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On November 19, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at Hudson in Calgary. This special ceremony celebrated the diverse backgrounds and journeys of 43 individuals from 18 different countries who took a significant step in their lives by officially becoming Canadian citizens.

We were deeply honored to have Dr. Wolfleg share his personal story during the Storytelling Circles. He spoke movingly about his childhood experience at a residential school in Canada and how it profoundly changed the course of his life and impacted Indigenous communities. His story was heartbreaking, yet he spoke with openness and gratitude, reflecting on his personal growth and the transformation he experienced. He concluded with a prayer, blessing the new citizens and everyone in the room as they embark on this meaningful journey together.

Canada’s history includes the injustice that Indigenous people have endured. It’s crucial that we recognize our shared responsibility to learn about this history and to actively participate in the healing process, fostering a stronger sense of community with Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength Indigenous communities have shown in preserving their languages, traditions, and cultures despite the hardships that Canada has inflicted of them.

To conclude the ceremony, Joy Robinson sang an original song called “Welcome Home” which perfectly captured the essence of the day. Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer requested that the children in the audience joined Dallas Hayes-Sparks in singing the bilingual version of the national anthem, creating an emotional moment of unity.

Our enhanced citizenship ceremonies focus on fostering meaningful conversations and encouraging individuals to share their personal journeys. This exchange creates valuable opportunities for mutual teaching and learning, enriching the experience for all participants. We celebrate each new citizen and embrace the diverse cultures they bring, strengthening and enriching our nation as a whole.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca.