As an uprooted Irish woman living in Jasper, Oonagh Neilan said sometimes she feels disconnected from her homeland.
鈥淚鈥檝e been here for two seasons and I miss home sometimes鈥擨 miss the energies and the way we think and talk, but there鈥檚 also negatives to my life at home too,鈥� Neilan said. 鈥淏ut sometimes I鈥檇 love to have access to both my world here and there at the same time.鈥�
Looking for a way to connect with her Irish roots, she wound up at the Jasper Library and Cultural Centre. It was there that Neilan ran into Habitat for the Arts鈥� Marianne Garrah, who suggested Neilan kick-off the organization鈥檚 new multicultural program.
Starting in September, Habitat for the Arts is planning to host monthly themed nights, highlighting the various cultures that live within Jasper.
鈥淟ook at what happens here every summer. The world comes to Jasper鈥攑eople from Germany, Mexico, China鈥攅verywhere,鈥� Garrah said. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 not just people passing through. Our community is filled with people who come from all over the place and I think we should be recognizing that.鈥�
Without hesitation, Neilan agreed.
On Sept. 19 at 7 p.m., Neilan will be hosting an Irish affair, accompanied with a traditional dish, dancing and stories.
鈥淭here are a lot of myths in Ireland so I want to bring a big book of fables and read a few of those for people,鈥� Neilan said. 鈥淚鈥檒l also be sharing some of the Irish language and a few songs鈥攏othing complex, just the basics.鈥� 聽
Along with the fun, Neilan is also hoping to share a little bit about Ireland鈥檚 rich history, discussing the country鈥檚 independence, national films and sports.
鈥淚 know I鈥檓 Irish and I love where I come from, but I also love where I鈥檓 heading and I love being a part of Canada now,鈥� Neilan said. 鈥淪o for me it鈥檚 really nice to be able to bring some of those traditions from home to my new home.鈥�
After Neilan鈥檚 presentation, Habitat for the Arts is planning to showcase countries like Korea, Switzerland, Scotland and Syria.
鈥淲e鈥檙e in our new cultural centre so what better way to celebrate than by inviting different cultures here,鈥� said Garrah, adding that she got the idea when pondering activities to do for Canada鈥檚 150th birthday next year.
鈥淭here are all kinds of ways to experience the people that live here besides running into them at the post office.鈥�
Also starting later this month, Rola Aldakhil, who recently moved from Syria to Jasper, will be teaching art classes twice a month at Habitat for the Arts.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got some language barriers and we鈥檙e crossing cultures, but when it comes to art you don鈥檛 need to speak a language,鈥� Garrah said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all about opening the doors and welcoming everyone.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 what multiculturalism is鈥攐pening the doors to life.鈥� 聽聽
Earlier this summer, the Habitat for the Arts also hosted a Ukrainian lunch at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion, which was well attended.
For more information regarding Habitat for the Arts鈥� fall lineup visit its Facebook page: Jasper Community Habitat for the Arts.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
