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On September 5, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity where 25 individuals from 12 countries became Canadian citizens with a picturesque background.

The storytelling circles at the beginning of the ceremony were filled with a range of emotions, including gratitude, excitement, and a hint of anxiety. One candidate expressed, “We are all so grateful to have moved here and received our citizenship. We’ve experienced the openness and diversity of the culture firsthand. Each of us has our own unique story, and we have felt the warmth of the people who embraced us. We’ve also seen how welcoming the Indigenous communities have been.”

Chris Lorway, the CEO and President of the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, extended a heartfelt welcome to candidates and their guests, inviting them into a vibrant space infused with inspiration. With genuine enthusiasm, he congratulated them on reaching this remarkable milestone, acknowledging the dedication and passion that brought them here.

The singer, Stephanie O’Dette, captivated the audience with her soulful voice and powerful stage presence, leaving a lasting impression as new citizens and their guests rejoiced in their new home country’s national anthem.

This enhanced ceremony unfolded against the stunning backdrop of Banff, where newly sworn-in Canadian citizens, joined by their family and friends, spent the rest of the day exploring the breathtaking surroundings. It was a truly wonderful introduction to their new home, Canada.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.