(Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

everyone welcome

Red Deer’s Sudanese community hosting family event on Feb. 25

Feb 17, 2023 | 1:59 PM

A free and fun family event celebrating Red Deer’s Sudanese community is happening Feb. 25.

The family and cultural day is put on by the United North and South Sudanese Canadian Association of Central Alberta, and runs from 2:30 to midnight at Festival Hall (4214 58 Street).

There will be food, dance and much more, says association chairperson Justin Jukeria.

“It could be great for everyone to see the culture that we will have,” Jukeria says. “The goal of the association, which started in 2017, is to bring people together, but also to help each other take on the challenges our community is facing.”

Jukeria says unfortunately for the Sudanese community, that includes overdoses, unemployment and the language barrier.

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“Because most of our members are new to Canada, we need help with how to integrate into the system,” he says. “We want to raise awareness in Red Deer and central Alberta that our community needs resources.”

According to the 2021 federal census, approximately 85 people in the city of Red Deer identify as Sudanese.

Jukeria agrees that before helping, it would be beneficial for Red Deerians to understand more about the war which has split a nation in two.

Until 2011, Sudan and South Sudan were one country.

“[North] Sudan and South Sudan are going through a lot of killing. We invite the government to intervene and be part of a peaceful solution. It is not a good thing to see loved ones dying by the bullet. We do need a solution for Sudan,” says Jukeria.

“At this time, in addition to our cultural event, we just want people to know the issues we are facing. South Sudanese and Sudanese people can come together despite politics. We have lived with these people, and we want to keep the culture and language so that our younger generation will not forget where they came from.”

Jukeria concludes, saying, “Sudanese are good people who love one another. We are open to other cultures that we can share together. Many people have come from different countries to be here in Canada, and this is their home now. We need to see the benefit they all have in being part of this country, and treat people equally.”

The event on Feb. 25 is free, and non-ticketed.