BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
This year's World Refugee Day celebration in the Treasure Valley will see a diverse lineup, representing a piece of Boise’s growing community.
Hosted by the Idaho Office For Refugees, the celebration will take place downtown at The Grove Plaza on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
World Refugee Day is an annual event recognized internationally on June 20. This year’s theme, Solidarity with Refugees, focuses on celebrating the strength of refugees and seeking solutions to end conflicts to allow their safe return home, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Boise’s event will feature a citizenship ceremony at 11 a.m. for 10 former refugees from Burundi, Thailand, Congo, Ukraine, Myanmar (Burma) and Central African Republic.
Since 1975, Idaho’s refugee resettlement program has helped people reestablish themselves where they can live, work, and raise their family in peace, according to a news release from the Idaho Office of Refugees. Idaho has welcomed more than 1,200 refugees in fiscal year 2023, and expects to resettle 1,050 more in fiscal year 2024, according to the office's website.
The Idaho Office of Refugees added that World Refugee Day is an opportunity to celebrate former refugees in Idaho, connect over the beauty of different cultures, foods, and traditions, and stand in solidarity together.
“First, it's a day to honor and celebrate the lives of refugees as well as our joint efforts on behalf of mankind,” said Joel Ntando, coordinator of the Refugee Speakers Bureau at the Idaho Office for Refugees. “Second, it serves as a reminder that we can considerably alleviate the global refugee issue.”
Saturday's schedule of events is as follows:
Morning Session: 9:30-11 a.m.
- Lao Folkloric Dancers Liberian
- United Association of Idaho Dancers
- Boise Rock School featuring Liza Galitsyna
- African Drumming Performance featuring Muganza Katanga
Citizenship Ceremony: 11 a.m.
- Facilitated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Followed by a message from Boise City Councilman Jimmy Hallyburton
Afternoon Session: Noon-1:30 p.m.
- Makatas Dancers
- Dance Group - Mladi Behar The Bosnian Herzegovinian Cultural Center of Idaho
- Afghan Children's Choir
The celebration will also feature 14 local vendors, all from refugee backgrounds:
Cuisine
- Darjeeling MOMO
- Indo Idaho
- Amina’s African Sambusas
- Taste of Persia
- Liberian United Association of Idaho
- Mama G’s Kitchen
Crafts/Handmade Goods
- Anna Galitsyna quilted art
- Artisan Handmade Jewelry
- Artisans for Hope
- Thara Fashions
- Florence Musuuke
- MS Design
Local Produce
- Koborewa Corn Meal
- New Hope Farm
Twin Falls will also be hosting Magic Valley Refugee Day on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Twin Falls Downtown City Park. More information on World Refugee Day events can be found at idahorefugees.org/world-refugee-day.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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