The Community Connections program at Archway Community Services hosted its 11th annual event celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th. 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.” Lenore’s poem honours Murdered 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,” said Lenore in her speech.
Lenore was joined on stage by Dawn Blacklock who immigrated twenty years ago and married into the Matsqui First Nation and who continues to practice and honour their traditions.
Together they sang the “Women’s Warrior” song written by Elder Martina Pierre, Lil’wat First Nation.
Lenore Baker from the Squamish Nation educates audience on her Warrior drum made of elk hide. The line on the drum is the spine – the strongest part of the animal.
“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.”
“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 Archway Community Connections Supervisor Elise Marier.
One of the speakers, Sokheng Pa, a journalist from Cambodia shared her story on 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. Sokheng 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 that 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 ten 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.”
Ramanjit now has a part-time job, while simultaneously running her own online business which allows her to spend the rest of her time with her family.
Newcomer women presented their personal stories.
“In a world where women continue to be disproportionately affected by challenges and barriers, it’s essential to recognize the power of lifting each other up, that’s why we chose this year’s event theme as Women Supporting Women.”
Representing other displaced Ukrainians, Olena Korotysh sang a traditional Ukrainian song and Lubov Plett played “Hava Nagila” a popular Jewish folk song on her violin. Plett has played violin since she was eight years old and currently performs and teaches around the Lower Mainland.
In between performances, women donning their country’s traditional clothing were invited onto stage to educate the audience on their garments. Representing the diversity of the room, women brought to light the details of their Indigenous, Indian, Afghanistan, Cambodian, 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.
Returning for another year, the night also featured a group of women performing a Giddha dance, a popular folk dance from the Punjab region.
The emcee of the evening, Rupinder Padam, an Archway Community Connections Facilitator, said of the speakers, “It takes a lot of courage for our speakers to come on stage and share their difficult personal experiences. They are being an example for other women to find the power within themselves to keep going.”
Following the performances, participants enjoyed dinner and ended the night with a multicultural dance party.
“In a world where women continue to be disproportionately affected by challenges and barriers, it’s essential to recognize the power of lifting each other up, that’s why we chose this year’s event theme as Women Supporting Women. Whether it’s through mentorship, encouragement, or advocacy, women supporting women creates a ripple effect of positive change and paves the way for future generations,” said Elise.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the Archway Food Bank for donating beverages and gifts for attendees as well as Central Heights Church for allowing us to use their space and supporting the preparation of the event,” said Elise. “This event can only happen because of them and all of the 45 staff and volunteers who come together to prepare and organize the event each year.
The Archway Community Connections program offers many opportunities for volunteers and newcomers at various stages of settlement in Canada to connect. If you would like more information, please visit the Community Connections program page.
Lubov Plett – German Violinist
Giddha dance group performed.