Mayor
Jim Watson was on hand at City Hall on January 15th, 2012 to proclaim
World Religion Day in Ottawa. “The city of Ottawa has a long
standing commitment to the development of a diverse society in which
the achievements, cultural heritage, and religious conviction of all
citizens is recognized and respected,” the proclamation read.
Mayor
Jim Watson reads the proclamation. Also present Councillor Shad Qadri,
Councillor Keith Egli, representative from Capital Region Interfaith
Council (CRIC), and the representative from the Baha’i Community of
Ottawa
The
event featured Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, member of the Nacho N'yak Dun
First Nation from Mayo in north eastern Yukon, who spoke on the theme
of water in spiritual traditions, and that the wise management of all
the natural resources of the planet, including water, will require a
global approach governed by spiritual principles of justice and equity,
and the fundamental concept of moderation.
The
participants in this annual celebration sat in two large concentric
circles, with the MC’s, key note speaker, and performers all as
different parts of the circle. “The power of the circle allows the
heart to be shared with each other” said Ms. Profeit-Lebla
The
family oriented celebration included music from the Women’s Drumming
Circle, Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa Choir of Men and Boys under the
direction of Mathhew Larkin, The Tamir Neshama Choir under the
direction of Cantor Daniel Benlolo, the Ismaili Muslim Community, and
the Sikh community.
Performers
at the 2012 World Religion Day with the Mayor and City Councilors
MCs:
Waubgeshig Rice, CBC broadcast journalist and writer, and Afsoon
Houshidari, Member of the organizing committee .
World
Religion Day was established in 1950 to bring attention to the harmony
of the spiritual principles of every religion and religion’s role in
the fostering of resilient, vital and nurturing communities at the
local and global level. This year marks the 12th annual celebration of
World Religion Day in Ottawa, with members of many of Ottawa’s faith
groups coming together to mark the event.
