‘We feel part of the country’: New Canadians share their journeys at citizenship ceremony (CBC News)
01.03.2018
Venue
The Foundry Room, Edmonton, Alberta
Theme
National Nursing Week
On May 11, 2023, ICC celebrated National Nursing Week! In our Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, we choose themes that represent our communities because it is important to foster these relationships. Remembering the amazing work that nurses do across Canada, every day is important for the future success of our health care. Nurses hold courage and commitment in their hearts. This is a quality they share with many people in the process of applying for their Canadian citizenship. ICC celebrated these courageous candidates becoming Canadians at the Foundry Room in Edmonton, Alberta on this day.
Presiding Official Joel Christian administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 41 individuals from 6 countries as Canadian citizens.
41
Number of New Citizens
6
Number of Countries
During our signature roundtable discussions, many new citizens shared their stories. This included all of the highs and the lows that came along with the decision to move to a new country. Our volunteers and special guests joined in the discussions as hosts making the day even more memorable. Throughout this time, new citizens have the opportunity to connect with one another by discovering shared experiences and expressing what being Canadian means to them. This can range from being an active citizen who is excited to vote to a hockey fan who just loves everything about winter. While thinking on the openness and vulnerability in the room, one young participant shared:
“The culture in Canada is so rich. There are so many diverse cultures, and every culture has its roots. Every culture, every people – they hold each other. So, they can go through things together and I love that about Canada.”
After the roundtable discussions, candidates took their oath of citizenship! Sharing in the festivities, special guest Ellie Heath performed her new single, Happiness. The lyrics she sang matched the feelings of so many in attendance. In that moment and every moment, each person deserved the happiness and joy that they felt.
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.
To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.
Finally, we would like to say thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.
Ellie Heath
Singer Songwriter, Copywriter, Playwright and Producer
She/Her
Ellie Heath is a champion of arts, local business and community building in Edmonton. She is a founding member of the sketch comedy troupe, Girl Brain, as well as a singer songwriter, copywriter, playwright, producer and all around creative human being.
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Jesse Crowley
Musician
He/Him
Jesse Crowley has been writing, performing, and collaborating on musical projects since he was a child, playing on stages across Canada and overseas. For the past several years, Jesse has been performing with the Grindstone Theatre.
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