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The Dragon Boat Festival has become an annual event that people look forward to year-round! In 2018, the Dragon Boat Races celebrated 30 years of success in Vancouver with events now occurring across Canada. With a long history before the 1980s, the festival’s spirit has always lied in generosity, reciprocity and sharing. For this reason, you can find musicians from the community who play live music all weekend long on the stage. While on the water, you can watch the races and support those who compete.

Citizenship Judge Carol-Ann Hart administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 50 individuals from 17 countries becoming Canadian citizens.

Peter Wong spoke in congratulations to the new citizens as a representative for the Dragon Boat Festival when he said:

“You are now part of a diverse, multicultural society that embraces people from all walks of life. Our Canadian values include respect, tolerance, and equality. As you join this great Canadian family, we encourage you to celebrate your heritage and share your culture with us. Canada is a mosaic of cultures and each of you bring a unique perspective that enriches our society.”

During the Dragon Boat Festival, aspects of Chinese culture are shared with those who attend. Using the concerts and the cultural pavilion as additions to the dragon boat races, this festival now aims to build unity across the diverse communities of Vancouver. As each candidate became a Canadian citizen, they hold onto their history and their culture becoming one with this mosaic that we, as Canadians, hold in high regard.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

For more information on the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, 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.

Dave C. Reroma

Accounting Clerk

He/Him

Originally from southern Philippines, Dave Reroma had been to different places internationally until he happily settled here in Canada with his wife.

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Peter Wong

Chairperson of the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society

He/Him

Peter Wong has paddled on the men’s national team in Hong Kong and Singapore and now coaches for corporate teams and for his multi-generational family Dragon Boat team alongside his professional and volunteer responsibilities.

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