For some people in Yellowknife, witnessing Canada Day festivities on Monday marked a first.
That was certainly the case for Rogerbert Goleng. Originally from Davao City in the Philippines, he said he lived there since birth. What brought him to the NWT capital, he said, was his family.
"My sister is here. She's a Canadian citizen with my niece. They've been in Yellowknife for about 14 years already."
Having made his way to Somba KSA国际影视传媒檈 Civic Plaza on July 1, Goleng described the opportunity to visit his sister as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He brought company too: his dad. Goleng couldn't say for sure how long he plans of staying in Yellowknife, noting he's also keen on visiting Edmonton.
"I'm very interested with the culture. I think I still have to study more," he said. "And also I love the mixed culture here, especially food."
One food that stands out for Goleng is bannock.
"I also studied the story about that bread," he said, noting how Indigenous people have made it their staple food. "I love it."
Not too far from where Goleng sat was another person celebrating Canada Day here for the first time. Jane Daka, 71, came to Yellowknife around three to four years ago, she explained. But normally she isn't here to celebrate the country, she said.
Daka is originally from Zambia, a country in south-central Africa. Sitting in the shade on a bench at Somba KSA国际影视传媒檈, she was dressed in African attire SA国际影视传媒� a black, white and orange shirt to match with her husband, Liberato.
What brought her to Yellowknife, she said, was the prospect of jobs.
"We were in Calgary, but jobs were scarce, then we decided to come here."
Like Goleng, Jane said her favourite aspects of Yellowknife on Canada Day were the food and the people.
"People are enjoying themselves and I'm happy to be a part of that."
July 1, 2024, marks Canada's 157th birthday.
