SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Canada Day had a special meaning for 68 people who marked the occasion with a ceremony to become Canadian citizens.

The ceremony was officiated by Citizenship Judge Sarkis Assadourian and included individuals from 31 different countries, including Armenia, Brazil, China, India, Russia, Pakistan and the United States.

"Most of you came here for a better life ... I know you have worked hard to gain your citizenship," said Assadourian during the ceremony outside the Yellowknife Community Arena.

The event was emotional for many. Some, like Kaeiatu Dumbuya, had fled native countries rife with war and poverty. Dumbuya came to Canada from Sierra Leone in 2003, leaving the African nation because of a civil war. On obtaining her citizenship, she said, "It's good. I'm very happy."

Radha Raut also celebrated becoming Canadian with his wife and son. Coming to Canada was an obvious choice to him.

It's "a better place to live," he said. "The best place to live in fact."

Raut arrived in Canada two years ago from Nepal and said he plans to stay in Yellowknife.

"It was a very emotional ceremony and finally we made it," said Ana Carolina Perdoma, originally from Uruguay in South America. "It's a big day. Very emotional for all of us," she added, reflecting on the hard work it took to finally become a Canadian.

After reciting the official oath in both English and French, the hour-long ceremony was much like a high school graduation as recipients walked across the stage to accept their certificate. MLA Robert Hawkins, Mayor Gord Van Tighem and MP Dennis Bevington congratulated the newcomers to the country.

"Thank you for choosing our country," Van Tighem said as he addressed the new Canadians.

The large crowd in attendance applauded during Bevington's speech as he welcomed the new citizens to "the best country in the world."

"You have earned a place in our society and a place in our hearts," Bevington said.