It was a special event that happened Canada wide.
In Humboldt, it was the Humboldt Regional Newcomer Centre who hosted CBC’s Becoming Canadian viewing party on June 26.
The documentary telling stories of New Canadians and their struggles to have a better life aired its first episode with public showings being encouraged Canada-wide.
Settlement Advisor and SWIS worker, Odessa Sherbaniuk says that the viewing was something they wanted to share with clients and the community to celebrate stories of local new Canadians as well.
It is hard to say how many people share a similar narrative within the Humboldt area, says Sherbaniuk since many people come through the Newcomer Centre seeking different levels of help.
“In our organization we work with people at different stages of the immigration journey. They might move on to another area, they might come to this area already as a citizen. We’re getting little snapshots of this whole process.”
People come to settle in Humboldt for different reasons, says Sherbaniuk, and that is the cool part of her job is hearing those stories and goals from newcomers.
“I think everyone is really cool to hear what they’re working towards and I think a lot of people are looking for that sense of home and belonging.”
That seems to be a common narrative between newcomers is trying to find that sense of belonging and being welcomed into the community, which Sherbaniuk does see as communities across the region welcome newcomers and giving them a reason to stay.
“This is a great place for people looking for that long term settlement...a lot of people seem to like the area because it’s quiet and calm and maybe a little different than what they’re used to.”
Sherbaniuk was very grateful for everyone who came out and enjoyed the showing, barbecue, and cake.
Harry and Sabna Sandhu kind of got roped into going to the showing but really enjoyed seeing the different stories unfolding during the screening.
There is struggle here, says Harry, but more opportunities to succeed as well, he says.
“There’s worth of your try. When you compare with back home, the hard work you put into your work compared to the hard work you put in Canada, it gives you more reward here.”
Harry came to Canada as a student from India in 2008 and worked hard in Toronto.
Working the night shift and studying during the day from Monday to Friday, Harry says he loves cricket which is how he’d spend his weekends.
When asked would he not have rather been sleeping on weekends, Harry responded that he did not want to sleep, he wanted to learn and take part in new things.
“Sleeping is just a secondary thing,” he laughed.
Harry became a Canadian citizen in 2016, which has meant so much more than just putting Canadian on a document, he has learned the value of human life, he says.
In India, with such a dense population, there is a greater chance of getting into an accident. Less people care about human life, he says.
“In Canada, you see people, they do matter the life for people, animals, the environment.”
Sabna joined her husband in Canada in 2013 after they got married in India. Her journey to becoming a Canadian citizen has been put on hold while the couple waits for their first child.
Canada is a beautiful country that have given them a lot, says Sabna, so having their child being born a Canadian citizen with be a privilege for their child.
“It’s a great country. Smooth, easy, peaceful life, that’s all we want our kid to have,” says Harry.
