This is the second year that this initiative has been held and it has been a huge hit with families who want to learn more about this important part of Canadian culture.
This year, 240 newcomers took part in this pow-pow. For many it is the first time they have experienced the colors of traditional Aboriginal clothing. Such is the case of Mihrat Tekia, who is originally from Eritrea but is from Sudan.
I can’t wait to learn more about the local culture
She explains.
The idea of inviting newcomers to learn more about Aboriginal culture is an initiative of Clayton Sandy, a knowledge keeper originally from the First Nation Dakota Valley in Manitoba.
” I’ve learned that even newcomers experience discrimination no different than my community’s experience, and it hurts. »
A shared commitment
Last year, There were 140 newcomers who were very happy to be here
says Clayton Sandy. After retiring from the Manitoba government in 2016, he meets a newcomer of Syrian descent who becomes his friend. We had a lot more in common than we thought
says Clayton Sandy.
This meeting is the origin of the project to build relationships between the newcomers and members of the Aboriginal community, says the knowledge keeper.
Clayton Sandy believes he is already deeply involved in Aboriginal causes knowledge about others and education
on the cultures of the different communities are an asset, but above all a tool to combat discrimination.
That is why he called on organizations that are committed to helping newcomers, such as MOSAIC, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg or IRCOM to invite these newcomers and organize activities with them during the pow-pow.
In addition, the managing director ofIRCOMShereen Denetto believes there are many similarities between the cultures of the locals and those of the newcomers.
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