and influential cultural organization that celebrates and promotes Caribbean culture and heritage in the province.
In its early years, CCOM provided much-needed support to Caribbean immigrants and their families who were struggling to adapt to life in Manitoba. The organization offered a range of services, from translation and interpretation to employment counseling and cultural orientation, that helped newcomers to the province find their footing and build a new life in Canada.
As the Caribbean community in Manitoba grew and evolved, so did CCOM. In the 1990s and 2000s, the organization began to focus more on promoting and preserving Caribbean culture and heritage in the province. CCOM organized and participated in a variety of cultural events, including the annual Caribbean Carnival, which showcased the music, dance, and food of the Caribbean.
Today, CCOM is a respected and influential cultural organization that plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in Manitoba. The organization offers a range of programs and activities that celebrate and promote Caribbean culture and heritage, including seminars, workshops, and performances. CCOM also works closely with other cultural organizations in Manitoba to promote understanding and cooperation among different communities.
As CCOM celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021, we look back on the organization’s history with pride and gratitude. We honor the vision, dedication, and hard work of the many volunteers and supporters who have helped to build and sustain this important organization over the past four decades. And we look forward to continuing our mission of celebrating and promoting Caribbean culture and heritage in Manitoba for many years to come.