The Multicultural Community of Yellowknife promises “tons of new acts” for its annual Multicultural Gala, which takes place in the city later this month.
MCY president Natasha Bhogal said this year’s event includes a culturally diverse buffet followed by performances from more than 60 participants.
An Ethiopian dance, hip-hop, a fan veil, Sri Lankan dance and a Romanian dance are some new acts to look forward to, according to organizers.
Bhogal said the gala, which features dances from different countries, will also incorporate singers this time. The night ends with a “big dance workshop” in which attendees can take part.
Organizers hope the gala is helping to establish “something a bit more long-term, sustainable, to create opportunities for diverse groups to interact,” Bhogal said.
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“It’s one of the very few events where people don’t necessarily have to audition and it is open to everybody.”
In collaboration with other organizations, MCY also celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day annually on June 27. The 2024 Multiculturalism Day festival happened at Somba K’e park.
Over the years, Bhogal said, the winter gala has gained popularity. The goal is to make the event accessible to newcomers and new immigrants.
“We have different tables named after different countries. It’s randomly assigned and gives opportunities for strangers to sit with each other and engage and talk about what they’re seeing, and where they are from,” Bhogal said.
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“It’s a really good space for building connections.”
Bhogal said funding for the gala varies. It comes from federal, territorial and municipal sources and is often received after the event concludes. Most of the costs were recovered through ticket sales.
Canadian North, Copperhouse, Astro by Coco, Let’s Get Popping, ECEN Immigration, Molly Maid, Bluebell Eatery, Kilt and Castle Pub, Dash Event Rentals and Sundog are this year’s event sponsors.
The gala will take place inside the Caribou Room at the Chateau Nova Hotel on November 16. It begins at 6pm.
As of Thursday this week, two-thirds of the available tickets had been sold. To register, follow this link to the ticketing platform.
