Breaking the Cultural Silos: How ICN Canada Is Reweaving Winnipeg’s Social Fabric

Winnipeg is often celebrated as a city of immigrants, but are its communities truly connected?

That’s the question Cedric Cotte, founder and executive director of International Community Network (ICN) Canada, has been asking—and answering—through his grassroots work in intercultural collaboration.

Since arriving in Winnipeg from Côte d'Ivoire in 2018, Cedric has done far more than simply integrate. With a background in business administration and communication, and media studies from Canadian Mennonite University, he has become a catalyst for transformation. Drawing on his education, passion, and cultural insight, Cedric launched a social initiative to address one of the city’s quietly persistent challenges: cultural isolation among newcomers.

Winnipeg is home to more than 100 nationalities, yet many immigrants remain siloed within their cultural groups. Cedric frequently sees Nigerian events attended only by Nigerians, or Filipino celebrations that don’t attract participation from outside that community. “Why can’t we collaborate?” he asks. “We’re all internationals—we have more in common than we think.”

ICN Canada's mission is to break down these silos and build authentic human connection across community lines. Recently, Cedric facilitated a joint cultural event between the Bolivian and Peruvian communities—a partnership made possible because ICN helped build the bridge. “We’re not just an event platform; we’re a connector,” he says. “If a Haitian group wants to collaborate with a Vietnamese youth initiative, we make that happen.”

ICN’s work responds directly to the challenges newcomers face. As inflation soared, Cedric and his team launched “Adult Must Come,” a program rooted in Nigerian slang that encourages honest, intergenerational conversations about financial stress, community resources, and resilience. “It’s a moment of honesty,” he says. “We had a Jamaican youth share grocery-saving tips with a Sudanese newcomer mom. That’s what community really looks like.”

Another key initiative, Top & Chat 2.0, provided a space for immigrant youth to speak openly about mental health, identity, and leadership. More than just conversation, the program helped participants build lasting networks and a sense of belonging.

Cedric is also attuned to the political headwinds. Terms like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become polarizing, but to him, their meaning is clear. “When people say DEI doesn’t matter, I ask—do you know what DEI has done for your neighbours? It’s about ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and has a seat at the table. When people feel included, they participate more, and our city thrives.”

He draws inspiration from Ubuntu, the South African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” It’s a principle that guides ICN’s work—from French-English translation to music and dance workshops for those facing language barriers. “Even if someone can’t speak English fluently, they can still dance, cook, share,” Cedric says. “These are valid forms of communication.”

ICN Canada’s work is more than heartwarming—it’s civically strategic. By fostering intercultural collaboration, the organization reduces social isolation, strengthens mental well-being, and builds connected, resilient neighbourhoods. It also helps young volunteers develop leadership, event planning skills, and confidence in their voices.

But Cedric is quick to credit his team. “None of this is possible without them. They work late hours, unpaid, just because they believe in what we’re doing. They are the real changemakers.”

Winnipeg’s diversity is often praised, but diversity without connection is just demographics. ICN Canada offers the social infrastructure needed to transform diversity into unity.

In a time of global polarization, economic inequality, and cultural division, ICN’s work shows that intentional, inclusive connection can change a city, one relationship at a time.

“I am because we are. I am because I am Winnipeg.”

ICN Canada is a mirror of what Winnipeg can become—a place where cultures meet, stories are shared, and everyone feels like they belong.