New citizens get ‘true Canadian experience’ at Manito Ahbee Festival ceremony

The Manito Ahbee festival has been a staple in Manitoba for the past two decades, celebrating Indigenous cultures and inviting all Manitobans to experience one of the largest powwows in North America. This year, the festival made history by hosting a citizenship ceremony for 43 new Canadians, marking the first time such an event has been held at Manito Ahbee in its 20-year history.

The citizenship ceremony was led by Suzanne Carrière, Canada’s first Métis citizenship judge, who emphasized the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as a shared responsibility for all Canadians, including new citizens. Attendees took an oath and were welcomed by Indigenous leaders, creating a powerful and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

David Dandeneau, the board chair of Manito Ahbee, expressed his joy at holding the citizenship ceremony at the festival, calling it the perfect setting for new Canadians to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of cultures that make up their new home. He hopes that this tradition will continue in future editions of the festival, bridging the gap between Indigenous and newcomer communities.

One of the new citizens, Hugh Oates, who moved to Winnipeg from Jamaica six years ago, shared his excitement at celebrating Indigenous culture while becoming a Canadian citizen. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the legacy left by Indigenous peoples and to be a part of building the country alongside them. His wife, Kera Blake-Oates, echoed his sentiments, feeling proud and welcomed as they celebrated this milestone at Manito Ahbee.

Following the citizenship ceremony, a vibrant powwow featuring hundreds of dancers in traditional regalia took place, captivating onlookers with its beauty and energy. Photographer Katie Lambe, originally from Newfoundland, described her first powwow experience as life-changing, emphasizing the sense of community and unity she felt as she watched the dancers move in harmony to the beat of the drums.

Lambe’s sentiment was echoed by Dandeneau, who highlighted the profound impact of the powwow experience on those who witness it. He believes that by honoring and respecting each other, bonds of true reconciliation can be formed, creating a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

As the new Canadians were introduced during the powwow’s grand entry, the spirit of unity and celebration was palpable, showcasing the diverse and vibrant community that makes up Manitoba. The integration of the citizenship ceremony into the festival not only honored the traditions of Indigenous peoples but also welcomed newcomers into the fabric of Canadian society, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends cultural differences.

Overall, the Manito Ahbee festival continues to be a beacon of cultural celebration and unity, bringing people together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a more inclusive future for all who call Manitoba home.