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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.

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.

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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 18 years, he’s resided on the Kahnawà:ke Territory of Tio’tia:ke (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. He’s also received formal training on Community Planning and Development from Dalhousie University. Young is currently the Executive Director for the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal.

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