Joy and responsibility: Saskatchewan immigrants reflect on what it means to belong

As many in Saskatchewan celebrate Canada Day, the day holds many different meanings. 

For some, it's a day of national pride, especially in light of rhetoric around Canada becoming the 51st state that originated from U.S President Donald Trump. But for others, it is a day to mark a moment of reflection for many who now call this country home.

"I've been here for a while now, and it feels like home," said Iryn Tushabe, a Regina-based author who immigrated from Uganda in 2007. "I have friends here, I have community, people who came to my aid when I needed child care and babysitters."

"Saskatchewan is where I became a mom, where I became a spouse, and where I became a writer."

Speaking on CBC's Blue Sky, Tushabe said her 2019 citizenship ceremony was filled with emotion. 

"It was very surreal, a mix of joy and also a bit of sadness. Because by becoming a Canadian citizen, I gave up my Ugandan citizenship … that's a special kind of pain."

Still, she said, the moment was triumphant:

"This is where I am, and this is where I'll also call home."

Lili Htoo Saw was 20 years old when she arrived with her parents and siblings, carrying just one suitcase. Her family had fled Myanmar — then Burma — by foot through jungle and land mines, spending nearly a decade in a Thai refugee camp before resettling in Canada.

"Coming to Canada felt like immediate freedom," Saw said. "We all felt like we were free, that we have a safe place where we can build up our future."

She says becoming a Canadian citizen was once unimaginable. 

"The happiness went up to the honeymoon stage," she said. "But then I realized it was 50/50—that I have many responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, and it is time for giving back."

Now working as a settlement caseworker in Regina, Lili says helping newcomers is her way of honouring what she's gained:

"It is a privilege to treat every newcomer with respect, dignity … I was once a newcomer. So it is a very, very perfect place to give back to Canada."