The Edmonton Oromo community is one of the largest Oromo communities in Canada. Approximately 9,000 Oromo Canadians live in Northern Alberta. As well, Oromo Canadians live in Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Brooks, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Brooks, Ottawa, Winnipeg & Halifax. There are also a number of smaller Oromo communities in other cities, including Ktchener, Fort McMurray , London, Kitchener, Hamilton, St. John, Grande Prairie and other Provincial Towns and Territories with an active social and cultural life.
The majority of Oromos in Canada fled their home country due to recurrent social subjugation, economic marginalization and political oppression by successive Ethiopian governments hitherto. Oromos in Edmonton established Oromian Community Association of Northern Alberta (OCANA) to help each other with settlement and integration in their new country, Canada.
Promote Unity, Friendliness, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood Among Oromos in the Greater Edmonton Area.
Facilitate the Welcome or Reception and Settlement of Newcomer Oromian Refugees and Immigrants from Africa and Other Parts of the World to Northern Alberta.
Inform Oromian Newcomers of Social Services Available in Canada in General and in Edmonton, in Particular, To Help Them Integrate Smoothly Into Canadian Society In Order To Enhance Their Understanding of Multiculturalism and Diversity.
Provide a Platform for the Opportunity To Retain, Develop, and Promote the Oromo Cultural Heritage, Language, and Traditional Values and Pass Them On to the Oromo Children.
Organize and Coordinate Social Events and Cultural Activities To Promote Get-Togetherness and Mitigate Isolation.
Cooperate and Work Closely with the Mainstream Communities and Organizations in Northern Alberta to Seek Local Solutions to Different Economic and Social Challenges by Increasing the Participation of Members in the Community Development Programs.
Create an Atmosphere for Oromo Youth That Helps Them to Stay Away From Wrongdoings.
Provide Language Translation Services and Organize Workshops on Issues Benefiting Families, Youth, and Other Members of the Community.
Coordinate and Facilitate Humanitarian and Economic Support to Oromian Refugees and Survivors of Torture.
Function as a Link Between Oromos in Alberta and Their Compatriots at Home and Abroad.
Assist Members of the Association Who May Encounter a Calamity or Unforeseen Financial Difficulties.
Oromo women had a parallel institution known as siiqqee. This institution promoted gender equality in Oromo society. in 2016, the Gadaa system of traditional governance was inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the world.
Our organization aims to provide essential support to newcomers, refugees, temporary residents, visitors, and others who encounter post-arrival barriers and challenges in their transition to Canada. Over the years, OCANA has diligently assisted numerous individuals and families as they navigate the various hurdles in their new homeland.
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