ICC’s Roundtable Discussions Connects New Citizens

21.03.2023

Version française.

Venue

The Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion – Space for Life, Montréal, Québec

Theme

Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

The ICC was fortunate to celebrate new Canadians during an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony on March 14, 2023, in Montréal, Québec. At the Espace pour La Vie (Montreal’s Space for Life), guests are able to fully experience nature throughout the entire year. Since this connection with the natural surroundings is a priority within Canada, all guests in attendance were able to see the emphasis placed upon research, education and coexistence.

Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir administered the oath of citizenship and welcomed 47 individuals from 21 countries as Canadian citizens.

47

Number of New Citizens

21

Number of Countries

ICC’s Citizenship Ceremony featured our signature roundtable discussions between new citizens and their guests. These roundtable discussions are inspired by Indigenous Talking Circles that traditionally create spaces of inclusiveness and equality. Canadians participating in this Citizenship Ceremony come from countries all over the world. Their choices for coming to Canada vary from person to person. However, the desire to be Canadian connects them all. Once recognized as a Canadian citizen, the benefits make the challenging process and emotional decision worthwhile. One guest shared with the group their joy by saying:

“Becoming Canadian is giving myself and my daughter gender equality and safety.”

Canada, as a nation, strives to provide all citizens with the comfort and security to live their life to the fullest. The privilege to live without constant fear based on the differences that define you is an aspect of society we should all try to foster and protect for the sake of our diverse community.

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.

Sheenah Ko

Synth-Pop Artist

She/Her

The Montreal-based synth-pop artist, who is also a core member of Canadian indie darlings Besnard Lakes, hit the spotlight in 2020 with the release of her debut full-length album, Nowhere in Time. The album garnered substantial press, national radio airplay on CBC Radio, and a Top 10 spot on the NCRA Canadian Campus Radio Electronic charts.

READ MORE

Terry Young

Program Manager, Indigenous Studies and Community Engagement Initiative

He/Him

Terry Young is Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet). He hails from Kingsclear First Nation located in New Brunswick. For the last 15 years, he’s resided on the Kanienkehaka Territory of Tiotake (Montreal) with his husband Justin Mahoney.Young holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Thomas University, with a double major in Native Studies and Anthropology.

READ MORE

Stay
Connected

Stay in touch by signing up for our newsletter.

Topics

Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos
Groups of people sitting around tables during ICC's roundtable discussions.
Woman smiling during ICC's roundtable discussions.
Man standing with microphone during ICC's roundtable discussion share backs.
Audience clapping at the end of a citizenship ceremony.

OTHER ARTICLES/VIDEOS/PODCASTS/RESOURCES

View All

Prime minister welcomes Canada’s newest citizens in Kelowna (Kelowna Capital News)

Article
Building Citizenship
ICC in the News

Embracing Diversity: A Cultural Celebration of Canadian Citizenship at the Ontario Science Centre

On April 12, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario, marking a significant milestone for 48 individuals from 33 different countries as they were warmly welcomed into the Canadian family by Judge Hardish Dhaliwal. 

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos

Honoring Heritage: A Special Ceremony at Sharon Temple

On September 17, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted a memorable enhanced citizenship ceremony at Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum where 47 individuals from 15 countries proudly became Canadian citizens.

Article
Building Citizenship
Ceremony Photos