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On February 28, 2023, ICC hosted an in-person Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta. The museum creates an incredible environment because it draws inspiration from the bold and adventurous stories found within its community. Here, we celebrated the new Canadians on this occasion by remembering their courageous journeys.

Presiding Official Irene Pfeiffer administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 27 individuals from 14 countries as Canadian citizens.

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Afterwards, there is an opportunity for individuals to share their story with everyone in attendance. This allowed some new citizens to relieve themselves of past burdens through open conversation. Every guest was then able to revel in the joy and acceptance that filled the room.

A roundtable participant shared the following during this event:

“I am so happy to be here with you and share our story. We just came from the Middle East – a country called Iraq. We had a tough time there because of the civil war. We’ve been to Jordan, spent approximately 3 years there, and applied for resettlement in a new country. Our dream was being here in Canada. I am so happy here because this dream is happening right now.”

It is important to recognize the sacrifices and hardships that have occurred in the process of pursuing a new citizenship. In overcoming this, the outcome provides people from all walks of life the same rights and privileges as those born in Canada.

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.

Chucks Okafor

Real Estate Advisor

He/Him

Chucks is a global real estate advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty. A former professional athlete in the Canadian Football league, Chucks has combined his dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence to cater to the real estate needs of discerning individuals and their families globally and in Calgary’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Outside of real estate, Chucks is a board member and co-founder of The Calgary Black Chambers and volunteers as a football coach at Centennial High School.

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Dallas Hayes-Sparks

Opera Singer

She/Her

Dallas Hayes-Sparks is a singer – specializing in opera – from Calgary, Alberta. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia majoring in opera performance and psychology. She is also an honours graduate of the Mount Royal Vocal Academy for Gifted Students.

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