The Community Connections program at Archway Community Services hosted its 12th annual International Women’s Day celebration at Central Heights Church on March 14, bringing together over 230 women for an evening of inspiration, connection and cultural expression.

As attendees arrived, they were warmly greeted by staff at registration and organized into groups to partake in various activities. Numerous organizations hosted booths and generously provided gifts to the attendees.

Attendees had the opportunity to create their own bookmarks with positive messages and colourful stickers in one area. In another area, mason jars were filled with Epsom salt mixed with essential oils and pleasant-smelling potpourri to create take home bath jars. Various participating organizations handed out snacks, information on resources and giveaways such as reusable bags, keychains. At one table attendees were even surprised with stuffed animals.

After each booth was visited, attendees made their way downstairs to the Central Heights’ Women’s Resource Centre to enjoy dinner before heading into the auditorium for the performances and speeches.

Attendees enjoyed soft piano music performed by Yuliia Maiko as they walked into the auditorium. The event was emceed by Archway’s Amy Van Bergen and featured performances, speeches, and cultural showcases, providing a welcoming space for women to share their journeys to Canada and celebrate the resilience needed to face the difficulties of being newcomers.

Yuliia Maiko played piano at the event

“Our theme this year is “Give and Grow” which recognizes that, as women, we all have the opportunity to contribute to our relationships and our communities in whichever ways we are able to,” said Archway Community Connections supervisor Elise Marier.

Lenore Baker, daughter to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Skwa peoples and Dawn Blacklock who immigrated to Canada more than 20 years ago and married into the Matsqui First Nation, opened the celebration with a blessing song, “Tem Tem” which translates into “Snowbird Song,” a song gifted by Sisulia-t (late Emma Douglas, Lil’wat), who was the wife of late Chief Billy, in the upper Sḵwx̱wú7mesh village. Later in the evening they returned to sing the “Women’s Warrior Song,” an honour song, gifted by Elder Martina Pierre, Lil’wat First Nation. It is a song that brings strength to those fighting for justice and for Murdered, Missing, Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

Performers from diverse backgrounds showcased music, dance and traditional attire, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the women in attendance.

The Ukraïna Dance Group performed several dances including one to “Divochyi Kozachok”, a Ukrainian Folk Song.

“Since many girls from our ensemble came to Canada after the war in Ukraine began, dancing has helped us adapt to a new country, stay together in a Ukrainian community, and support one another. Now, dance is a powerful source of our feminine strength and energy,” said Yuliia Rychkova on behalf of the group.

Myroslava Nyshchota sang a Ukranian folk song “Cheremshyna Platon Maiboroda” while playing the piano. Nyshchota finds peace through music and shares the sense of solace by teaching others to play piano.

Attendees also heard from an inspiring speaker, Mayra Barcenas Ceron, who shared her personal stories of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment through community support.

“Friends make the difference and by joining together we can better serve or help each other,” said Ceron in her speech. “Let’s continue encouraging more women to make them believe in themselves, because I think that all the women can make their dreams possible!”

Archway staff at the event – Manjot, Sukhwinderjit, Lata, Kamal, Rupinder, Kavita and Archi

A group of eight women performed a Giddha dance, a popular folk dance from the Punjab region of India.

The evening concluded with attendees participating in a dance party, coming together in a joyful celebration of unity and empowerment.

Thank you to sponsors, Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, Khalsa Diwan Temple, and the Archway Food Bank, as well as organizations Sara for Women, MCC End Abuse Program, Archway Specialized Victims Assistance Program, United Way, Archway Family Center and Best for Babies for supporting the event.

Additionally, this event marked 10 years that Central Heights Church and Archway have been working together to host this annual event. The Women’s Resource Centre at Central Heights Church supports women and their families by providing spiritual, relational, nutritional, and material resources.

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.