Lethbridge, AB

Immigrant

Bangladesh

30-39

Sayma

Originally from Bangladesh, Sayma arrived in Saskatoon in 2017 and later moved to Lethbridge in 2019, and has since lived there with two young children.

I am very aware of my own heritage and culture because that is my identity. I tried to be friends with people here but some of the local people are racists. I felt that. That's why I came back to my culture.

Cultural Dresses Represent My Identity

I used to be shy about introducing my culture to locals as I’ve had many experiences where I do not feel welcomed by the locals. But now I will not be shy anymore to wear my costume for locals to see how beautiful my culture is. We should feel proud to represent our culture and practice. I celebrate my culture and I will be proud to introduce myself.

Cultural Celebrations

I try to teach my kids our culture which is very beautiful. We have many celebrations almost every month. We had Eid celebration; my kids dressed up in traditional clothing; they made a card for the Bengali New Year; we did face painting as it is very popular for cultural festivals in Bangladesh. As Bangladeshi-Canadians, my kids should learn and celebrate the culture of Bangladesh. If so, they will never be frustrated in life because they will feel that they have their own culture, right here.

We celebrate the Bengali Spring Festival on February 14th. In Bangladesh, our culture is related to love and we call it the Season of Flowers. The first day, we wear traditional saris and flower crowns, put some color on our faces, and all meet together. We also decorate our house with flowers.

I put henna on my hand. My neighbor’s daughter came to me to put henna on and she likes it. I am very aware of my own heritage and culture because that is my identity. I tried to be friends with people here but some of the local people are racists. I felt that. That's why I came back to my culture.

We make this kind of cultural food every weekend. In Lethbridge, there are a few Indian restaurants but no Bangladeshi restaurants. I would sometimes order from the Indian restaurants downtown, but I prefer to make homemade food that is more authentic to me.

In April 2022, I took my Oath of Canadian Citizenship. I am happy to celebrate this special day with my son.

Celebrating International Mother Language Day

February 21 is International Mother Language Day. It was an idea from Bangladesh to observe linguistic and cultural diversity. We respect our own mother language but we should also respect other people who speak different languages. It should be celebrated because it has never happened before in Lethbridge. I thought to initiate this, as I have faced discrimination and racism in Lethbridge. This year I requested City Hall to light up on that day, and they did it and they celebrated it so people came to know about that day and other cultures.

Community Support

Neighbourhood & Home

Lethbridge is naturally beautiful. This beauty is near to our home in many parks which are minutes away in walking distance. The natural sceneries make me happy. The government did an awesome job by making playgrounds in those parks, where we can often go and my kids can play. The parks help me as a mother because when my kids are happy, I am happy.

We live in subsidized housing, which is really helping me as a single mother. My backyard even has a swing and stuff for the kids. When weather is good, they can play.

Places to go in Lethbridge

A Fun Day at the Fair