The Institute for Canadian’s Citizenship’s Alykhan Haji (Director, Building Citizenship) sat down with the hosts of CTV’s The Social to discuss the importance of celebrating new Canadian citizens and highlighting some of the beautiful moments witnessed at ICC community citizenship ceremonies across the country. The Social’s Digital Correspondent Jessica Allen also joined the ICC at Nathan Phillips Square to take part in the Newcomer Day celebrations in Toronto.
Yesterday, we continued our partnership with Luminato, and came together for the fourth year to once again celebrate citizenship, community, and culture by hosting a community citizenship ceremony as part of the 2017 festival. This year’s ceremony took place in the famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto, a stunning venue to celebrate 29 new Canadian citizens!
Steve Paikin (from TVO’s The Agenda) presided over the ceremony that included traditional Indigenous dancers Leanne Enoose and her daughter Alexandria, as well as Maryem and Ernie Tollar who beautifully performed O Canada and gave a moving performance following the ceremony into the reception.
We had the privilege to hear several remarkable Canadians share their own personal stories of immigration; CBC’s Marivel Taruc who spoke of her journey to Canada from the Philippines 37 years ago and experiencing her first Canadian winter. As well as sharing stories we also heard many congratulations from notable speakers that included MPP Cheri DiNovo who welcomed 29 new citizens to “the Canadian family”. Luminato’s CEO Anthony Sargent remarked, “You’ve been engaged to Canada for several years. Today is the wedding!”, likening the significance of a citizenship ceremony to that of a wedding.
Overall, it was a joyous day of celebrating all that we most value as Canadians, with incredible performances, moving speeches, and a strong sense of community. Steve Paikin put it simply, “We have 29 new Canadian citizens now. Brilliant!”
ICC Community Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with Luminato Festival
June 20th, 2017 – The Famous Spiegeltent in David Pecaut Square, Toronto ON
Photos: ICC/Alyssa K. Faoro
Click here for more photos.
For more information on partnering with the ICC to host a community citizenship ceremony, email us: ceremonypartnerships@inclusion.ca
Monday May 15th marked the City of Toronto’s third annual Newcomer Day. It was a day of celebration and an example of a city coming together to stand up for diversity and commitment to inclusion. This is the second year that the Institute for Canadian Citizenship has proudly partnered with the City of Toronto to include a community citizenship ceremony as part of the day’s event. These strong partnerships produce significant public events that embody what we believe as Canadians; our differences only make us stronger. As one new citizen explained during the celebrations, “We’ve got different languages, different experiences, and that’s what Canada means to me.”
The day began in the City of Toronto’s council chambers where special roundtable discussions were held by the ICC. Elder Cat Criger opened the discussion by stating the significance of gathering in a circle, and how that action allows us to truly hear one another as equals, “Our people sit in a circle. All heads at the same height. All treated with respect. All have a voice.” Roundtable discussions are a unique part of ICC citizenship ceremonies and involve active members of the community engaging in discussions with new Canadian citizens on what citizenship means to them, and allow them an opportunity to share their stories and aspirations as new citizens.
Following the roundtables, candidates for citizenship were brought outside to Nathan Phillips Square for Mayor John Tory’s official Newcomer Day proclamation. Following Mayor Tory the excited crowd heard personal stories of immigration and inspiring speeches on inclusion and identity from community leaders like Zabeen Hirji, Chief Human Resources Officer at RBC, who stated, “Being Canadian means I can have a multidimensional identity. I don’t have to choose.” Friends and family were also treated to a variety of performances from the Nai Syrian Children’s Choir, Ubuntu Drum and Dance Theatre, and Indigenous dancer Ian Akiwenzie. These performances were a visual representation of the different cultures that come together to make Toronto a shining example of diversity. Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way, Toronto and York region, echoed these sentiments during his speech, “Our city is stronger because you are here… Our city is best when we all belong”.
Finally, the moment came, 40 individuals became Canadian citizens in front of the cheering crowd gathered in Nathan Phillips Square. Judge Albert Wong’s closing words embodied the collective feeling of all new Canadians on this day, “This is not the end of your citizenship journey. Your citizenship is an instrument to make our country even better.” Citizenship does not end after being handed your certificate, it is only the beginning of another chapter as a Canadian citizen.
ICC Community Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with the City of Toronto
May 15, 2017 – Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto ON
Photos: ICC/Alyssa K. Faoro
Click here for more photos.
For more information on partnering with the ICC to host a community citizenship ceremony, email us: ceremonypartnerships@inclusion.ca
At the Scarborough Civic Centre east of Toronto, the ICC Scarborough Youth Volunteer Committee is preparing to welcome 30 new Canadian citizens. It’s early and the wind is howling with the malice befitting a cold day in March, but the 30-odd high school students are all present. They’re organized, attentive, courteous. I’m offered a program as soon as I walk in the door, and there are several volunteers waiting to show me to the right room.
The committee has been working with ICC staff to co-organize community citizenship ceremonies for several years. The students come from schools all over Scarborough; they meet for weekly sessions organized by the ICC and its partner Catholic Crosscultural Services in the months leading up to the ceremony. The students receive training on financial matters and budgeting, but they’re also invited to dwell on the principles underlying the program; last year, Citizenship Judge Albert Wong attended one of the sessions to speak about volunteering and active citizenship. The details of the day — from centrepieces to food — are organized by the students.
Most of the students on the committee are newcomers themselves, and eager to help others new to the country. Andy Ma came to Canada as an international student a mere six months ago, and says he joined the committee because he wants to work with other newcomers. He’s confident and personable — “I’m good at communicating with people,” he says — and likes being involved in the community. During the roundtable sessions, he gently encourages a new citizen to share his story. “It’s just a conversation,” he says, reassuringly. The committee has given him an opportunity to develop his leadership skills and improve his English.
While everyone’s happy to be getting their 40 hours of volunteering for high school, there’s a real investment in the work. Committee membership is (unofficially) limited to a term of two years to provide opportunities for as many students as possible, but many ask to stay on for a third year or more. Some of the young volunteers at the event aren’t even members of the committee, but asked to be involved in some capacity to celebrate the new citizens.
Jill Timtim — who moved to Canada from the Philippines in December 2015 — found her way to community citizenship ceremonies when a settlement worker asked her siblings to join the committee. Jill, who has a background in advertising and event management, was so inspired by the committee meetings that she decided to pursue a career in social work; she’s now working towards a degree in child and youth care. She says she has always volunteered in her community, and is drawn to working with newcomers due to her own trajectory. “Actually, my mom’s here too.” She smiles. “It’s a family thing.”
Just after noon, the new citizens and guests head to the rotunda for lunch. Some of the students are in charge of the food, and they take up their stations dutifully, pointing out the vegetarian options and handing out bottles of water. The other volunteers are breaking apart into groups, the excitement of the morning giving way to a quiet hum. Now, they seem more like teenagers at the end of a school day. They mill around in groups on the stairs. They’re excited for pizza.
On my way out, I run into Alyssa, the anthem performer from earlier in the day. She’s talking to Jill, whom she met through their work with the committee; they have now become close friends. When I compliment Alyssa on her singing, Jill can’t wait to tell me more about her friend’s accomplishments, including a performance at last year’s ceremony. “And Jill performs too!” Alyssa chimes in. They support each other at every opportunity. The warm exchange reminds me that the committee is about more than volunteering or gaining skills for newcomer youth; it’s also about making friends.
Before I leave, I ask them what they enjoy most about community citizenship ceremonies. “The roundtable discussions!” The stories — they’re always so compelling. There’s something about sharing in the new citizens’ journeys that both find incredibly moving.
As newcomers on their way to Canadian citizenship, they’re both looking forward to their own citizenship ceremonies. “I want to be there some day,” says Alyssa. Jill agrees.
Interested in volunteering with the ICC? Contact us.
Watch an ICC community citizenship ceremony at VIA Rail’s Union Station in Winnipeg.
