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Lunar New Year celebrated in Prince Rupert

2022 is Year of the Tiger
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May Thivu and Ut Duong wore traditional clothing to the Learn About Lunar New year event hosted at Hecate Strait Settelment Services, on Feb. 1. Photo: Norman Galimski/The Northern View)

The Lunar New Year was welcomed in Prince Rupert at a small celebration hosted for the public at Hecate Strait Settlement Services, on Feb. 1.

In 2022, the Year of the Ox transitioned into the Year of the Tiger, representing bravery and strength, and will be observed by more than a billon people.

“[It’s] very important to us,” Ut Duong, Hecate Strait Settlement Services client, told The Northern View.

Duong used to go back home to Vietnam each year to celebrate the new year with her family, but since the pandemic started she has been unable to do so. This year, Duong has scaled back celebrations to enjoy time and good food with her sister and brother here in Prince Rupert.

The Learn About Lunar New Year event provided an opportunity for a dozen residents to enjoy the celebration with others. Participants also shared their traditions with those unfamiliar with the observance in a safe environment while also practicing their English language skills, Janet Song Cornett-Ching, settlement coordinator, said.

“Lunar New Year means uniting with family and enjoying good home-made food,” Cornett-Ching said. “We invited our newcomer clients to come in and share about their culture to individuals who don’t know about this season as well as wear their [traditional] dress.”

The Hecate Strait event featured music, calligraphy and an exploration of the Lunar New Year. Snacks such as mandarine oranges and lucky red candy, as well as hot tea, were provided for the guests. The event followed pandemic protocols limiting each of the two designated rooms to a capacity of six people each.

READ MORE: Settlement and language services up b

READ MORE: Settlement and language services up by 650% atHecate Strait Employment Development Society


Norman Galimski | Journalist
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