Shine concert a wonderful example of our community’s inclusive approach to immigrants

By Letter to the Editor on March 23, 2019.

Last Sunday’s Shine concert perfectly illustrated a selfless, joyful, multicultural willingness to share.

While our broader world confronts white supremacists and their narrow hatred of difference, Saamis Immigration and Project Connect’s concert highlighted exactly why we need open-armed welcome for new arrivals to our community. We need this because we gain so much. Collectively we become something more. Most certainly we learn about cultural differences. But mostly we learn how much we have in common: our mutual love of music, dance, good food, friendships, and pride in cultural identity. These are common community bonds.

If only the haters of this world would take the time to see what they are missing. If only they could experience the full meaning of “better together.” If only they realized that all of us – beyond Indigenous peoples – are immigrants. If only they could welcome others as openly as Indigenous folks included settlers.

And if they only knew that Canada’s birthrate, by itself, will not sustain our current population. We need immigration. If only they could revive their parents’ original dream of freedom, opportunity, and hope. That dream had – still has – nothing to do with guns, violence, or hating a neighbour. That dream was about belonging and peaceful pursuit of fulfillment.

Thank you Shine performers for reminding us of the gifts you bring to Canada and to Medicine Hat. Thank you for reminding our community that we are better because you are here. Yes, we really are better together.

Les Pearson

Medicine Hat

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