Friday, July 31, 2009

Heritage Days will be a time to "rejoice and be happy," said Mohamed Abdi, with the Somali-Canadian Cultural Society of Edmonton.

The group is participating in the festival for the first time with its own pavilion. Members of the Somalian community will serve up helpings of chicken, beef and goat dishes, among other things, while showing examples of traditional clothing and artifacts.

"We want to contribute and expose our rich culture and customs," said Abdi.

He said it's not a time to reflect on the "terrible times we went through."

Since last September, at least four Somalian men under the age of 25 have been shot and killed in the city. There are about 10,000 Somalians in Edmonton.

After the deaths, several members of the community -- who were frustrated by what they felt was indifference from city police -- banded together and asked to meet police Chief Mike Boyd.

Meanwhile, for the first time Heritage Days will also have a Canadian pavilion, where items like poutine, Nanaimo bars and butter tarts will be sold.

Source: Edmonton Sun, July 31, 2009