BEING CANADIAN

Sometimes the things we value most are the things we take for granted. We live in a country where the diversity of our landscape is equal to the diversity of our many cultures. Although Canada's natural beauty is recognized world-wide, it is our bilingual and multicultural society that represents our greatest wealth.
This week, celebrate what distinguishes us as a people: our history, our geography, our institutions, our values, our responsibilities and rights, and our heritage. Think also about how Canada is enriched by each new citizen who comes to join our great family.


Reaffirming Your Citizenship

You can organize a reaffirmation ceremony for your school or group. The ceremony is a formal event where everyone takes the Oath of Citizenship to express their commitment to Canada. Bear in mind that people who are not Canadian citizens cannot be granted citizenship by taking the Oath at this reaffirmation ceremony. Follow these steps to organize your ceremony.


1. Determine how many participants you will have and obtain suffcient materials for everyone (i.e., reaffirmation certificates, flag pins, hand flags, etc.). Call 1-800-524-5599 to get materials and information.

2. Use the activity suggestions on this site for ideas that will help your group learn more about their citizenship.

3. Prepare a program for the ceremony using the sample available here. Photocopy your program and make sure everyone at the ceremony has a copy.

4. Decide who will be involved in the ceremony. You will need a master of ceremonies, guest speakers, and someone to lead the group in the Oath of Citizenship and in the singing of O Canada.

Guest speakers could be students, group members, the school principal, a group leader, or someone from your community. When taking the Oath of Citizenship, ask everyone to stand, raise their right hand and repeat the Oath, line by line, as it is read to them. Ask the group to repeat the Oath in both offcial languages.


5. Plan how to set up the room. A large Canadian flag should be hung where everyone can see it. The Oath of Citizenship and National Anthem posters must be placed where those leading the ceremony can read them. The person leading the Oath of Citizenship should be visible to all the participants when they are standing.
For more information, please contact 1-800-524-5599.


Sample program for a Reaffirmation Ceremony