Author to share newcomer stories at citizenship event

Ponziano Aluma will be sure to ask one very important question the next time someone invites him out for lunch: "Am I buying, or are you buying?"

In Aluma's home country, Uganda, it is customary that the person who extends an invitation for lunch buys the meal.

So, when he moved to Regina he was a bit confused when a new friend invited him for lunch at the College West Cafeteria at the University of Regina.

"When I came to the till, I didn't have money," Aluma explained. "I had a tray full of food and I didn't have any money to pay for it. It was so embarrassing."

Aluma writes about that experience and the experiences of other newcomers in his book, We're Here, Now What?

The stories of newcomers, from the fascinating to the humorous to the insightful, will be showcased Thursday night at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Regina during an event celebrating new citizens.

Aluma will co-host the evening event with CBC Radio's Sheila Coles, from The Morning Edition.

The public is welcome to share a story or simply enjoy the event, which will feature stories of people from Burma, Uganda, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, the United States and Liberia.

Finger food will be provided by Regina chef Muna DeCiman. There will also be music and belly dancing by Tribal Vibes.

Details:

• Location: The CBC Broadcast Centre, 2440 Broad St. (In Wascana Park at the intersection of College Ave. and Broad St.) in Regina.
• Doors open at 7 p.m.
• The show runs from about 7:30 to 8:30. It will be recorded for broadcast the following week on CBC Radio One's The Morning Edition (Segments will air at 7:15 a.m. each morning).

Afternoon citizenship ceremony

Also on Thursday, starting at 1:30 p.m., a citizenship ceremony will take place in the CBC's Galleria space. During the event 60 people will receive their Canadian citizenship.

Sheila Coles will host that event, which will include two Saskatchewan MPs David Anderson and Ralph Goodale as well as First Nations Elder Mike Pinay. Students from two Grade 5 classes of St. Angela and St. Pius schools will also attend.