On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Little Amal, a puppet representing a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl visited Sheridan College’s Hazel McCallion Campus, Mississauga, Ont. leaving attendees filled with joy and a renewed sense of community. Organized as part of the Luminato Festival, the event marked the first time Little Amal arrived in Toronto, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds to foster inclusivity, bridge gaps, and support refugee communities.
From early morning, participants gathered in classrooms, preparing for a day filled with unforgettable moments. The morning commenced with a symbolic walk from Sheridan, as individuals embarked on a journey of unity, welcoming both old settlers and newcomers. The walk served as a beautiful metaphor for building bridges and fostering relationships in the community.
Along the way, Amal engaged in a lively stick game with clowns, ultimately emerging victorious. The clowns erupted in a joyful celebration, further amplifying the atmosphere with lively cheers, welcoming children from the community to join, showcasing that despite her towering stature, Amal, a refugee puppet, was simply a girl seeking to play with kids her age and to belong somewhere.
As the walk concluded, the sound of the Canadian Arab Orchestra resonated through the air. The orchestra, comprised of talented musicians and professional artists, struck a harmonious chord, setting the tone for an extraordinary day of celebration and camaraderie.
In the spirit of inclusivity, the Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) partnered with the Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (ANDPVA). The collaboration shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities and demonstrated the power of collective efforts to create a more harmonious society.
“We want to welcome Little Amal and other newcomers to Turtle Island and share the land much like our ancestors did as evidenced by symbolic gestures like the Two Row Wampum Belt,” said Millie Knapp, ANDPVA’s executive director.
Aia Bakir, a young Syrian poet representing ACCT, delivered an inspiring speech alongside 13-year-old Makiah Michaels, Plains Cree from Moosomin First Nation. Together, they presented Amal with a beaded friendship bracelet, symbolizing the connection between the Arab diaspora and Indigenous peoples. Aia acknowledged the shared experiences of displacement, marginalization, and cultural erosion faced by both communities. Her heartfelt poem about Syria shed light on the struggles of refugees seeking safety.
“We gather here today on the Traditional Territory and Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to celebrate the hope and resiliency Little Amal represents,” said Aia. “Your journey is a pilgrimage of longing and survival, transcending the borders that divide us. For many of us in the diaspora, you are a symbol of light amidst the horrors of war and the displacement of millions of Syrian refugees.”
“Let us remember that the struggles faced by one community resonate across borders and oceans. By standing together, we can raise our voices in solidarity, amplify each other’s stories, and work towards a future where every individual’s dignity is upheld and cherished,” said Michaels.
“At ACCT, we believe in the transformative power of unity and diversity,” said Dima Amad, ACCT’s executive director. “We are grateful to the Luminato Festival for bringing Little Amal to this city we call home. Our aim is to build on the existing solidarity between newcomer Arab settlers and Indigenous peoples, a solid friendship that empowers both communities. Together, we honour and cherish the invaluable wisdom and knowledge derived from the rich tapestry of Indigenous histories.”
