July 1, Canada Day: From Another Perspective
Our hard-working Refugee Committee has had the privilege of welcoming and accompanying several individuals and families settle in Canada over the past 7 years. I invited 3 individuals to share the significance of becoming a Canadian Citizen. Their names are withheld for privacy reasons, but their stories are uplifting and instructive.
One woman from Eritrea came to Canada through Cairo, a second woman fled Ethiopia to Cairo and then on to Canada, the third a young man who immigrated from Thailand. We feel blessed to have been a part of their journey, and share their feelings this Canada Day.
-Sister Ann Marshall, csj
Image: Unsplash/Hermes Rivera
1. I have voted for the first time! Canada is very important to me because I believe it is the most peaceful country in the world. It is my country that gave me the freedom to speak and learn. Above all, I have received equality, honor, and respect from this blessed country. When I am in Canada, I feel much safer than in any other country.
I want to say a lot, but I do not know enough words to describe my country, Canada, and the people in Canada. God chose me to be a Canadian - who I could be. I love Canada and everything about Canada and Canadians!
Image: Unsplash/Lewis Parsons
2. Being a Canadian citizen to me is critical. Being a Canadian citizen means, being a person who has the freedom to travel in and outside the country with respect and safety, and always knowing that you would come back home at any time. As well as having access to more opportunities in the communities. For example, having the right to vote, and working in the parliament. In addition, speaking up for your rights against the government.
Image of Thailand: Unsplash/Panuson Norkaew
3. This is what I have been feeling about citizenship. There is a tiny hole in my chest whenever people ask me "Where are you from?", I always answered, "I am from Thailand." I also wanted to tell them that I'm not Thai but I am Burmese from Thailand. If I say it, it usually causes confusion, and I must explain to them why and how. So, I don't usually say it. Also, I am not really proud of myself for saying I am from Thailand because I am not a Thai citizen. I cannot really say I am Burma/Myanmar citizen either.
I was born in Thailand and raised in a refugee camp. My parents are from Burma/Myanmar, which makes us a Burmese family. As a Burmese child who did not legally become a Thai citizen according to Thai law even though, I was born in Thailand. Also, I did not have Burma/Myanmar citizenship because I was not born in Burma/Myanmar. Legally speaking, I do not have a country until this. Now, I can say I am a Burmese Canadian proudly. Becoming a Canadian citizen will fill the tiny hole in my chest next time I get asked. I think this is why it is important to me to be a Canadian Citizen.