Saturday 24 June 2017
The cloudless warm summer day was the perfect setting for the 2017 Multiculturalism Day in Ottawa. Established three years ago, one of the city’s most prestigious events, brings together Canadians of all stripes, races, ethnicity, gender and more in a exhibition of unity by showcasing the cultures, music, arts and foods from the diversity that makes our national capital a special place to live. Organised by the Somerset West Community Health Centre, in partnership with the African Associations Ottawa, the afternoon offered celebrants an amazing variety of music, song and dance and food from Rwanda, Nigeria, Congo DR, and more. Featured entertainers included Tumba Na Rumba drummers, Rwanda Indashyikirwa, Ngoma Africa Dance group, OTTR rap group, Empress Nyiringango, Keko Town, and Jemima Remix & Roi Mulopwe. Among the dignitaries present were Nigeria High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Oluremi Oliyide; Rwandan High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Shakilla Umutoni, Member of Parliament for Vanier, Mona Fortier, and Somerset West Community Centre Executive Director, Naini Cloutier. A most enjoyable afternoon, thanks to organizers: Hector Addison, Community Developer with Somerset West Community Health Centre and John Adeyefa, President, African Associations Ottawa, and MC, Yvette Ashiri Yende.
Somerset West CHC Executive Director Naini Cloutier
All photos copyright Black Ottawa Scene