Acknowledgements:
MP Dr Duncan Webb
Glenn Livingstone, Rata
Can I acknowledge Tūranga – this amazing place that enables events like this. The Canterbury Somali Association and the amazing artists – eight women with an age range from 20 to 70, who have created Gurigeena Our Home – Ō tātou Kāinga. And also Janet Molyneaux, a wonderful artist and art teacher, who has nurtured the talent we see on display.
The story that sits in behind this extraordinary exhibition is why I wanted to be here today.
We have had a Somali Community in our city for over 30 years, as our Refugee Resettlement Service reached out to help the international effort to support people displaced by the civil war. A significant number left after the earthquakes and we are seeing some return now, alongside the refugees we are again welcoming here.
This exhibition is a turning point for the community and has enabled these women to connect with the healing Power of art.
Gurigeena is our home – our home Somalia and our home Ōtautahi Christchurch.
This exhibition is a beautiful expression of home – our home together.
Congratulations! And now it is my pleasure to officially open Gurigeena Our Home – Ō tātou Kāinga.
MP Dr Duncan Webb
Glenn Livingstone, Rata
Can I acknowledge Tūranga – this amazing place that enables events like this. The Canterbury Somali Association and the amazing artists – eight women with an age range from 20 to 70, who have created Gurigeena Our Home – Ō tātou Kāinga. And also Janet Molyneaux, a wonderful artist and art teacher, who has nurtured the talent we see on display.
The story that sits in behind this extraordinary exhibition is why I wanted to be here today.
We have had a Somali Community in our city for over 30 years, as our Refugee Resettlement Service reached out to help the international effort to support people displaced by the civil war. A significant number left after the earthquakes and we are seeing some return now, alongside the refugees we are again welcoming here.
This exhibition is a turning point for the community and has enabled these women to connect with the healing Power of art.
Gurigeena is our home – our home Somalia and our home Ōtautahi Christchurch.
This exhibition is a beautiful expression of home – our home together.
Congratulations! And now it is my pleasure to officially open Gurigeena Our Home – Ō tātou Kāinga.