Anjali became a Canadian citizen on February 20, 2013. Since then, she has accompanied various friends as they, too, became Canadian citizens (prior to COVID). Anjali arrived in Montreal in late 2006 when she was 23. In 2007, she began taking classical voice lessons at Aria Atelier de Chant, a singing school located in the Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood. Having felt drawn to this art form for the past 15 years, she continues to practice it on the sidelines of her business development career. The thing she likes most about her hobby is that it is so easy to share; it is always a source of enjoyment for family and friends (weddings, birthdays). Anjali loves living in Montreal and has never considered returning to her homeland of France. She is thankful for her smooth integration into Canadian society and is honoured today to be singing the national anthem.

Anjali est devenue citoyenne canadienne le 20 Février 2013 et depuis, elle a accompagné plusieurs de ses amis quand ils devenaient canadiens à leur tour (avant la covid). Anjali est arrivée à Montréal fin 2006 (à l’âge de 23 ans) et elle a commencé dès 2007 à prendre des cours de chant classique à l’école Aria atelier de chant, située sur le plateau Mont Royal. Cela fait presque 15 ans qu’elle a eu la piqûre de cet art et elle continue à le pratiquer en marge de ma carrière en développement des affaires. Ce qu’elle aime de ce hobby, c’est justement qu’il peut se partager facilement et ça fait toujours plaisir à son entourage (mariages, anniversaires). Anjali adore sa vie à Montréal et n’a jamais pensé retourner dans son pays d’origine (La France). Elle est en gratitude d’avoir pu s’intégrer facilement dans ce pays et est honorée aujourd’hui de vous chanter l’hymne national.

The Harana Singers of Nova Scotia is a registered non-profit inclusive community choir, directed by Leander Mendoza, whose mandate is to preserve Philippine culture by singing songs from a wide genre of traditional, folk, classical, patriotic and novelty Filipino music. The choir has been performing since 2018 at several cultural events, carol fests, and private retirement residences.

Shirley Philips recently retired as the Executive Director for The Arthritis Society Prairie Division. She has over 30 years of education, volunteer, board governance, and non-profit high-level management experience.

In her past roles, Shirley served as Executive Director for the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers in Edmonton, Volunteer Manager for the Calgary Centre for Non-Profit Management, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, and Executive Director of the Bethany Care Foundation. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Shirley has dedicated her career to philanthropy and volunteerism.

Sarah Nearing is an actor, singer, and emerging playwright born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She is a passionate feminist artist who strives to inspire compassion and joy through her work across mediums, including opera, theatre, film and television. Recent credits include Riverona (Mercutio) with Full Circle Theatre, and Macbeth (Chorus) with Calgary Opera.

Rachael Owojori, a Clinical Coordinator at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, is not only a dedicated healthcare professional, but also a talented gospel music artist. Hailing from Nigeria, Rachael and her family relocated to Canada in 2009. Rachael finds joy in assisting others and generously volunteers her time to sing the Canadian anthem at citizenship events, senior homes, charity gatherings, and churches within the community. Her exceptional musical talent has earned her numerous awards for her released songs.

Marie Chapman is CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. She began her work with the former Pier 21 society in 1996, serving in various roles. She was appointed CEO in 2011, as the organization transitioned to become one of Canada’s six national museums. In 2015, she oversaw a renovation that doubled the Museum’s size.

In honour of her significant contributions and achievements with the Museum, she received both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

She has been a member of the International Women’s Forum since 2012. She has served as President of the Atlantic Canadian chapter and remains a member of the national governance committee.

Marie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University. She is also a proud mama to her son, Will.

Israel Fashola is an immigrant who currently resides in Canada. He is recognized for his talents as a singer, vocal director, and music director, having collaborated with various accomplished individuals and groups. However, Israel’s capabilities extend beyond the realm of music. Outside of his musical endeavors, he also excels as a Business/Data Analyst with over eight years of experience in the Power, manufacturing, and logistics industries.

Erin Drumheller is a multidisciplinary artist based in Montréal. Having been initiated to the arts through the study of classical violin, she later expanded her practice to include contemporary dance and circus arts. Erin has performed across Canada, Germany and the United States and specializes in uniquely combining her disciplines, her most recent co-creation, Lorsqu’on joue, being a choreographic fusion of juggling and live music.

Danielle Allard is originally from the south shore of Quebec City and has lived in Saskatchewan since 1991. She has worked with Fransaskois communities for many years as a volunteer, elected official and employee. She is currently Director of the Service d’accueil et d’inclusion francophone – SK (SAIF-SK), a subsidiary of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), since its inception in April 2020.

Outside of work, she helps manage the family grain farm.

Danielle Allard est originaire de la rive-sud de Québec et habite en Saskatchewan depuis 1991. Elle travaille avec les communautés fransaskoises depuis plusieurs années à titre de bénévole, élue et employée. Elle est présentement directrice du Service d’accueil et d’inclusion francophone – SK (SAIF-SK), une filiale de l’Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), depuis sa mise en place en avril 2020.

En dehors de ses heures de travail, elle participe à la gestion de la ferme céréalière familiale.

Anna Marie Bekolay, multidisciplinary artist, composer, collaborative musician, teacher, clinician, adjudicator, gardener, and dance enthusiast loves all things arts related. She performs with: Back of the Bus (Celtic), The Whiskey Jerks (Klezmer/Roma (Gypsy) Folk/Prog Rock/Jazz), Mac Talla Quartet (String Quartet with vocals), The Stephanies (Pop Trio), and Innominate (choral). Her greatest joy is being fully present while developing connections through sharing music with students, band mates, and audiences alike.