Citizenship ceremony at McGill University celebrates new citizens and Black History Month

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and McGill University, tomorrow will celebrate 50 citizens from 22 countries in a special citizenship ceremony marking Black History Month.

The ICC will host roundtable discussions during which the new Canadian citizens will share their journeys to citizenship and reflect on what Canadian citizenship means to them. McGill University staff and students will join in the discussions.

“Black History Month is a time when many Black McGillians reflect on their own family’s story of immigration, whether it was a year ago or 300 years ago. This event creates a unique learning opportunity and we are fortunate to have student participants including Kai Trotz-Motayne from the Black Students’ Network”, said Adrienne Piggott, Chair of the Joint Board-Senate Subcommittee for Racialized and Ethnic Persons, McGill University.

“We are honoured to recognize Black History Month at this special citizenship ceremony. Together with new citizens, who come from all corners of the globe, we can learn more about, acknowledge, and appreciate the contribution of Black Canadians to this country we all call home,” said Amy Matchen of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

ICC community citizenship ceremonies are a celebration of Canada’s newest citizens, and offer unique opportunities for new citizens and community members to reflect on the meaning of active, engaged citizenship. Each ICC community citizenship ceremony includes our signature roundtable discussions, a citizenship ceremony, and a reception. Citizenship ceremonies are open to the public. Everyone, especially members of the McGill University community, is encouraged to attend today’s citizenship ceremony, which starts at 11:00 a.m. at the McGill Faculty Club and Conference Centre, 3450 McTavish St., Montreal, QC, H3A 0E5. Celebrating new citizens and their stories offers a unique opportunity for all of us to reflect on the rights, duties, and privileges of Canadian citizenship.

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Powered by a passionate and committed national network, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) delivers programs and special projects that inspire Canadians to be inclusive, create opportunities to connect, and encourage active citizenship. The ICC is a national charity co-founded by The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. For more information, visit icc-icc.ca.

About McGill University

Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study, and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,400 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,500 international students making up 30% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 20% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.

For more information please contact: 

Adrineh Der-Boghossian
Communications Officer
Institute for Canadian Citizenship
+1 647 217-4284 | aderboghossian [at] icc-icc.ca

Cynthia Lee

Media Relations Office | Communications and External Relations
McGill University
+1 514 398-6754 | cynthia.lee [at] mcgill.ca