Saturday 27 June 2026
YMCA celebrates cultural diversity
by Asantewa Nkuah, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On Saturday June 27, people from all over the world gathered at Taggart Family YMCA for a day of food, performers, exhibitors, vendors, and community partners. YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre annually hosts Multiculturalism Day, an opportunity to come together and celebrate culture, diversity, and inclusion.
Things started on a high note. When I walked in a young woman offered me fried plantain, my favourite dish. She told me that she had just returned from living abroad in Togo as part of YMCA’s International Youth Internship Program.
The program is a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Toronto, YMCA Cali, YMCA Bogota, YMCA Colombia (located in Bogota), YMCA Peru, YMCA Togo, YMCA Risaralda, and YMCA Sierra Leone. It offers youths between the ages of 18 and 30 the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and skills as they expand their horizons. More information can be found here: https://www.ymcagta.org/employment-services/International-Youth-Internship-Program.
Taking in the room as whole, I could see and feel the energy in the air. Laughter mingled with the sound of music courtesy of the performers who graciously offered their talents for the day. There was singing, spoken word, and dance. Games for children were provided by Écoles catholiques à Ottawa.
What excited me the most was seeing all the vibrant cultural displays. It was my goal to visit every table that I could. Everyone was very happy to connect and talk with me about their cultures, kindly posing for pictures when I asked. It is hard to say what I liked best.
I sampled pesto pasta (another favourite of mine) with Italian bread and biscuits. Gimbap brought back memories of my childhood friend’s grandmother, who often prepared the Korean dish for us after school.
It was simply special going around the room and closely taking in the different costumes, decorations, and craftwork. I learned a great deal as well. Did you know that sunflowers are one of Ukraine’s national symbols? I also realized that there are some cultural similarities between Rwanda and Ghana, the country I hail from, such as the games we play (igisoro and oware) and the tools we use to cook. The djellaba and kaftan are staple Moroccan clothing items.
Eventually, I did get pulled into two rounds of dancing. As music from Afghanistan played, we gathered around in a circle to clap and cheer. Many entered the circle to dance as well. From what I could see, there were dancers from Poland, Afghanistan, Africa, the Caribbean, and more, joining hands and showing that movement is just one of many things that connects us all.
The showcase ended with attendees gathering to dance along to the classic song YMCA by The Village People. Witnessing that was awe inspiring. By the time the day came to a close, I felt like I had been welcomed into many different cultural folds beyond my own. My heart was full. A big thank you to all the participants and to the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre. Diversity truly is our strength.
