The Community Connections program at Archway Community Services hosted its 11th annual event celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8.
Around 170 newcomer women enjoyed performances, speeches, dinner and gifts at Central Heights Church.
The evening was a celebration of connecting women and showcasing their strength and resiliency through culture and identity.
Women shared stories of their journey to Canada and the difficulties that newcomer women are working to overcome with the help and support of Archway Community Services.
Lenore Baker from the Squamish Nation opened the celebration with her poem Woman Warrior Take Flight. Baker’s poem honours murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and her hope is to bring awareness to the violence and abuse against all women.
“We are here in the spirit of unity and sisterhood,” she said in her speech.
Baker was joined on stage by Dawn Blacklock, who immigrated 2o years ago and married into the Matsqui First Nation and who continues to practise and honour their traditions.
Together they sang the Women’s Warrior song written by Elder Martina Pierre of the Lil’wat First Nation.
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“This year’s theme was all about women supporting women, which beautifully encapsulates the strength, unity, and encouragement that women bring into each other’s lives,” said Elise Marier, Community Connections supervisor.
One of the speakers, Sokheng Pa, a journalist from Cambodia, shared her story about having to flee the country after being harassed online for her coverage on politics in Cambodia.
Her mother always supported her dream to be a journalist even when others told her to quit. Pa encouraged the audience to “stick to your goals” even in the face of adversity because you will always find support.
Community Connections client Ramanjit Kaur Madahar tied the event’s theme into her speech, recounting all of the women and program staff who had supported her as a single mother of three kids.
“I was juggling three different jobs to make ends meet. However, I was still living paycheque to paycheque. So sometimes at the end of the month, I only had $5 in my bank account and I felt completely helpless.”
After 10 years in Canada, she was introduced to Archway and met the Community Connections staff who listened to her and gave her resources to support her kids.
“Everyone helped me in different ways. They always lifted me up. So if you ever need help or advice, don’t hesitate, just reach out to them,” Madahar said.
She now has a part-time job while running her own online business, which allows her to spend the rest of her time with her family.
Representing other displaced Ukrainians, Olena Korotysh sang a traditional Ukrainian song, and Lubov Plet played Hava Nagila, a popular Jewish folk song, on her violin.
Between performances, women donning their country’s traditional clothing were invited on stage to educate the audience about their garments. Representing the diversity of the room, women brought to light the details of their Indigenous, Indian, Afghanistan, Cambodia and Ukrainian cultural garb.
A group of dancers called Garba Group 5 performed an energetic dance called Hellaro. Originating from India, Garba is a dance that honors and celebrates femininity.
The night also featured a group of women performing a Giddha dance, a popular folk dance from the Punjab region.
Rupinder Padam, an Archway Community Connections facilitator, was the MC for the evening.
Following the performances, participants enjoyed dinner and ended the night with a multicultural dance party.
The Archway Community Connections program offers opportunities for volunteers and newcomers at various stages of settlement in Canada to connect. Visit Archway.ca/Connections for more information.