Sharing Our Cultures highlights N.L.'s multiculturalism with performances and crafts
Annual cultural showcase celebrated its 24th year and continues growing, says CEO and founder
Students with diverse backgrounds from across Newfoundland and Labrador came together at The Rooms in St. John's on Sunday to showcase their cultures, languages and crafts as part of the annual Sharing Our Cultures event.
The cultural event, taking place for the 24th time, has grown immensely since its beginnings, says CEO and founder Lloydetta Quaicoe.
"It means a lot to me," said Quaicoe. "It means that the community wants it. It means that the school students who participate are interested in being part of it."
The event is held annually in recognition of International Francophonie Day on March 20, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, and the province's Multiculturalism Month. It gives students the opportunity to highlight their cultural background and traditions.
This year's theme was "One world, many stories: Heritage art and craft." Students were paired with seniors, who taught them different crafts, like knitting or crocheting. While it made the seniors involved feel needed, students, who sometimes don't have grandparents in the province, enjoyed feeling a connection as well.
Displays at this year's event included Afghanistan, Mexico and Sheshatshiu.
That's where Uapukun Rich travelled from to showcase Innu culture.
She said the event makes her feel empowered — a feeling she didn't know when she was younger.
"When I went to school [in St. John's], I felt very different," said Rich. "I felt like there was no representation on my culture. And every chance I got I always spoke about it."
"Now I'm here and I'm telling everyone about us. And I'm so happy about it."
The event continues until Wednesday.
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