December 4, 2020

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg MB – On the final day of session Union Station MLA Uzoma Asagwara passed their first piece of legislation – a bill to celebrate Manitoba’s Somali community and their heritage by making June 25 – July 1st Somali Heritage Week.

“I’m proud to bring forward this community-driven legislation to celebrate Somali heritage and culture,” said Asagwara. “The Somali community makes significant contributions to our province and it’s time to acknowledge that. Somali heritage week will be an opportunity for all Manitobans to recognize and reflect on the history and culture of Somali regions in Africa and the diversity and immeasurable strength that Somali Canadians add to our communities.”

The week of June 25 – July 1st covers several historic days for the Somali community including independence celebrations for Somalia, Somaliland and Djibouti. This bill has been supported and endorsed by community organizations like Unity Somali Centre, the Bilal Community and Family Centre, the Somali Outreach Centre and many Somali community leaders.