New Canadians gathered at École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, taking part in some conventional Christmas actions and socializing with their fellow new Canadians, in addition to these with ACFOMI Kingston. Images by Emily Elliott/Kingstonist.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier hosted their second annual occasion, ‘My First Christmas in Canada.’
The event was funded by a micro-grant program, Vice-Versa, offered by Le Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario (RSIFEO) — the Francophone Immigration Assist Community — in addition to the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECC) college board.
Principal Sylvie Mekoulou says the occasion hosted about 20 households, who come to Canada from Russia, Ukraine, Central Africa, and Asia. All households might be celebrating Christmas in Canada for the very first time, and he or she says this yr noticed an incredible turnout, with a serious enhance from final yr.
The afternoon was full of video games, crafts, meals, items and, in fact, a go to from Père Noël himself. It was a chance for households to alternate cultural traditions and make new mates, explains Anick Arsenault, the college’s Cultural Facilitator.
“There was a need for the new arrivals who just got to Canada within the last year to know more about us and the services they can get from our community partners. We just thought it was a nice thing to do around Christmas, to share a traditional meal with them as a welcome to their new experience,” she says.
New Canadians gathered to mark their first Christmas in Canada. Photograph by Emily Elliott/Kingstonist.
For Akwasiaba Kingsley, who arrived in Canada seven months in the past together with his spouse and three kids, Canada has been a brand new and welcoming expertise. The household determined to attend the occasion as most of their household continues to be in Nigeria. As tough being away from house may appear, Kingsley is thrilled to be on a contemporary journey. Having seen snow for the primary time a number of weeks in the past, Kingsley says Canada was the apparent selection for his or her new house. Although the climate could be frigid, the persons are heat, he expressed. Kingsley was additionally appreciative of the safety Canada may supply his kids via well being care, public security, and job alternatives.
Wanting a greater life for household holds true for an additional visitor on the occasion, who most well-liked to stay unnamed for private security. Having fled Ukraine together with his spouse, daughter, and beloved household cat, Kingston has given him a secure profession alternative. Nonetheless, the vacations include their very own share of grief.
“It’s different because it’s a family holiday and you’re supposed to be with family, so here is a different story because all our relatives are left in Ukraine,” he stated.
That is why École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier thought it so essential to host an occasion that targets these particular communities. The Affiliation canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFOMI) partnered with the college to make sure new arrivals are effectively outfitted with sources to have a seamless transition into settlement. The non-profit group aids with job searching and, as Communications and Liaison Officer Maurice Fortilus places it, permitting newcomers to higher set up themselves in Kingston.
The occasion ‘My First Christmas in Canada’ is emblematic of the phrase “it takes a village,” however to not increase a toddler — it takes a village to develop that village. Bringing collectively the neighborhood to welcome newcomers was a necessity noticed by each the college board in addition to their college students. A handful of pupils devoted their Saturday afternoon to help with group, cooking, crafting, and even donning a Santa costume. Aresenault says that is maybe why individuals immigrating to Canada select Kingston to name house: as a result of neighborhood is one thing Kingstonians prioritize.
New Canadians shared Christmas traditions with college students from École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier, in addition to these from ACFOMI and the CECC on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Images by Emily Elliott/Kingstonist.
