Haitian community in B.C. celebrates Independence Day with traditional soup
CBC
A small group of Haitian Canadians celebrated the island nation's Independence Day at a B.C. church on Thursday by serving soup that symbolizes freedom.
It has been 222 years since Haiti celebrated its victory over French colonizers, with the nation's independence day marked by Haitians and the diaspora worldwide on Jan. 1.
Traditionally, the day is marked by serving soup joumou — a dish based on kabocha squash, which Haitian slaves were forbidden from eating, but which the community has now reclaimed as a symbol of unity.
Around 50 Haitian Canadians gathered at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church on Thursday to celebrate an occasion that they say remains meaningful for Black people everywhere.
Debbie MacNab of Abbotsford, B.C., said Thursday's event was the first large Haitian Independence Day celebration she had attended in 15 years.
"It's nice to see a lot of Haitian people, especially on New Year's. So this is like back home," she said.
Around 1,200 people in B.C. claimed Haitian ethnic or cultural origin in the 2021 census.
Chef Elie Chery said he was proud to prepare the soup for the event organized by the Canadian Haitian Cultural Association of B.C. (CHCA-BC).
"It's a way to unite, to see each other, to reconnect with our community," he said.
Chery said the soup doesn't have a traditional recipe, but he added carrots, cabbage, beef and goat meat — and the all-important squash and spices.
For the chef, independence day carried extra meaning for the Haitian community around the world this year, given the small country qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over 50 years.
"That's this year. That soup, it's like [bringing] us more joy," he said.
Saul Ferolus, the president of CHCA-BC, said that Haitian Independence Day symbolizes freedom for all Black people around the world.
Haiti has been recognized as the world's first Black republic, freeing itself after decades of rebellion by enslaved people.
A woman is dead after a collision on Highway 401 near Dixie Road in Mississauga, according to paramedics.
It’s been 200 years since London, Ont., was first legally founded as a small village at the Forks of the Thames River, and according to city hall and a number of local historians, heritage advocates and organizations, it’s an anniversary that’s well worth celebrating in a big way.
A man is facing more than a dozen charges including sexual assault and forcible confinement after Toronto police say three people were attacked on New Year's Eve and there may be more victims.
It's hard to go a day in Calgary without seeing magpies or hearing their iconic screech.
When Joanne Cole’s Western Bay art studio burned down in August, she lost 30 years of work.
The past year included a Canadian election, an Ontario election and countless stories about Canada’s relationship with the U.S. in the wake of the Trump administration.
Here’s a list of what will be open and closed in the Halifax area on Jan. 1:
Misty Schofield, a Saint John social worker, was sitting in her warm home on Christmas Day when she started to think about her clients.
Romaine LeGallou heard the Supreme Court of Canada was turning 150 and needed a wardrobe update. And after that, everything seemed to happen so quickly.
As we enter a new year, politicians at every level of government are promising to make your lives more affordable.
After her first year as Saskatoon's mayor was dominated by the homelessness crisis, Cynthia Block expects big news about a future housing development this year.
This story was first published on Oct. 20, 2025.
From three premiers in one year to demands for deeper accountability in the education system, a bone-dry August, and long-promised bridge and ferry toll cuts, 2025 delivered no shortage of news.