Sunday 6 October 2024
West Indian youths in Ottawa celebrate cultural heritage to herald activities for the 2025 junior carnival
By Ijeoma Ukazu, Editorial Associate
Ottawa’s residence of West Indian Caribbean heritage celebrates the beauty and vibrancy of its culture and ancestral roots, aimed at bringing children and youth together to learn and enjoy the richness of their culture.
The event organized by the West Indian Youth Association (WIYA) Ottawa and anchored by Ms. Suzan Richards, one of Ottawa’s finest comperes, took place on October 6 at the Saw Centre on Nicholas Street, to mark the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Heritage Month and showcase a preview of a planned event scheduled for August 17, 2025, at TD Place.
“The project has fostered a sense of community and cultural connection among the youth and has been a significant community-building experience for them,” said WIYA President Ottawa, Jayeur Joseph-Antoine. “They have expressed growing excitement as the event approaches.”
She said the junior carnival project consists of three phases, with the first phase completed on October 6, involving the formation of a junior youth planning committee and a senior advisory committee, adding that the third phase is scheduled for August 17, 2025, at TD Place and open to children aged five to 16, with ongoing excitement and updates available through the WIYA social media platforms.
During his speech, Councillor Rawlson King, Deputy Mayor and City council liaison for anti-racism and ethnocultural relations at the city of Ottawa, celebrated Caribbean Heritage Month in Ottawa, acknowledging the significant contributions of the Caribbean community to the city’s culture, economy, and society.
King, who is also the first Ottawa city councillor of Caribbean heritage, said the vibrant cultural expressions, such as music and food, and the integral roles of Caribbean residents in various sectors are immeasurable. He called for increased awareness and support for Caribbean businesses and events, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect for all cultures, ultimately encouraging community engagement and unity and affirming Ottawa’s identity as a welcoming, multicultural city.
Counc. King pointed out the diverse roles played by Ottawa residents of Caribbean descent in various sectors, including government, education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, which are noteworthy, emphasizing the economic impact of small businesses and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the Caribbean community.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Caribbean immigrants, the resilience shown in the face of adversity, as the community remained determined to build a better life for their families, and the unwavering spirit that has shaped their experiences. He further added that the Caribbean community has not only shaped their own experiences but has also enriched the fabric of Ottawa.
Counc. King called on all businesses to learn more about Caribbean history and culturally support Caribbean businesses in the community, while stressing the importance of working together to create a more inclusive city, regardless of one’s background. He framed the celebration not only as a remembrance of the past, but also as a pledge to a future that values every culture.
He reaffirmed Ottawa’s identity as a welcoming, multicultural city and expresses gratitude for the recognition and integration of the Caribbean community into the city’s essence, while inviting everyone to join in the celebration and to continue fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in Ottawa.
Megan Leduc, a member of the youth planning committee, highlighted the significance of the event as it symbolizes community involvement and how the project has helped youth feel connected to their cultural heritage.
She shared the excitement of the children involved in the project, emphasizing how they feel significant and valued as part of the youth committee. She added that the project had facilitated community building, allowing them to meet and connect with many creative individuals in Ottawa.
Leduc expressed anticipation for the final event, feeling that each step of the process becomes more significant and impactful as she feels personal satisfaction and excitement for the upcoming final day event next year.
At the highlight of the event, the president, Joseph-Antoine, donned a moko jumbie costume, a stilt outfit typically worn in the Caribbean during festivals such as Carnival. The figure of the moko jumbie is a traditional African spirit, symbolizing protection and wisdom, believed to ward off evil spirits by towering above the crowd.
Walking on stilts, symbolizing the ability to “see” far ahead against predators, Joseph-Antoine, now known as Tanty Jay, narrated the fruits in her garden and their symbolic meanings. The conversation started with a guided tour through a metaphorical garden, where each fruit represented different aspects of life and culture. Tanty described the garden as a place of innocence, prosperity, and life, with various plants and flowers symbolizing these qualities.
Take a stroll through Tanty’s garden, she said the hibiscus is believed to symbolize aspirations for the future. The bamboo, associated with positive fortune and traditional music, symbolized abundance. The royal palm, known for its strength and resilience, brings calm and peace. Guava, with its health benefits, represents loyalty. The tour concluded with a mention of mangoes, symbolizing the excitement of life, love, and abundance.
Joseph-Antoine said the August 17, 2025 event goal would connect Caribbeans to their culture and heritage. She called on residents of Ottawa to mark their calendars and save the date as registration officially opens on Monday, October 14th, 2024, and is available on the website wiyaottawa.ca. The event is open to everyone, regardless of Caribbean heritage, with a welcome extended to those curious about Caribbean culture.
