Rumela Booth, classical Indian dancer, from Upasana, the Spirit of Dance companyThe 21st annual Celebrating Cultures event co-organized by the AC Hub and the Students’ Association brought 30 different countries together on the main floor of the Commons on March 22.
The Student Commons building was filled with the sounds of music and drumming, the smell of different foods, and crowded with students and staff celebrating Canada’s many different cultures.
A pair of First Nations hoop dancers, a traditional drummer from Cote D’Ivoire and a group of classical Indian dancers took the stage throughout the afternoon to share their cultures.
“It’s always interesting to see what kind of food or costumes people are wearing,” said third-year student Anastasia Galynina. “A lot of the foods were new and fun for me to try. It’s important because we are living in Canada where all these cultures are present.”
Every year, Algonquin sends out an invitation to all of the embassies to participate in the celebration.
“It’s always a great turn out, every year we’ve been growing and growing,” said Ben Dinh, events coordinator for the AC Hub, “Last year
we had about 18 and this year we have about 30. Next year, who knows?”
Phil Commonda, Aboriginal events coordinator, was running the table for the Mamidosewin Centre.
“We have people from all over, from Aboriginal to Zimbabwe, we really have people from A to Z,” said Commonda.
The Mamidosewin Centre booth featured traditional First Nations medicines as well as a modern take on bannock bread. Students enjoyed the traditional First Nations bread in the Commons with a little maple syrup and jam.
“It’s great to see people walking around and trying different foods, watching the different performances and learning about different cultures,” said Commonda. “It showcases who we are as Canadians. I think that’s one of the most important aspects of this event.”
