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As we celebrate the incredible contributions made by Canadians of Asian heritage throughout the month of May, there is no better place to host an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony than at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre in Alberta. On May 16, 2023, ICC welcomed new citizens and their guests into a beautiful space that fosters multiculturalism. Also home to a museum, the Centre prioritizes broadmindedness through classes, programming, and events. In doing so, it has become a community hub open to all.

Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière administered the oath of citizenship and celebrated 37 individuals from 10 countries as Canadian citizens.

Along with beautiful conversations throughout the roundtable discussions, poet, Adetola Adedipe, spoke and performed. Having taken her oath of citizenship two years ago, Adetola knows the truth of how strong emotions can be in this moment. Before beginning her poem, she said:

“As new Canadians, what you bring to Canada is who you are and who you were before coming to Canada. Who you are and were brings so much value to Canada.”

In welcoming new Canadians, we continue to build the identity of what it means to be Canadian. Through empowering one another, each new citizen will continue this story with their own successes and triumphs.

Adetola then performed her poem, If I, highlighting the skills and strengths people gain through each of their own life experiences. Comparing our journeys to one another is natural. However, it is always important to recognize and compare where you are now to where you once were. In this, our journeys have a way of defining us.

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, thank you to the guests and performers that participated in this event. For more information, click on their profiles below.

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe

Poet and Spoken Word Artist

She/Her

Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe is a Nigerian-South African poet and spoken word artist. While completing her degree in Kinesiology at The University of Calgary, she explored her love for performance and connecting with the arts community.

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Crislyne

Vocalist

She/Her

Crislyne is a born and raised Calgarian whose parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines and Vietnam. The Canadian vocalist is the current 2022 Best Vocalist Winner of the Intercontinental Music Awards.

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