Yellowknife (July 04/01) - As of Sunday, there are 32 new Canadians living in the North.

After the Canada Day parade on Franklin Avenue, hundreds of Yellowknifers gathered at the Sombak'e Family Park to celebrate the nation's birthday and watch their neighbours officially become Canadians.

Ratnaboli Roy (left) and her daughter Amrita after the ceremony. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

And although there were 35 similar ceremonies across the country, this was the only one North of 60.

New citizen Irahim Abdul Rahman gave a speech to the crowd.

"I am a doctor working in Inuvik. It is an interesting place where I am going to stay," he said.

"There are no words that can express my happiness today. Here, I do not worry about my child's health or education."

Rahman, originally from Iraq, also repeatedly referred to Canada as "an adorable country" and asked Yellowknifers to work hard to make it even better.

Fritsie Zaragoza, who moved to Canada in 1997 from the Philippines, was also sworn in.

"I've wanted to become a Canadian citizen for a long time," she said "I can't explain the feeling, I was so excited. I felt proud, I felt like I made it."

Guests at the ceremony included Mayor Gord Van Tighem, NWT Education and Culture Minister Jake Ootes, Commissioner Glenna Hansen, Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew and citizenship officers Randy Gurlock and Lea Martin.

The rallying cry of the day was "Welcome home" and the speakers stressed that Canadian values can transcend individual differences.

After the ceremony the party continued with live music and Canada Day cake.