“It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a very important stage of your life, as a community.”
In honour of Black History Month, Canada welcomed 19 of its newest citizens during a citizenship ceremony held on Wednesday.
“This is a special ceremony celebrating Black excellence, and we have particular examples of that in the crowd. You have excellent talent, and I’m sure, some untold talent that we’ll be seeing in the next few years,” said Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, who swore in the new Canadians.
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Muhubo Mohamud is the mother to one of Canada’s newest citizens – Aishah Mohamud Elmi. She expressed how thankful she was that her family gets to call Canada their home.
“[Canada is] where I learned what freedom is,” said Mohamud in Somali. “It’s where I feel happy, where I’ve received an education, where we were always welcomed, where we stopped worrying [about the future] when we came.”
The journey to citizenship in Canada can be a long process that doesn’t come easy for many. This ceremony serves as a final step in an immigrant’s journey to citizenship.
Citizenship Judge Rochelle Ivri presided over the ceremony, where she emphasized the importance of the rights and responsibilities that came with being a Canadian citizen.
“We are a proudly bilingual nation. We are also a democratic country. You show your responsibility by obeying the law, volunteering, and helping others in your community,” she said.
Sarah Onyango, a board member for Black History Ottawa, said that it is important for both new citizens – but more specifically newcomer children – to understand the importance of gaining citizenship. “It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a very important stage of your life, as a community.”
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Onyango explained that the road to citizenship has been paved by many advocates who came before, which is why a citizenship ceremony during Black History Month holds great significance.
Upon taking the ‘Oath to Citizenship,’ each member was called to the front of the room, most of them wearing red and white, to receive their certification.
“Please always remember that you are your ancestors’ wildest dream,” said Judge Ivri in her closing remarks. “I wish you all much success and a long, peaceful and prosperous life in your chosen home.”
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