‘You feel connected.’ Newcomers find a warm welcome in Yellowknife

For people arriving in a new city, finding a job or place to live is only part of the challenge. Finding a sense of community can be as equally important.

That was the goal behind Newcomers Welcome Day, hosted on August 13 by the Fédération franco-ténoise and the Yellowknife Francophone Welcoming Community at Somba K’e Civic Plaza.

The free event brought together newcomers, long-time residents and local organizations for an evening of music, information booths, food and conversation.

Camille Gosselin, coordinator of the Yellowknife Francophone Welcoming Community, said the event is designed to help newcomers learn more about the city while also making connections. 

“We take a moment every year to do kind of like a big event and just show them all the information,” she told Cabin Radio.

Organizations present included English- and French-language services, and offered information about employment, education, childcare and community programs. 

“They can meet each other, get more information about what to do in Yellowknife, how to live in Yellowknife and how to adapt,” said Gosselin.

For Udit, who moved to Yellowknife from Toronto four years ago, events like Newcomers Welcome day can play an important role in helping people feel like they belong.

“Initially it was tough coming from the big city, but then Yellowknife has a lot to offer,” Udit said.

“The events like this, they make you feel connected with the community and you meet new people.”

Udit told Cabin Radio that the people in Yellowknife have made the biggest difference in his experience. 

“They are very welcoming, and so you feel connected. You feel part of the society, and that’s what I like about Yellowknife,” he said.

For others, Thursday’s event was one of their opportunities to get to know Yellowknife. 

Laila, who had been in the city for just one week after arriving from Montreal, said misconceptions about the North can discourage people from considering Yellowknife as a place to live. 

After learning more about the city and doing her own research, Laila decided to visit to explore opportunities and make connections while she considers moving her family North.

“I’m looking for a new adventure, for new horizons, to meet new people,” Laila told Cabin Radio. 

After just a week in Yellowknife, Laila said the city’s nature and the openness of its residents had already left an impression.

“I don’t feel lonely,” she said. “The people come to you and discuss with you.”

Emeline Rolande Ebelle, who moved to Yellowknife from Cameroon with her family last summer, shared a similar experience. 

Rolande Ebelle said her first year in the city has been “wonderful,” adding that the move was initially a leap into the unknown.

“We were not very motivated, but we said, ‘Why not? Let’s go and see,’” she said.

After arriving, Rolande Ebelle said her family was met with warmth and kindness from the people around them.

For Gosselin, those connections are at the heart of Newcomers Welcome Day.

The hope, she said, is newcomers leave feeling welcome. 

Udit said Yellowknife may take some adjustments for those arriving from elsewhere, but the people can make that transition easier.

“To all those folks who don’t know about Yellowknife yet, you should come here at least once to experience this place,” he said.