Manitoba Start held its first annual Diversity Day event on June 30, 2015, attended by 200 new immigrants and other guests.

Manitoba Start Diversity Day 2015 jointly celebrated Canada Day, Multiculturalism Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, and National Aboriginal Day, introducing newcomers to the diversity of Canada’s heritage and peoples. Staff and guests attended in traditional ethnic dress, adding colour and vibrancy to the festivities.

Diversity Day activities included a traditional Aboriginal dance performance, cultural trivia games, and ethnic refreshments. Five exhibits displayed artifacts and information from Canada as well as the Philippines, India, China, and Nigeria, the top countries of origin for immigrants to Manitoba. Newcomer guests were excited to win one of twenty six summer-themed prizes celebrating 2015 as the Year of Sport, generously donated by nine Winnipeg organizations.

“Multiculturalism is an integral piece of Canada’s history,” said Judith Hayes, Manitoba Start Executive Director. “We want to encourage newcomers to take pride in living in a country that values diversity, equality, and freedom—and in turn, to be proud about the life experience and skills they bring to Canada.”
“I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this celebration,” a newcomer from India said. “I am so glad I came to Manitoba Start.”

Manitoba Start thanks its funders, sponsors, and partners for their support and collaboration, which made Manitoba Start Diversity Day 2015 a great success!

Sponsors
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Scotiabank

Prize Sponsors
Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Golf Dome
Great Big Adventure
Lasertopia
Manitoba Museum
Rainbow Stage
Walmart – Kenaston
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Refreshments Sponsor
Starbucks – Radisson Winnipeg Downtown

Exhibit Partners
Festival du Voyageur
Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre
Saint-Boniface Museum
Tourism Winnipeg

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