POCATELLO This year’s World Refugee Day event will take place at Lookout Point on Friday, June 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., marking the Gate City’s reopening to the world. At the occasion, Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad is anticipated to read a proclamation establishing Pocatello as World Refugee Day.
Celebrated on June 20 every year since 2001, World Refugee Day honors the cultural ties, camaraderie, and fortitude of people escaping persecution or war. Since 1975, Idaho has received 800 refugees a year on average from more than 20 nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, and Venezuela, according to the Idaho Office for Refugees.
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Despite recent obstacles, such as a halt in new arrivals that has resulted in extended family separations, Idahoans have come together to help refugees, as exemplified by this year’s theme, Community as a Superpower.
The event, which is free and organized by Bridge Idaho, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Pocatello, promises to be an evening full of cuisine, music, dance, songs, games, and activities that showcase the various cultures enhancing the neighborhood.
In order to facilitate long-term integration, Bridge Idaho promotes cross-cultural understanding and education, supports refugees’ rights, and assists with necessities including housing, transportation, and household goods.
Bridges Idaho’s Ukraine aid efforts are led by Lena Contor, a Ukrainian-born Pocatello resident who assisted in organizing the event.
Ukraine, Armenia, the Philippines, Mexico, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Ghana, Taiwan, Venezuela, Greece, Ivory Coast, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Poland, Japan, Moldova, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Laos will all be represented at the event, she said. The Mowry dancers from New Zealand, who will be performing here for the first time, have me particularly thrilled.
Pocatello is now regarded as one of the country’s most successful refugee resettlement locations.
The city’s strategy offers refugees long-term assistance and job prospects in partnership with neighborhood organizations, churches, and volunteers.
The event, according to World Refugee Day organizers, highlights Pocatello’s greatest features and honors the contributions of neighbors who bring customs and resiliency from all over the world.
For additional resources and information, go to bridgesidaho.org or visitidahorefugees.org.
