By Taylor Chartrand

Celebrating diversity in the Gas City

Mar 17, 2019 | 5:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Cultural diversity was front and center at this weekends 2019 SHINE event at the Esplanade. 

Performers were excited to showcase their talents and teach Hatters a few things about their native countries.

From Scotland, to India and even Syria, this event brought in local talent representing a wide-variety of the globe on Sunday afternoon.

“Just looking around the room right now, you’re seeing different religions, different languages being spoken, different countries of origin,” explained Saamis Immigration’s, Elizabeth Thomson. “Medicine Hat is really diverse and if you’re not seeing it, you’re not looking hard enough.” 

Each performance had the opportunity to showcase something unique to their culture.

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“We’re really excited to showcase our culture through dance and through dance, it tells our stories specific to different legends, tribes and nations,” said Whitney Ogle of the Lakota Sioux Nation. “It’s something that is so honoring to be able to share our identity and our culture to a community of people who are excited and embracing. It’s such a beautiful opportunity to come together.”

Ogle’s dance partner, Carol Syrette of the Batchewana First Nation, also shared her enthusiasm.

“I think it’s super important when we talk about reconciliation for showcasing the culture,” explained Syrette. “We’ve had to be quiet a few times in history and so, it’s amazing that you can feel safe and showcase your culture and wear your regalia proudly.”

And for these performers, that’s what it’s all about. Pride.

“I’m proud of being Indian,” explained 13-year-old, Debasri Jena. “I’m proud of that and I just want people to know that I’m glad about who I am and if other people don’t like it, that’s an issue for them.”

For people like Ezzat Almajareish who had to flee his home country of Syria due to war, all he’s ever wanted is a safe place to call home, where he can truly be himself.

“I came from Jordan, but originally I was living in Syria,” explained Almajareish. “There was war, so I moved to Jordan and then from Jordan to Canada and I’m happy to be here. I have a lot of friends here that accept my religion and they’re very kind to me and I’m very kind to them. They’re respectful to me and I love Canada because the people are very, very nice to us.” 

Thomson is hoping a showcase like this is an eye opener for residents and helps break down the barriers of hatred, Islamophobia and racism. Something Thomson believes occurs right here in Medicine Hat.

“I’m hoping that just because it’s a one-day, two-hour event, that those in attendance carry this energy through the full year and really celebrate other cultures. YouTube some music and videos from other cultures. Watch some foreign films. Don’t live in a bubble. The world is so diverse and so amazing.”