Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony
Hosted by Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre & Institute for Canadian Citizenship
Featured Poet
It was amazing being able to welcome these new Canadians and share with them how I’ve navigated being a new Canadian while still maintaining my identiy as a Nigerian and South African.
“As new Canadians, what you bring to Canada is who you are and who you were before coming to Canada. Who you are and were brings so much value to Canada.”
Poem Performed:
“If I”
My poem “If I’ is one of my favourite poems to perform simply because it is a testament to how far I’ve come. I thought it was fitting for this ceremony because new immigrants go on long and difficult journeys to immigrate and with it, comes a lot of feelings, relief, happiness and also sadness and uncertainty.
This poem talks about not feeling good enough, guilt and also self- love and acceptance for the journeys we go through and the importance of acknowledging that you can do anything.