More than 500 attend New Yam Festival
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The Umu Igbo Brandon Association — a group from southeastern Nigeria — celebrated its second Cultural Day and New Yam Festival on Saturday afternoon at the Victoria Inn.
The event attracted more than 500 people in a vibrant showcase of Igbo heritage, music and tradition.
Among those attending was Manitoba Deputy Premier Uzoma Asagwara, who described the festival as a reflection of Brandon’s growth and diversity.
Umunna Igbo Cultural Association of Manitoba vice-president Ifeanyi Chidume (right) takes a yam from a plate, while Manitoba Deputy Premier Uzoma Asagwara (left) and Umunna Igbo Cultural Association of Manitoba public relations officer Ejike Nwankwo look on during the New Yam Festival on Saturday at the Victoria Inn. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
“It’s incredible to see the presence of Nigerians, of Igbo Nigerians, in Brandon in this way. Thirty years ago, you didn’t see this amount of Black people, of Nigerians, in the community. It’s beautiful to see how this community has grown,” Asagwara said.
The celebration featured a colourful display of traditional Igbo attire, with men, women and children dressed in red, blue and traditional red caps. Cultural dances, songs, and performances using traditional musical instruments energized the hall. Some non-Nigerians participated by wearing Igbo cultural outfits, reflecting the event’s inclusive, multicultural ethos.
The turnout marked a notable increase from the first festival in 2023, which attracted roughly 200 attendees, chair Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun at the event.
He emphasized the community’s commitment to diversity during his opening remarks.
“We believe in multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. That is why you see people from Punjab, Mauritius, India, Sudan and other nationalities here celebrating with us. This festival is not just for Igbos — it reflects the spirit of Brandon as a multicultural city,” he said.
Event co-ordinator Tobe Ekeneme explained the significance of the New Yam Festival, noting its parallel to Canada’s harvest season.
“The yam festival is a time to thank God for a bountiful harvest, similar to Thanksgiving here in Canada. It celebrates resilience, unity and the strength of our community while connecting our culture to local traditions,” Ekeneme told the Sun.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, attending for the second time, praised the youth participation and cultural continuity.
“It’s great to see so many young Brandonites hanging on to their Igbo heritage. They’re no longer in Nigeria, but they continue to be who they are,” Fawcett said.
On seeing non-Nigerians embracing Igbo attire, he said, “I enjoy it. It’s a gift to see people respecting and participating in your culture. It shows we all have things in common, and it’s fun to celebrate those differences together.”
Asagwara highlighted the cultural and generational significance of the event.
“The New Yam Festival represents prosperity, the strength of our community and a connection to tradition. Seeing children, families and elders celebrating together ensures that these traditions will carry on for future generations.”
Regarding the involvement of non-Nigerians, Asagwara added, “It’s wonderful to see people making the effort to understand and participate in our culture. It shows that Nigerians are fundamentally part of the community.”
Looking ahead, Ahaneku confirmed that next year’s festival will return to the Victoria Inn, with plans to expand and possibly explore outdoor venues to accommodate the growing community.
The event, he added, also follows the recent proclamation of Igbo Day in Brandon on Aug. 29, adding momentum to the community’s cultural celebrations.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
» X: @AbiolaOdutola