https://gathermedia.ca/ A digital magazine for the African diaspora in Canada: migration stories, newcomer playbooks, Japa Confessions, Spotlight and the weekly Frontiers column. en-ca Thu, 05 Nov 2026 02:34:57 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/frontiers-001-so-much-for-minding-our-business.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/frontiers-001-so-much-for-minding-our-business.html At least four Nigerian-Americans won in the US midterms. Whoever told us to go abroad and mind our business may need to explain what “our business” means. Frontiers Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/immigration-levels-plan-2027-2029-what-to-watch.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/immigration-levels-plan-2027-2029-what-to-watch.html Ottawa’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan is due this fall. Before the numbers drop, here is what is already decided, what could change and how to stay ready. Newcomer Playbooks Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/spotlight-ibironke-odumosu-ayanu-usask-law-dean.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/spotlight-ibironke-odumosu-ayanu-usask-law-dean.html A University of Lagos law graduate now leads the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Her five-year term as dean began on October 1, 2026. Spotlight Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canada-rents-two-years-falling-newcomer-guide.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canada-rents-two-years-falling-newcomer-guide.html Average asking rents in Canada have now fallen year over year for 24 months in a row. If you are moving, renewing or arriving soon, here is where you have room to negotiate. Home & Housing Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/credential-recognition-is-not-integration.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/credential-recognition-is-not-integration.html Canada is spending to speed up credential recognition. New research using the experiences of Nigerian-trained nurses and doctors asks what happens after the paperwork is done. Money, Work & Career Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/parents-grandparents-pause-super-visa.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/parents-grandparents-pause-super-visa.html IRCC has stopped taking new sponsorship requests for parents and grandparents until further notice. Here is what is still open, including the Super Visa. Love, Family & Weddings Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/toronto-african-arts-crafts-culture-fair-2026.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/toronto-african-arts-crafts-culture-fair-2026.html The International African Arts, Crafts and Culture Fair runs in Toronto from November 6 to 8. Here is why it is worth going, and how to make the most of it. Culture, Events & City Life Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-doors-narrowing-autumn-2026.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-doors-narrowing-autumn-2026.html The US, the UK and Canada have all tightened their rules within about eighteen months. For many Nigerians, whether they can japa is now decided by foreign governments. Japa Stories & Journeys Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confessions-the-second-japa.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confessions-the-second-japa.html Research shows a large share of immigrants who leave Canada do so within a few years of arriving. We want to hear from those who thought about it, stayed, or went. Japa Confessions Charles Aborishade Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-003.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-003.html There is a suitcase under my bed that has been packed since October. For months, it held the possibility of leaving. Japa Confessions Anonymous Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-002.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-002.html My mother believed I worked in an office. For eleven months, I cleaned hotel rooms in Canada and built an imaginary workplace so she could sleep at night. Japa Confessions Anonymous Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-001.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/japa-confession-001.html Let the records show that I did not plan to fight a raccoon on my third night in Canada. It was not on my vision board. It was not in the prayer points my mother sent at 4:47am. Japa Confessions Anonymous Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/trailblazer-dr-ngozi-ibe.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/trailblazer-dr-ngozi-ibe.html From Lagos teaching hospitals to leading a maternal health initiative in Ontario — Dr. Ngozi Ibe is rewriting what care looks like for African mothers in Canada. Spotlight Eyitayo Gray Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/when-faith-travels.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/when-faith-travels.html Sunday meant noise — drums shaking the windows, neighbours in starched lace. When she moved to Canada, church was suddenly a Zoom link and long, quiet evenings where God felt far away. Japa Stories & Journeys Eyitayo Gray Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/the-accent-that-opens-doors.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/the-accent-that-opens-doors.html First week at a new job in Toronto. A simple introduction in a team meeting became a referendum on belonging, identity, and how far an accent can carry you. Money, Work & Career Eyitayo Gray Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/the-first-winter.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/the-first-winter.html Every immigrant has a first-winter story. The shock. The betrayal. The mourning of toes. Three short stories stitched together like a quilt of cold memories. Culture, Events & City Life Eyitayo Gray Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/love-in-transit.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/love-in-transit.html When Ada first saw Kunle, he was holding a bright red suitcase that looked too big for his confidence. Pearson Airport was doing what it does best. Love, Family & Weddings Eyitayo Gray Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canadian-rent-decoder.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canadian-rent-decoder.html Canadian rent has no home training. One minute you are scrolling calm; the next minute you see a basement going for the same price as a three-bedroom palace back home. Home & Housing Eyitayo Gray Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canada-tightens-2026-international-student-cap.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/canada-tightens-2026-international-student-cap.html IRCC announced how many study permits they plan to issue in 2026. Here's the Gather breakdown in plain language. Newcomer Playbooks Eyitayo Gray Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/how-we-japa.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/how-we-japa.html You see the Instagram reels: airport selfies, snow angels, 'new chapter' captions. But what about month three, when the excitement wears off? Japa Stories & Journeys Eyitayo Gray Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://gathermedia.ca/articles/love-is-the-only-thing.html https://gathermedia.ca/articles/love-is-the-only-thing.html When you strip immigration of flags and forms, what's left is love. Love for the family you left behind. Love for the future you're building with your bare hands. Love, Family & Weddings Eyitayo Gray Sun, 09 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000