Community year in review · 2026
Since its executive committee took office on November 29, 2025, COCAT-RDC has created new opportunities to gather, engage and raise the community’s profile across Abitibi–Témiscamingue. These seven milestones reflect a year driven by local leadership.
A year of engagement, solidarity and visibility
The new executive committee framed its mandate around unity, welcome, integration and intercultural connection. From February to October, its activities brought together memory, regional outreach, sport, community diplomacy and institutional representation.
Celebrating Black history and contributions
COCAT-RDC marked Black History Month by highlighting memory, culture and the contributions of Black communities to the development of Canada and the region.
Meeting the community in Amos
A community gathering brought together more than twenty people in Amos. It created space to listen, strengthen connections and expand COCAT-RDC’s regional presence.
Keeping the memory of Congolese independence alive
In Rouyn-Noranda, the community commemorated the 66th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s independence in a warm, cultural and intergenerational setting.
Bringing communities together in Val-d’Or
Held at Golden Valley School with CAMERVAL, the community and intercultural day featured teams from COCAT-RDC, Val-d’Or’s Cameroonian community, Abitibi’s Guinean community and Unity FC Gatineau. The local team reports that 360 adults attended, in addition to children, and that COCAT-RDC finished second. The event received support from the City of Val-d’Or.
Joining a national network
In Ottawa, COCAT-RDC formalized its affiliation with the Canadian Council for the Representation of Congolese Communities (CCRCC). This milestone connects local priorities more closely with the national network’s representation and cooperation initiatives.
Bringing Abitibi’s voice into diplomatic dialogue
Michael Bosala was received by His Excellency Joska Kabongo Ngoy, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Canada, at the ambassador’s residence in Ottawa.
Presenting regional concerns to a federal MP
A COCAT-RDC delegation met federal Member of Parliament Sébastien Lemire at his office. Discussions covered immigration, family reunification, student pathways and selected public-health measures affecting the DRC.
A growing local presence
Nearly 9,000Facebook followers, up from about 19 at the start of the mandate, according to the local team
About 1,000TikTok followers, according to the submitted report
Stronger tieswith regional, national, institutional and diplomatic partners
A word from the president
Turning presence into capacity for action
“This year shows what a mobilized community can accomplish when it brings together welcome, culture, dialogue and representation. Our ambition is to consolidate these gains and open even more spaces for participation.”
Michael Bosala
President of COCAT-RDC
Report and photographs submitted by COCAT-RDC on October 16, 2026. Participation and social-media figures are attributed to the local team.