Mohawk College welcomed and celebrated new Canadians Wednesday at its annual community citizenship ceremony, held in partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Native elder Elize Hartley performed a traditional smudge ceremony, to start the ceremony. Citizenship Judge Ted Salci administrated the oath of citizenship and gave 40 people from 11 countries their long-awaited Canadian citizenship papers.
Guest speaker Fernando Montero, a former immigrant himself, had advice for the new citizens. “Get your Canadian credentials but also volunteer and participate within your community. Volunteering can open new opportunities.”
16-year-old Natalie…