We tried something hard in our recent social media campaign.

World Refugee Day (June 20) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada, June 21) are two important days next to each other on the calendar. Both deal with displacement and the idea of a homeland. We created a social media campaign to connect these two days by highlighting cultural resilience and human dignity.

Listen to first-hand voices campaign

This campaign featured conversations with notable storytellers:

Danny Ramadan

Danny Ramadan looks at the camera with his chin in his hand.

Danny is a Syrian-Canadian, queer author and former refugee. He challenges us to set aside our assumptions about refugees in an excerpt from his memoir “Crooked Teeth” (2024).

Although refugees’ journeys are connected to the universal search for peace, justice, and strong institutions, each individual person and journey is unique.

DANNY READS FROM "CROOKED TEETH"

Katherena Vermette

Katherena Vermette smiles at the camera.

Katherena is a Michif (Red River Métis) author from Treaty 1 Territory. She shares one of her powerful poems, “my body is a sovereign nation” with us. This piece beautifully articulates how Indigenous sovereignty extends beyond land to encompass language, culture, tradition, and the resilience carried within.

KATHERENA RECITES "MY BODY IS A SOVEREIGN NATION"

Dr Izzeddin Hawamda

Izzeddin Hawamda looks at the camera.

Izzeddin shares his perspective as a Palestinian refugee. Izzeddin built a new life in Winnipeg while maintaining deep connections to his homeland. Despite physical displacement, his rich identity and culture remain whole: “My heart is free”.

Izzeddin shares a story

Izzeddin recently founded Sadaa, which means "echo" in Arabic. Learn more about Sadaa.

Linnaya Boyer

Linnaya stands in front of the colourful SDG tiles.

Linnaya is an Indigenous youth and advocate. Linnaya offers candid reflections on National Indigenous Peoples Day, challenging us to move beyond remembrance toward meaningful action. “The day is only meaningful if it is a part of something that is going to create bigger change in the world”.

Linnaya reflects on National Indigenous Peoples Day

Linnaya particapted in our 2025 Voices for Change program. She shared her personal experiences alongside three other youth in their poem, flight for home. Watch their performance.

Local Reality of Displacement

Our campaign also discussed the urgent reality of climate displacement here in Manitoba as well as other provinces.

When wildfires and other disasters displace families and communities, we’re reminded that forced migration isn't only in Canada’s history or a distant global issue. It is happening here and it’s happening now.

When evacuees arrive in unfamiliar urban environments, they face new vulnerabilities and challenges while simultaneously losing critical community and support structures.

The Southern Chiefs' Organization contines to share information and tips for evacuees who may need help. They remind us that if you or someone in your life is feeling unwell, don’t wait. Seek medical help. You can find additional resources in this brochure, Staying Safe While Away From Home.

Ongoing Learning

What does "homeland" mean to you? Peace, identitfy, dignity, love, displacement, traditions, culture, belonging, support, safety.

We’re regularly updating our Allyship and Reconciliation page to become a better learning resource. Bookmark this page so you can revisit it regularly!

You will find:

  • Full-length stories from featured voices. These allow deeper engagement with their experiences and perspectives, and
  • Curated resources that includes podcasts, books, and events focused on allyship and reconciliation.

MCIC extends an ongoing invitation to show patience and kindness, to offer solidarity and strength, and to help build a future grounded in justice, dignity, and cultural vibrancy.

Ally is a verb

  • Learn about the Indigenous history and current realities of the land on which you live. Explore these interactive, digital maps as a starting point.
    • Whose Land is a web-based app that uses GIS technology to assist users in identifying Indigenous Nations, territories, and Indigenous communities across Canada.
    • Native Land Digital is a living document informed by the contributions of Indigenous communities, Indigenous knowledge holders and their stories. It honours Indigenous resilience past, present and future.
  • Challenge stereotypes and assumptions about refugees and Indigenous peoples. Listen to others’ stories. Celebrate our differences and share what you learn.
  • Advocate for stronger climate resilient cities and disaster prevention to prevent future displacement. Write a letter to your elected officials or sign climate related petitions. Explore current opportunities with Climate Action Manitoba.
  • Listen to podcasts that feature newcomer voices.
  • Strengthen our communities by participating in events. Check out In Conversation: Reconciliation, Belonging, and Shared Future on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.