Across Generations Across Cultures A PUBLICATION OF SASKATOON OPEN DOOR SOCIETY A PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR/WRITER: Julie Fleming Juárez PROJECT FACILITATOR: Trina Kaal INTERPRETERS: Ikram Salim Abeer Younis Shekhar Basnet Dohso Bwe Kathy Liu Hawa Muse Tzigane Ludwig June Yap Amanda Martins Anna Travers Wafa Mustaja GRAPHIC DESIGN: Titilayo Akintade Peace Akintade Fruitful Vine Productions

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Saskatoon Open Door Society 100 -129 Third Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H4 www.sods.sk.ca

DISLAIMER The Saskatoon Open Door Society assumes no responsibility for statements made by authors.

2 / March 2016 Life Lessons SUPPORTED BY:

3 / March 2016 Life Lessons Introduction

eniors play an important role across Life Lessons 2016 is a sequel to Remembering Scultures. They possess a wealth of wisdom Grandmother (1989) and Remembering and experience, and through their stories, carry Grandfather (1991). These two publications the traditions and life lessons of the past. These feature stories written by adult English as a words carry the values, heart and soul of the Second Language Learners and were published future. by the Saskatoon Open Door. The reality of life today is that many families The faces are new, the stories are different but are separated by circumstance. Grandparents do the underlying theme is the same: seniors are not always live with the family; in fact, they may the foundation of our society. They have much not even live on the same continent. to share with us and we have much to learn. Without this connection, today’s youth are missing the opportunity for interaction and knowledge that will guide them as they mature. Culture will be lost and generations will lose the ability to connect with their roots. It is interesting to note that while the seniors interviewed for this Life Lessons publication are from various countries, they all share the same view of hope for the future. They all want the best for today’s youth and they hold similar values and advice.

Julie Fleming Juárez Community Connections & Cultural Bridging Team Lead, Saskatoon Open Door Society March 2016

4 / March 2016 Life Lessons TABLE OF CONTENTS

Featured Articles 4 Introduction 6 Living in Two Cultures 8 Sacrifice Leads to Hope The only source of knowledge is 9 Enjoying Life experience. 10 Hard Work Leads to Opportunity Albert Einstein 11 We are Stronger Together 12 Stay Healthy and Be Active 13 Greatest Legacy was to Be a Mother 14 Fortunate to Live in Canada 15 Appreciate Your Life 16 In Search of Refuge 17 Red Envelopes and Moon Cakes 18 Safety Means Freedom 19 Work Hard for Good Life 20 Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You 21 The Tap May Be Far Away 22 Strong Family Ties are Important 23 Listen to Each Other 24 Education Benefits Life

5 / March 2016 Life Lessons Living in Two Cultures

Rod King, Canada

od King’s biggest challenge growing up “I’d get punished for speaking my own Rwas learning to live in two cultures. language (in the residential school). When I He was just five years old when the police went home, people didn’t understand English. removed him from his home on the Little Pine My parents never knew a word in English so First Nation and placed him in the residential it was always difficult to communicate with school at Onion Lake in 1943. That first year, my mom and dad. I lost quite a bit of my Cree. Of course there are a lot of people who speak English on the reserves now. It is sad to see because even the little kids are losing their language. Now schools have to teach their own languages. I don’t know what they do in other parts of the world, maybe they have to teach their own languages, too.” Rod’s favorite memory is visiting his mother in the summer when the school burned down so everyone was students of the residential school were allowed taken back home for a few months and moved to go home. “We were stubble jumpers as I call to a residential school in Prince Albert. Rod it, pure prairie Indians.” He says people used remembers he only had a rubber boot and a to create a weir, or fish basket, on the river running shoe to wear that winter--everything that runs through Little Pine, and catch some was lost in the fire. fish that way. Everyone had a garden and they

6 / March 2016 Life Lessons “I would like to see children grow up ethically, be able to converse in either language, Cree or English and just to get up, show up and dress up, that’s one of the things I learned. You need to know when to do all that stuff and become successful. Never forget where you came from. Once you know where you’ve come from you know where you’re raised horses and cattle. Pork and chickens going to go.” were bought from farmers and sometimes they Rod, who was Chief of Lucky Man Cree bartered with them. Nation in 1973-1983 and 1996-2004, shares a “That’s the way we lived. That’s the way it traditional story, omikitōn which means was for the first five years of my life. After that I “scabby lips”. Although he doesn’t remember was introduced to modern society. I became a the exact story, he does remember the old man brown-skinned white man. I never realized who would come to visit his family and they that the residential schools were set up to would make him a pot of tea and sit together. emerge us back into the greater society. They The story was about a young warrior who fell would take all the Indian away from us and in love with a woman in his tribe but he was we’d become little white people. It would have very shy because his lips were always scabby. worked if they wouldn’t have done it the way Eventually he married the young woman and they did. They could have done a better job of she told him it was okay, his lips would heal. it by being kinder, gentler, more empathetic The moral behind the story is that you should and more appreciative of where we came from. never be ashamed of yourself. “You should Their value systems were all different. It was always use what you have that has been given like driving a square peg into a round hole and to you by a human in order to get what you it never did work out.” want. That’s what this old fellow was trying to Rod eventually worked with the Department tell us.” of Indian Affairs and took an early retirement in 1990. He and his wife, who has since passed away, moved to Saskatoon.

7 / March 2016 Life Lessons Sacrifice Leads to Hope Al-Saleh Aisha, Syria

l-Saleh Aisha knows about sacrifice. She Being so far from home makes it important to Ahas been a widow for 15 years and both maintain tradition. One of Al-Saleh’s favorite her daughters are blind. She left her home cultural festivals is Eid, celebrated twice a year in Syria in 2012 and went to Lebanon, where after fasting for Ramadan. She also enjoys one daughter had surgery which temporarily weddings. The party is held in the home of restored her vision. the groom’s parents. Sheep are slaughtered Al-Saleh heard there may be treatment and cooked with rice and bulgur (burghul). available in Canada, and although she did not The number of sheep depends on the family’s want to leave the region, that hope was too wealth; if there are not enough, the men will eat strong to pass up. She, her daughters and first, then women, then children. son-in-law arrived in Saskatoon in August of There is also a type of dancing called Dabke, 2015. She was sad to leave behind her son and performed by men. One of her favorite food is his pregnant wife, two grandchildren, three muhallabi, served at baby showers. It is a type sisters and a brother. of rice pudding popular in Damascus and Since the family arrived in Saskatoon, they flavoured with anise, shredded coconut, sugar have met with one ophthalmologist who says and crushed walnuts. Al-Saleh also fondly there is no treatment available. A second remembers greeting people upon their return opinion is being sought and Al-Saleh has not from the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. At this given up hope---it is why she is here, and why time, people are met with gifts such as baklava, she left so much behind. oranges and nuts. Al-Saleh admits life is very difficult here. She Like many newcomers to Canada, Al-Saleh, does not speak English and it is difficult to only wants her children to be happy and go anywhere. Her neighbours and others she healthy. has met have treated her well and have been Her words of advice are simple: Whatever you very kind, but she does miss being able to visit give out to people they will give back to you. friends and family. Leaving her family was the If you treat people well and are nice, you will most difficult thing she has ever done but she in turn be treated the same way. If you respect is very grateful for the love and kindness her someone, they will respect you. parents and family gave her.

8 / March 2016 Life Lessons Mountain in Bulgaria ENJOYING LIFE Ekaterina Ocharova, Bulgaria

katerina Ocharova faced many challenges memories of spending time with her family and Ewhen she came to Canada in 2013, even travelling to other places. “Our celebrations are though her family had been here for several the same as Canada. We like Christmas, the tree, years. ‘‘When I came to Canada I did not speak or spending time together as a family, sharing understand English. I was scared. I had never food and having conversation.” studied English before. It was difficult. I took lots She thinks Saskatoon is a good place to raise of English classes at Open Door. Now I speak a family. Her advice to young people : ‘‘I think some.’’ all you children will be happy because they live Ekaterina is from the north part of Bulgaria. in Canada. Be grateful every day for freedom, “There is a mountain that divides south and what you have and the opportunity to learn.” north. It is named Old Mountain.” “In my country we have four seasons the same. But winter is small, and short in Bulgaria. One month shorter but the same cold and wind. Humidity is much higher, and when it is -25 it feels like -35.” Ekaterina has now adjusted and enjoys her life in Saskatoon. She does have many good

9 / March 2016 Life Lessons HARD WORK LEADS TO OPPORTUNITY

Gilbert Norman Lapointe, Canada

ilbert Norman Lapointe remembers “I love Canada and I believe it is as good as it Gberry picking with his grandparents who gets for raising children. We have an farmed in the Watrous area. “ I used to milk the excellent education system and if you work cows with my grandpa at 5:30 in the morning hard the opportunities are there for all people. and went hunting with my uncles. My grandma I believe I was given a fair chance for the most was an excellent baker and we all loved her part to succeed in whatever occupation I chose. cinnamon buns. My grandparents were kind My children all went to school and enjoyed it.” and hardworking and loved all their His advice to today’s youth is simple: Always grandchildren equally, ” he says. have close family ties and Gilbert is of Métis ancestry. “ I consider myself whenever possible, eat to be of mixed blood as most of my background together as a family. is French, Scottish and First Nations, with only Search your soul every one fourth being Native.” He was born in day and give to others Calgary, Alberta, but moved to Saskatoon in without reward. September of 1958. The family moved to Saskatoon from Chilliwack, B.C. He now has three children and ten grandchildren.

10 / March 2016 Life Lessons WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

Ibrahim Ibrahim, Iraq

brahim Ibrahim carries memories of his that it is sometimes difficult to get to know each I parents close in his heart. He is from Iraq other but you can if you work on it. and came to Saskatoon in December of 2011. He credits the Saskatoon Open Door Society He still has two sisters back home. He really and its many programs for his successful likes Canada and does not have any problems settlement in Saskatoon. He comes to the here. He thinks the education system is good programs to make new friends and learn about and also feels there are fair laws for women and other cultures and new things for the mind. children. People like to help each other in Ibrahim shares a story from his culture: Canada. If you take a piece of wood you can break Some of the challenges he has faced here it. If you take that wood and soak it in water it include learning English and the weather. But, becomes stronger and no matter how hard you try people get used to it, he says. He says there are you cannot break it. That’s like family. If you soak it so many people from other cultures living here with love it will be strong and nothing can break it.

11 / March 2016 Life Lessons Stay Healthy and Be Active Chit Htoo Saw, Myanmar

came to Canada in 2014 because we were I victims of ethnic cleansing in Burma and then had trouble in the Thailand refugee camp. Canada is a great country and we have many privleges. Our children can go to school and use all the oppor- tunities they are given. Everything is good here. The challenge is that I don’t speak the language and I came here at an the community and join in Sports. elderly age and it is hard to fit into the culture Since I came to Canada I have gone through and speak the language. It is hard for me to use the Saskatoon Open Door and this has been very transportation and access services. great. They provide such an amazing job. Open When I was in the refugee camp life was Door arranged everything that we needed to settle difficult. I remember having friends and people to down in Canada, transportation, school and how to always talk to. It was nice to always be around other find a home and if we don’t understand anything Karen people. Just before we came to Canada we Open Door is such a great benefit for me and for learned about Canada and ways to stay healthy my family. Without Open Door Society I would get here. We learned about raising children. Don’t lost in many ways. eat too much fast food and wear proper clothes especially in winter. Stay healthy and be active in

12 / March 2016 Life Lessons Greatest Legacy was to Be a Mother

Irene Capuli, Phillipines

y children and I came to Saskatoon in an appointment to meet someone. But God is M2010. Why did I come? The children really helping me a lot. He gives me the wisdom have better opportunities here. In Canada you and the strength to do things on my own and can get a job doing anything. Back home you to make a connection with other people even need a university education and you need though they don’t know me because I come experience and you need to be young. Life is from another country. very different and very basic. All we have is a big My favourite memories of back home are with faith in whatever we are doing. my grandmother. She raise me. She always told Canada is a very good place to raise children me to be nice and to be helpful to other because of the education and the opportunity. people because you never know what is going Children are to reach whatever goals they want to happen. I remember spending summer with because everything is in their hands and they her and just doing basic things like laundry, just need to do what they need to do. My son dishes, everything by hand. We had to get our just graduated as a chemical engineer from Sask water from the river and do ourlaundry in the Poly Technic and I am so proud of him. He was river. Once before we moved we had to clean able to do it by himself and no one helped him the house and we worked cleaning the floor study. until 9 at night. We scrubbed and scrubbed and My biggest challenge here is not knowing we didn’t have any lights, just a small candle. I anyone. I never had a friend here and I don’t can’t forget that about my grandmother. really know anyone. Back home you don’t need Continued on page 19

13 / March 2016 Life Lessons Fortunate to Live in Canada

Tek Man Magar and Man Maya Magar, Bhutan ek Man Magar and his wife Man Maya happy. TMagar left Bhutan as refugees and lived We are very fortunate that the government is in Nepal. They had hoped they could return to taking care of everything for health and the Bhutan, but in 2013 they decided to come to children. Canada. “I am happy because the children are getting “I came to Canada thinking that my son and good education and that is what I want,” echoes my kids are going to be better here. We are so Man Maya Magar fortunate that we are here in Canada because there is no fighting, violence or robbery which we used to have. I always appreciate that,” says Tek. “I miss everything back home. I used to have my own farm and raised everything myself. So far, so good. We are happy with everything we have in Saskatoon and are not worried about anything, we can eat, we have education we are

14 / March 2016 Life Lessons Appreciate your Life

Mahmoud Kashani-amin, Iran afety and acceptance are important to him. My daughter-in law is a pediatric SMahmoud Kashani-amin. “I came to psychologist.” Canada because of safety, and political safety. Mahmoud’s best memory of his grandparents There is high level of empathy in Canada. is simply spending time together. “They gave Canada is a better country – more opportu- me belief in life, family, faith, culture, and they nity. There is a high quality of life and it is very were very traditional. We would spend much accepting of immigrants.” time together. We would have picnics every Mahmood first came to Canada in 2007. He weekend where 30-40 people would come. We returned home for a few years but came back in would sit in the park on the grass, men on one 2015. side, women on other. At family ceremonies His biggest challenge coming to Canada was and gathering there would be a 100 plus peo- obtaining a visa for his family. Now that they are ple. The revolution changed our lives. It started settled here, he is worried about to kill old traditional culture and modernism the cold weather. “In my country it went fast. Relations between families came less is not as cold as here in the and less. “ winter. Next week I am taking a Now that he is in Canada it may be more class on how to live with the difficult to keep some of the traditions alive, but winter.” he will try. “There are so many ceremonies you Despite the cold, he feels cannot tell them all. I will tell you about our Canada is a safe place to raise new year on Iranian calendar. children. All children here In Iran we celebrate New Year’s on the first have freedom and the right to day of spring. The date is always March 21. education modernism, There are many things that must happen during the right to believe, New Year’s. Everything shuts down for two and practice their own weeks except hospital and things like that. The culture. “I have two last Tuesday before the New Year, we go out and children – 1 daughter (she have a fire, and you have to jump over the fire. is a GP here, as well as her hus- We sing a song that goes “your yellow to me red band) and I have a son who is to me.” Then, like Halloween, people dress up trades merchandiser in Iran. I in masks and go door to door with a spoon and used to be in business with bowl. Continued on page 25

15 / March 2016 Life Lessons In Search of Refuge

Amtul Naseer: Pakistan

s a member of the minority Islamic group AAhmadia in Pakistan, Amtul Naseer faced many threats. In 2014, fearing for her safety, she fled her home in Pakistan and came to Saskatoon to join her eldest son. She left behind her husband and daughter, hoping to reunite with them in the near future. Soon after she arrived in Saskatoon, Amtul felt a sense of freedom and peace of mind. And, despite the cold temperatures, she embraces the weather because she is grateful to be here! She is taking classes to learn English and has met her neighbours so she can practice speaking, listening and gain confidence her, “never stop learning, respect the elderly and Although Amtul does not have grandchildren, speak nothing but the truth.” In their culture, she feels Canada is a good place to raise a there is a proverb that compares people who family. She says children are taken care of in speak loudly and donkeys. It means that those Canada, and schools respect each child as an who have little knowledge and make much individual. noise often speak nonsense. She is proud that She adds that if she would have known how her children have inherited the same values that good Canada is, she would have sent her chil- she learned from her father. dren here earlier to start a better life. She urges the young people of today to Amtul does have fond memories of her believe in God. If people have faith and trust parents and their wisdom has carried her God, that will lead them to happiness. She adds forward. Her mother was a homemaker. Her it is important to appreciate life and be thankful father was taught religious subjects and made for what you have. traditional medicines. From him, Amtul learned that education and honesty are the most important values one can have. He would say to

16 / March 2016 Life Lessons Red Envelopes and Moon Cakes

Fun Sham, China

un Sham, who is originally from China, It is very important to Fthinks that Canada is a great place to raise keep their culture and a family. And that is exactly what she did. traditions strong. Fun “A long time ago, on Oct.12th, 1969, my Sham says her family husband sponsored me here to Canada. My celebrates Christmas father in law was here when there was head tax, and the Spring then he sponsored my husband here. Festival. They give their Fun Sham and her husband have four children red children, two girls and two boys, and two envelopes for granddaughters. good luck “I think Canada is a good place to raise and remind children. The government gives us child care them to benefits and gave my children loans for their remember higher education and my children got good their traditions. Her granddaughters will dress jobs after graduation.” up in Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress for It has not been easy though. Fun Sham’s dances. They cook traditional food, especially biggest challenge is the language. She finds it for festivals and have family reunion dinners. very hard to communicate. She also finds it cold They celebrate the Dragon Board Festival, eat starting in October. moon cakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. She and her husband used to have a noodle When they owned the noodle factory they factory in Saskatoon and business was good. shared their spring roles with the workers. Restaurants bought their noodles and so did Her advice for young people? Always look for grocery stores. There also had many varieties of opportunities to get a better job and be noodles, including lentil. She remembers how independent and diligent. Children learn from nice it was to have her mother-in-law here in the their parents and should work very hard. 1970s, so when she came home from work in the noodle factory there would be food made. “She was already here and she looked after my kids and did housework. She had a very good relationship with my children.”

17 / March 2016 Life Lessons Safety Means Freedom

Enike Juwan, North Sudan

nike’s mother passed away when she was Eeight years old and as the oldest child, she became the mother to her siblings. It was very difficult, and when her father remarried, her stepmother was not kind. When she was sad, she would remember swimming in the river with her mother, and learning to grind flour and make bread. “We would laugh and sing songs while we were working. My heart was happy then. We also used to go to the river with fish baskets and catch fish.” Happiness was elusive and Enike ended up living in a refugee camp for 15 years. She came to Canada and Saskatoon in 2007 as a refugee struggled so much that she wanted to go back but It was very hard to leave her family. She still to Sudan. “It was so, so hard to cope. I knew it has a child in North Sudan. was safer here so I adjusted, and now I am get- “Life is very different from Sudan. Here you ting used to the winter.” can get food anywhere; you can eat when She considers Canada a very good place to you are hungry. Here you live in peace. I don’t raise children. Here they are safe, they cannot worry that me and my children will be shot or be beat by their teachers and they are allowed killed. I don’t worry about my daughters being to get an education. “In Sudan you have to pay assaulted. Here in Canada people are willing to to go to school and many can’t afford to pay help just because they are good people. We do the price. I do not worry about their safety. Here not have to bribe anyone. There are programs there is more freedom to become anything. “ to help people get better and I have help raising Enike encourages youth to find happiness by my grandchildren.” Enike has three grandchil- earning what they want. Follow the rules, stay dren, ages 11, 8 and 4. She also has six children. true to your teachings and do not run with bad Her biggest challenge coming to Saskatoon people. was the cold winter. During her first winter she

18 / March 2016 Life Lessons Safety Means Freedom Work Hard for Good Life

Damar Magar, Bhutan

amar Magar is originally from Bhutan. He D came to Canada in 2012 “I came as a refugee because the government of Bhutan let us go and we went to Nepal. “ Dambar says things are very different in Canada. He used to work for himself but here he can’t because he doesn’t speak English. He doesn’t remember his parents or his grandparents because they passed away a long time ago. He does know he wants his children to have a good life in Canada. “I have a blessing for my children. “I want my children to work hard and feel good about themselves.”

Greatest Legacy continued from page 13

She was a loving mother and gave her chil- children. I just sing: mama mama I love you and dren everything they needed. The greatest leg- that’s it. Everyone waits for more words but acy she gave to me was to be a mom to me, and there aren’t any. That has become a that is what I have given to my kids. I became a tradition. mom. The advice I have for my children and Giving grace is very important to me and grandchildren is to enjoy life, not matter how since my children were babies in my lap I have hard it is no matter what kind of problems you said grace. Now they can do the same thing may have. Enjoy what you have. Know God. Be and pass it on to their kids. We say, “God is good God fearing kids. Whatever comes into your life, and god is great and we thank you for this food. God will help. Whatever decision you make, God By the grace must always seek give us lord our is always going to be there.” daily bread.” I also have a song I always sing to my grandchildren. I have three beautiful grand-

19 / March 2016 Life Lessons Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You Fengmin Zhu, China

he Chinese have a proverb, wen ji qi wu, food, etc., not in the virtual world. They should Tthat advises people to be diligent. not indulge themselves in video games and Fengmin Zhu, who immigrated to Canada in novels. Second, young people should have 2015 from China, says it a happy mind, then get a good job. translates as “on hearing They should understand the expecta- the croak of the rooster and tions from their parents. Third, young start practicing your Kungfu. people should use their interest well. Fengmin also shares a story If they are interested in math, they about a farmer and a snake. should use it to improve their life. It was a very cold winter day In addition, young people should outside, a farmer found a use their talents to contribute to the frozen snake on the ground, society and also improve their own almost dead. Out of sympa- lives. Fourth, young people should thy, he picked it up and put be diligent. him inside his coat to warm it Fengmin has vague memories of up. Soon, the snake warmed her grandparents, since they passed up and bit the farmer very away when she was young. She does hard. The farmer did not remember that her grandfather was understand why he got bit good at martial arts. He has Chinese by the snake because he was Kungu and Hongquan, a style of only trying to save its life. This story tells us to Kungfu. “My grandpa came from a rich family. distinguish your friends and enemies. It also Back in those days, their family would give the tells us not to return favor with retaliation or Kungfu teacher a bag of wheat in exchange for bite the hand that feeds you. the lessons. My dad also learned a bit about Fengmin uses this story as a basis for the Kungfu. I learned Tai Chi and I do it for the pur- advice she gives to today’s young people. First, pose of exercise and health. Back when I was in a young person needs to distinguish good China, I would practice every day in the square from bad, ugly from beauty. They should find with my friends. Tai Chi regulates the breathing happiness in real life and nature, relationships, and is good for sleep. It is very relaxing for me.”

20 / March 2016 Life Lessons Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You The Tap May Be Far Away Habiba Warsame, Somalia

abiba Warsame spent the last 23 years Hliving in a refugee camp in Kenya. She is used to doing things for herself and used to helping her neighbours. “Back home people just help each other. It makes things easier. If you’re sick, your neighbours just come and help and look after your children. They don’t need anything in return. There is more community.” Habiba is originally from Somalia. In July of 2015, she and her family arrived in Saskatoon. She is here with two sons, one daughter-in-law, two nieces and two grandchildren. She thinks Canada is a very peaceful place but is used to doing things on her own. She is learning English at the Open Door. One of the main differences

she has noticed between life in Canada and life in Somalia, or Kenya, is that sense of commu- nity. She says people are used to doing things for themselves. If you want water, you have to go to the tap and get the water. The tap may be very far away. Despite that, Habiba does like Canada. In the three months since she arrived she had not any problems. She finds it very peaceful and Canadians very polite. It is a good place to raise children. Her favourite memories are all from

Continued on page 25

21 / March 2016 Life Lessons Strong Family Ties are Important Damien and Jackie Murphy, Ireland

As a kid we always wished for snow on Christmas, but we were silly and didn’t know what it really was. One time I went outside with damp hair, I couldn’t believe it had frozen on me.” The Morphys have fond memories of their grandparents. “My favourite times were having (family) suppers together every week. Grandparents are the center of the hub. I had nine aunts and uncles and all of their kids would come. It was always laughs and good food. When my grandparents died it was never the same,” says t doesn’t matter where you are from. Damien. Language and weather are still two of the I Jackie has fond memories of her father. “ biggest adjustments people make when they I come from a family of 12. There is 25 years come to Canada, particularly Saskatchewan. between the youngest and oldest. He was a real “The weather is the most different. The snow man’s man. I was his little princess. He would was frightening” says Damien Murphy. “I have take us traveling with him. And we would hang never seen that much snow in real life. When out and talk and laugh. When we were children we landed and got off the plane, I looked at the we use to always play outside for hours and kids and said, OMG your mother is going to kill hours and hours. We would play kick the can, me. “ Damien moved his family from Dublin, knock knock run, and ball. My parents would Ireland to Saskatoon in January of 2014 after always be watching for us. Sometimes we did securing employment. not come home until 10 at night when the sun “I have to say the same as my husband,” says went down. It was safe and we all looked out Jackie Murphy. “The winter here was tough the for each other. It’s not like that now with the first couple years. young ones.” Continued on page 24

22 / March 2016 Life Lessons Listen to Each Other Amtul Qadeer, Pakistan

mtul Qadeer is originally from Pakistan Amtul does not remember her grandparents but Aand came to Saskatoon in 2015. She was she has nice memories of her father and mother, sponsored by her brother. She has experienced and all the times they were together as a family. several challenges in Canada, but she does find Her parents were devoted to ensuring their the people very friendly and she feels safe. She children all received university education. She has the right to express her religion here and feels Canada is a very good place to raise chil- that is important. First of all she has to adapt dren because everything is close and very safe. to the weather, because in Pakistan is Amtul has two sons, 18 and 12 years of age and very hot. Her second challenge is one daughter, 13. work. She was a house wife in Family is very important to Amtul. She Pakistan and now she wants to says young people find happiness when work so she needs to learn new they are heard, so parents and others skills. She is taking a computer should listen to them carefully. They class. One thing she says is a should be able to share their problems challenge is that the wash- with their family. Culture is also important rooms here do not have the and she tries to pass on her culture bidet shower close to the and values to her children, espe- toilet seat, and because cially respecting the elderly and of religious tradition teachers, being nice, kind and she cannot use toilet honest. paper.

23 / March 2016 Life Lessons Education Benefits Life

Ganga Maya Dahal, Bhutan

anga Maya Dahal is originally from GBhutan and came to Canada in 2010. She came in the hopes of providing a good life and good education for her children. She is satisfied with her life here, but she was a farmer back home and misses that, especially the animals. “I am satisfied and my kids and grandchildren are safe.” Ganga is also proud because now she can write her name in English and she can study and learn and that will only benefit her in life.

Strong Family Ties continued from page 22

Now, the Murphy’s have two children. They They urge today’s youth to appreciate what like the family focus Saskatoon offers, and the they earn. “If you give it them they will never endless job prospects. They like to share know how to be happy with what they have. Be traditions especially around Christmas. Damien kind to others,” says Damien. says every year his family would dress up for the “Be true to yourself, don’t settle for anything. occasion and take a family photo around the fire Be respectful and go live life,” says Jackie. “Travel. place. Jackie remembers her family getting up See the world. Be open to change.” Christmas morning, opening presents, going to church and then returning home for a feast.

24 / March 2016 Life Lessons Apreciate Your Life continued from page 15 You hit the bowl and the people will give gift for the children. The children wait up to see you candy such as chocolates. Then we set off him but they always fall asleep. The 13th day fire crackers, play music, dance and fellowship of New Year is the last day of vacation – every together. family must go the park and stay for a few Everyone gets new clothes to wear and then hours. It is like a big picnic. At this time young they go visit all of their relatives. They are very girls might braid the grass. This is the hope that short visits because they have so many places to they will get married. These customs not as big be. The young children get a gift of money, and now that modernization has come, but lots of it has to be new money. You give them money, the people still practice these traditions on New in a card. Year’s. On the eve of New Year’s, AMOU-Nouroz He advises young people to have faith, (meaning uncle new day), comes and leaves a believe in something and to spend time with family. “Appreciate your life,” he says.”

The Tap May Be continued from page 21 when Somalia was at peace. There is a lot of respect. If you don’t respect your Although she was very busy as a teacher and grandparents your kids won’t respect you. If your shop owner, she recalls people travelling to the grandparents and parents are hungry, you give beach because it was very beautiful. She also them the food first because they fed you.” remembers growing up and herding camel and She has very strong advice for the younger gen- goats with her dad. eration. “You have to, as a person, have self-control, This was how parents taught their children in discipline yourself, love yourself, do what is good case they had to fend for themselves. Her dad also for you. Stay away from bad people and befriend used to take her shopping at the outdoor market. people who are better and more intelligent and This was how she learned about business. they will be a good influence on you. If you want Grandparents have a very important role in to know about a person, look at who their friends Somalian society. “You treat your grandparents are. Have direction. Young people should have a better than your mom and dad. They are the bricks, purpose in life and work at it to the letter. Respect the foundation of the family. your parents even if they are bad. They always want the best for their kids.”

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