NOVEMBER 27, 2022
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion in Ottawa
by Joy Osiagwu
The World Multicultural Festival 2022 was a positive representation of Canada’s multicultural landscape. Canadians from various ethnic backgrounds turned up in brightly colored bits of ethnicity, culture, and racial identity. The festival showcased the portrait of the nation at the Horticulture building, Lansdowne, in downtown Ottawa.
Punjabi Dance by Bhavreet Kaur and team
The mission to increase awareness about inclusivity among the diverse people of Canada by the organizers achieved tremendous results, given the great participation by young people, community leaders and government officials.
Young Female performers from Nigeria and Egypt
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in a video message to the participants, commended the enthusiasm of Canadians in preserving various cultures.
Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
However, he encouraged all Canadians to make conscientious efforts to ensure a more inclusive and equitable Canada for everyone.
The Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe
Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, celebrated the richness of cultures in Ottawa and the value of Canada’s diversity and inclusivity agenda. He has been an advocate for festivals in Ottawa and the funding model for events.
Display of the rich cultural heritage from the Caribbean with a videographer at the event
The audience enjoyed the stunning and captivating performances from different countries. It was indeed the world presented to Canadians in 12 hours.
Sarah Onyango, right, of Black History Ottawa and a section of the audience at the event
While the performances were going on, vendors joyfully displayed rich ornaments and cuisines from different countries in the background, reflecting a mosaic of culture and heritage in Canada.
Jewelry and bracelets from India and Mexico on display at the fashion market
Sarah Onyango of Black History Ottawa, was adorned with a beautiful sari, an Indian outfit courtesy of the Indian community to promote ethnic values amongst all communities in Canada.
MP. Marie France Lalonde, Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, and City Councillor Rawlson King at the event.
Members of parliament and community leaders were at the venue to celebrate the annual festival. The World Multicultural celebration, which has become a unifying activity for Canadians of all ages in Ottawa and Ontario, is a not-for-profit organization federally incorporated in Canada.
Ariel view of the audience at the event
It provides a platform for cultural music, dance, food, artistic performances, and the display of ceramic cookware, jewelries, and traditional attires.
Ceramic ware from Morocco
Ottawa’s Multicultural community had an exciting time shopping at the fashion, artwork, and food market. The event attracted visitors from other provinces in Canada.
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Joy Osiagwu is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She has over two decades of experience as a broadcast journalist in Nigeria and North America. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Cumbria in the United Kingdom, plus a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Performing Arts from the Columbia Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia.