ECAO Connecting with City of Ottawa

October 2024

The Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa has played a vital role in strengthening cultural ties and fostering unity among Ethiopian Canadians in the nation’s capital. One of their most notable recent achievements was the successful campaign to have the City of Ottawa officially recognize “Adwa Victory Day” on March 2nd. This historic effort brought together members of the Ethiopian community from all walks of life, reinforcing a shared sense of identity, pride, and heritage.

The Adwa Victory, celebrated annually on March 2, marks the historic 1896 triumph of Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II over Italian colonial troops at the Battle of Adwa. This victory is not only a defining moment in Ethiopian history but also a symbol of African resistance and independence during the colonial era. By securing an official proclamation from the City of Ottawa, the Ethiopian Community Association elevated awareness of this significant event beyond the Ethiopian diaspora, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation within the broader Canadian society.

The proclamation was the result of months of collaborative efforts by the association, including community outreach, organizing cultural events, and engaging with local government officials. The recognition by the city served as a powerful affirmation of the Ethiopian community's contributions to Ottawa’s diverse cultural landscape. It also provided a platform for annual celebrations, educational programs, and public discussions about the historical significance of Adwa and its relevance today in conversations around freedom, sovereignty, and pan-Africanism.

This milestone not only strengthened community bonds but also inspired younger generations of Ethiopian-Canadians to take pride in their heritage and remain connected to their roots. The Ethiopian Community Association's achievement in obtaining the Adwa Victory Day proclamation stands as a testament to the power of collective advocacy and cultural preservation in building a more inclusive and enriched multicultural society in Ottawa.
Prepared by ECAO team.

APR 26, 2020

እናመሰግናችኋለን! We Thank you!

እናመሰግናችኋለን! We Thank you!
በዚህ አስቸጋሪ ወቅት ዓለምን እያሸበረ ያለውን የኮሮና ቫይረስ ለመግታት ከፊት በመሰለፍ ነገን የተሻለ ቀን ለማድረግ በከተማችን በኦታዋ ለምትገኙ ኢትዮጵያዊያን እና ትውልደ ኢትዮጵያዊያን የጤና ባለሙያዎችን ማሕበራችን በኦታዋ በሚገኙ የኢትዮጵያዊያን መህበረሰብ ስም ከፍ ያለ አድናቆቱን እና ምስጋናውን ያቀርብላችኋል፡፡
Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa (ECAO) expressing our gratitude and love for the Ethiopia-Canadian doctors and nurses on the front lines who helped and served in Ottawa during this critical time.