It was a vital community conversation for Moose Jaw - and it was a conversation that wasn't always in English.

Four languages were represented at the Vital Community Conversation called 'It Takes A Village; at Mosaic Place Thursday afternoon with the South Central Regional Immigration Partnership.

Dalise Hector, project manager, was running the conversation, which had about 100 people attending.

“A lot of conversation happened,” said Hector. “I think we learned a lot about our community and about our community’s needs. About the ways that having newcomers in our community can help those needs. About the ways our community is welcoming to newcomers and can be welcoming to newcomers.”

She said SCRIP will be using the information gathered to in their research to better understand the needs in the region.

“And the city of Moose Jaw is looking as well, from what I understand, to better understand their residents so I think they will take away some information as well.”

With English, French, Swahili and Arabic represented by interpreters, Hector said the day went well. The project is running through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, which was one of the sponsors of the event, and they will put together the needs and successes of this and the other events.

Newcomers and officials alike were present at the conversation, which had small group conversations and a large group as well.

“We have a strong community spirit here in Moose Jaw, and we have an invested newcomer population that care about their community and the community cares about them,” Hector said. “I can’t really say I’m surprised to see these folks sitting around and discussing how we can have greater growth in our community.”

She said a lot of partners came together for the project to help put it on, giving monetary support.