Refugees who have come to Canada because of war in Syria showed their thanks for the safety they’ve found in Prince Albert at an indigenous welcoming event.
On Monday, about 100 Syria refugees who arrived since Nov. 1, 2015 to resettle in the city came out to an event where they were introduced to indigenous culture. To make sure there were no language barriers, a translator spoke in Arabic to the group of people.
Former FSIN chief Lawrence Joseph spoke about his people’s role as Canada’s first inhabitants, and the responsibilities all Canadians have to uphold the treaties. The recent refugees are now on their way to the long process of becoming Canadian citizens.
Joseph welcomed the families to Prince Albert, saying his heart hurts knowing about the civil unrest going on in Syria.
Settlement services for the influx of refugees are hosted out of the YWCA. Its executive director Donna Brooks assured the families that no one needs to fear for their safety here in Canada.
“You will see a freedom I don’t think you’ll see anywhere else,” she said to a round of applause.
A man from Syria also spoke with a message to the Canadians in the audience. This time the translator shared, in English, his Arabic message.
The man’s voice grew louder and more emotional as he spoke about the good lives his people had in Syria. That completely transformed when his people asked to be free from an oppressive government regime.
There were no words to describe the disaster and damage done to children who lost parents and mothers left husbandless, the man said.
Translator Moez Hanid further explained the issues Syria’s people were facing due to civil war.
“There was no more chance to be safe there, with like, bombarding them every night, every day. They lose their kids, like everyday. And freedom, they cannot even talk or vote, or any kind of freedom they did not even have it there,” he said.
One family invited Joseph and his family for a traditional Syrian meal because they are very gracious for the kindness they’ve been shown, Hanid said.
“When someone invites you once and they welcome you, you should do the same. So they’re asking the big chief to come for the next Sunday, to invite him in their place for supper,” he said.
“This is (part) of culture. If someone does something to you, you need to return it back, only for positive stuff, not the negative, in the negative sense. So like they say, they’re so happy for this welcoming and the big chief here and his wife, and all the people that volunteer here.”
A number of the newcomers joined in for a round dance as well.
The welcoming events are planned all week in the cities that have taken in refugees since Nov. 1. The hosts are encouraging relationship-building between indigenous people and those who have come due to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Cultural agencies, including the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, are behind the welcoming events.