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45 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 B eing surrounded by a multicultural community in Yellowknife, Erin Franchesca Verastigue was determined to celebrate the diversity of this place she calls home. "Graduating this year from high school, I would like to make an impact on teaching diversity to the community of Yellowknife; as it will increase cultural competence, which in turn allows not only the youth but everyone to be empathetic to the experiences of others living in the North," she explains. "The North has many different cultures, and I believe it is important to celebrate that and to invite all different walks of life to celebrate cultures." Hosted at the Legislative Assembly of The Northwest Territories, Erin put together a Lunar New Year celebration that included activities like a photobooth, a lantern-making workshop, and a calligraphy station. There were even performances including Mongolian dancer Oyuka Bemabe, Mary Kelly from Music Space, the Yellowknife Wado Karate Club, the Canadian Tai Chi Adademy- Northwest Territories Yellowknife Branch, and the popular tinikling dance by the Philippine Cultural Association of Yellowknife. And, of course, what is a celebration without food? Erin showcased different Asian cuisines for all to try! "It was a -40°C day in Yellowknife, and that did not affect the 250 people from coming," reflects Erin. "Even tourists came to participate, which I thought was really cool!" Celebrating Multiculturalism in Yellowknife Erin Franchesca Verastigue The North has many different cultures, and I believe it is important to celebrate that and to invite all different walks of life to celebrate cultures.

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