The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, together with the Moose Jaw Public Library, will be holding a World Refugee Day event this Thursday, June 20. 

An information booth will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Free activities scheduled for the day include screening of documentaries at the library, a picnic in Crescent Park, and refugees sharing their stories.  

Sharayah Bjelde, community connections coordinator with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, is extending an invitation to the free events for everyone in Moose Jaw. 

“[It’s] a day where we can spread the message about refugee life and their settlement process that they have to go through when they’re coming to Canada.” 

She spoke about the importance of people coming out to participate and learn. “I think a lot of people in Moose Jaw aren’t aware how many refugees that we have, and some of the difficulties they struggle with.” 

“I think getting that awareness out is really important, so that we are equipped with the right tools to help them become more successful in their communities, help them feel welcome and comfortable, and be able to fully participate in Canadian society.” 

Events include: 

10 a.m. - Library theatre screening “Everybody’s Children” 

11 a.m. - Library theatre screening “19 Days” 

12 p.m. - Picnic in Crescent Park (bring your own lunch, but they will have drinks and snacks available) 

1 p.m. - Library theatre screening “Far from Bashar”  

2 p.m. - Refugees sharing their stories 

Bjelde said the number varies from year to year, but they welcome approximately 100 refugees to Moose Jaw every year through the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council.  

“Most of them come from African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and then we also have some coming from the Middle East, so countries like Syria, Afghanistan.” 

“We also got quite a few refugees from Ukraine as well in the last few years.” 

The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council assists refugees with their settlement, including travelling from the airport, finding temporary and permanent accommodations, and getting children registered in school.