St. John's Celebrates Refugees with Photo Exhibit at City Hall

Residents of the City of St. John's are invited to view a special photo exhibit showcasing the resettlement experiences of newcomers since arriving in St. John’s. The exhibit, titled ‘My Eyes, My Voice’ by the Association for New Canadians (ANC) coincides with National Refugee Day and is open to the general public, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 20 to 24.

“Pictures are a powerful media,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “This unique photo exhibit provides the public an opportunity to see through the eyes of a refugee living in our community, and what aspects of our City stand out to them as newcomers.”

Eighteen participants were selected from the ANC’s English as Second Language Training Centre and provided the opportunity to tell their story through photographs. The participants are from Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Bhutan and Eritrea.

“The Association for New Canadians is delighted to continue our partnership with the City of St. John’s on this photo exhibit,” says Megan Morris, Executive Director of ANC.  “This project not only provides newcomers with new skills but the means to communicate through a universal visual medium. These photos tell a very personal story and portray shared values that are truly global, those of wanting to belong and to thrive in such a beautiful city as St. John’s. This city is now their new home and it is so fitting to share these stories in recognition of World Refugee Day.”

As outlined in  the City’s economic development strategy Roadmap 2021, the City of St. John’s values the role of the multicultural community and strives to make St. John’s a good place to live for everyone.

Media Contacts:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
 
Sarah Thompson
Coordinator
Association for New Canadians
(709) 727-6619
easecoordinator@nfld.net