YORKTON – Sacred Heart High School was the site of the 2024 Festival of Cultures Nov. 24.
The festival, touted as the longest-running multicultural event in East Central Saskatchewan, marked a significant comeback after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Festival of Cultures started way back in 2011 and paused due to COVID. But now we have picked up in 2024. So this is our 9th year since we've been having this festival," said Ruel Guthrie, Community Connections Worker at the East Central Newcomer Welcome Centre (ECNWC), in an interview with SaskToday.ca
The festival showcased a plethora of cultures, each with its own room dedicated to highlighting unique traditions, cuisine and entertainment. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritages of countries such as Jamaica, Ukraine, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, India, Nigeria, China, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam.
"There's an opportunity to experience their culture as well as their cuisine. There's entertainment and there's food. Lots of happenings in each room," Guthrie noted.
The Festival of Cultures is not just a celebration but also an introduction to the diverse mosaic that constitutes East Central Saskatchewan.
"This is almost like an introduction to the people that make East Central Saskatchewan what it is. Not just Yorkton — but Yorkton and surrounding area," said Guthrie.
"When we display our culture and we share our food we're sharing with you our customs. who we are. how we think. As much as we are Canadians ourselves — we're sharing what we bring to the Canadian landscape," added Guthrie.
Looking ahead, ECNWC has several events planned to continue fostering integration and cultural exchange. Among these is the upcoming Frosty Festival, designed to welcome newcomers with a winter festival featuring a bonfire, wiener roast, sleigh rides, and Christmas trees.
"We'd love to take them out to that experience," said Guthrie, adding, "part of our mandate is to help with integration and settlement so we're going to have a big push in early December."
Additionally, Guthrie said the ECNWC will host a newcomers' potluck in mid-December, bringing together various cultures to share their famous Christmas meals.
"All 12 or 14 different cultures coming together with their famous Christmas meal. Gather and share a meal and have fun," Guthrie described. "This was initiated because people need to feel at home. We all come to Canada for an opportunity, but we all need to feel at home."
Guthrie, originally from Jamaica, expressed pride in his heritage and the importance of sharing cultural roots.
"I am very proud of my culture. Very proud of my heritage. And I think it's the coolest thing to be able to share that with someone," said Guthrie, adding, "we have embraced the Canadian culture —of course — but it's nice to share ours as well. This is why I love this festival."
