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The National Gallery of Canada opened its doors to new Canadians on May 26, 2023, for an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. Anoksé – an Anishinaabemowin word meaning everything is connected – anchors and directs the Gallery. This played a key role in planning the citizenship ceremony because it drew on the significance of Citizenship Week and the impact that each individual’s actions have within Canada.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 39 individuals from 19 countries as Canadian citizens.

Upon receiving their Canadian citizenship, new citizens gain access to rights and privileges that they did not have before. With this comes responsibilities, as well, going beyond simply voting in elections. As active citizens, you can and should engage in civic activities, advocate for causes, volunteer, and work towards the betterment of society. ICC’s leader, Daniel Bernhard, congratulated the new Canadians and in his remarks, he continued this sentiment when said:

“The answer to our economic, environmental and cultural challenges is renewal: new energy, new optimism, new ideas, new skills, new resolve – to be better. To do better. That’s what you bring: difference. Different ways of doing things. Different ways of seeing things. You’re our difference makers.”

While candidates received their Canadian citizenship, they could see Parliament Hill through the grand windows in the Gallery. This view sparks the importance of our participation as citizens, inspiring constant change while in the heart of the Canadian political system.

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.

Thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

Angela Cassie

Interim Director and CEO

She/Her

Prior to joining the Gallery in January 2021, Angela Cassie served for 10 years in progressively senior roles at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights (CMHR) in Winnipeg before stepping down as Senior Vice-President, Program, Exhibitions and Public Affairs in 2019 to pursue a mini-MBA at the McGill Executive Institute.

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Kathryn Patricia Cobbler

Classical Musician

She/Her

Hailing from Canada’s Capital region, performing artist Kathryn Patricia Cobbler has crafted a singular niche in music improvisation and classical performance.

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