The Canisius University Borders and Migrations Initiative is a collaborative space where Canisius students, faculty, and staff, together with members of the Western New York Community work to understand and support the lives of immigrants and refugees around the globe.

 The Borders and Migrations Initiative develops programs, events, and opportunities for our community to support justice for migrants, refugees, and those who meet and cross borders.   We are guided by the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, which insists that different perspectives, reflection and action intersect so that we become women and men with and for others.

Our Community Friends and Collaborators

International Institute of Buffalo

 Jericho Road Community Health Center and Vive Shelter

Journey’s End Refugee Services

Justice for Migrant Families WNY

KINO Border Initiative

Raíces Theatre Company

Volunteer Lawyers Project

West Side Bazaar

Worker Justice Center of New York

Border Week Participants at Canisius University

• The Department of Modern Language, Literatures, and Cultures
• The Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Environmental Studies
• The International Relations Program
• The Latin American Studies Program
• Department of Fine Arts
• Sigma Delta PI
• Latin American Students and Friends
• The Office of Mission & Identity 
• Office of Campus Ministry
• Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library
• ArtsCanisius
• The Digital Humanities Group
• Center for Urban Education
• Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Program

Borders and Migrations Collaborators

• Founder/ Director: Richard Reitsma – reitsmar@canisius.edu
• Anita Butera – butera2@canisius.edu
• Secil Ertorer – ertorers@canisius.edu
• Paola Fajardo-Heyward – fajardop@canisius.edu
• Mark Gallimore – gallimom@canisius.edu
• Jean Gregorek – gregorej@canisius.edu
• Kristine Kasbohm – kasbohmk@canisius.edu
• Spencer Liechty – liechtys@canisius.edu
• Yvonne Widenor – widenory@canisius.edu

At Canisius College, a big part of the planning, coordination, and provision of resources for Border & Migrations Initiative is done by students and faculty in the Canisius University Spanish program.  Please consider donating to the Spanish program, to support our students.