Residents share stories of coming to N.L.

Alex Kennedy · CBC News · Jun 23, 2026

The Association for New Canadians marked World Refugee Day at a ceremony at St. John's City Hall on Tuesday.

The occasion honours the strength and resilience of those forced to leave their home countries. World Refugee Day officially fell on Saturday.

The event was put off alongside the City of St. John's, which partners with the organization to showcase the city's different cultures through a public photo exhibit each year. This year's event focused on the theme of "Many Journeys, One Home."

"Their life has shaped their own experiences, and they're going to share it with us. And diversity is very important when we see people are adding to our community in many different ways," said Hussein Banisad, senior manager of the association's Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada course.

Newcomers like Alhafez Osman told CBC News it's important for people to share their stories. He's originally from Sudan, and came to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 after fleeing war in his home.

Hear some of his experience, along with others who spoke at the event, in the video.

Watch the video here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/st-john-s-world-refugee-day-9.7245924