Stanley Knowles welcomes new Canadians

École Stanley Knowles School students and staff had a front-row seat to watch an eager group of immigrants become Canadian citizens—including a beloved educational assistant from their school.

The school hosted a Canadian citizenship ceremony on Oct. 4.

Stanley Knowles staff member Ira Fabian and her family were among 39 people who finally took their Oath of Citizenship and completed a years-long journey. 

Immediately following the ceremony, a cheering throng of flag-waving Stanley Knowles students celebrated with Ms. Fabian, her family and the other new Canadians. 

Ms. Fabian and her family get a warm reception from Stanley Knowles students.

“It was overwhelming and heartwarming to take my oath here at Stanley Knowles, and to be able to spend it with all of my co-educators and the students,” said Ms. Fabian, who has worked at the school for two years.

Ms. Fabian, her parents and two siblings came to Canada from the Philippines eight years ago. She said she couldn’t have picked a better location to become a Canadian. 

“I wasn’t expecting to be doing it in the school where I work. I will always remember this,” the educational assistant said with a smile.

First in-person ceremony in a long time

The Oct. 4 event was the first citizenship ceremony to take place in-person since the start of the pandemic. Some students and staff were in the school’s gymnasium for the ceremony, while others watched remotely from their classrooms.

“This is actually the first in-person ceremony we have had in Manitoba since March 12, 2020, so we’re just as excited as you all are,” Citizenship Judge Suzanne Carrière told students and staff.

Judge Carrière said the 39 soon-to-be Canadians represented nine different countries from around the globe.

“Today I really want to recognize the courage, determination and hard work it took for each of you to be here…in a few minutes, you will officially join the Canadian family,” she said.

After the applicants conducted the Oath of Citizenship, Judge Carrière said they had become part of an important mosaic. 

“Canada welcomes people from more than 150 different countries each year and it’s thanks to Canada’s amazing diversity—not in spite of it, but because of it—that Canada has become a role model for the world. And now as Canadian citizens, the 39 of you are ambassadors…for one of the greatest, freest, richest and most beautiful nations that has ever existed in the history of this planet. You are Canadians.”

WSD Chief Superintendent Pauline Clarke, who was born in England, told the new Canadians that some years ago she was honoured to become a Canadian citizen herself. 

“I am so proud to say that I am a Canadian citizen. Around the world, Canada is highly respected. We have our challenges, and you have heard about many of them today. But there are not a lot of countries around the world where you can truly feel safe, where you can make your own way, where people will respect you for who you are, and as Judge Carrière said, are appreciated for what you bring to Canada.” 

Committing to Truth and Reconciliation

Principal Andrea Powell, Judge Carrière and the other dignitaries all spoke of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation journey, examining the history of the residential school system and working towards a better future.

“Whatever the reason you have decided to make Canada home, we welcome you. Join us as we continue to explore and learn the truth of our past while committing ourselves to acts of reconciliation that will ensure an inclusive and accessible place for everyone in our community,” Ms. Powell said.

See below for a gallery from the ceremony: