BOISE, Idaho — Many different cultures gathered at the Grove Plaza in Boise on Saturday to watch dances, performances, try delicious food, and see all kinds of homemade items.
World Refugee day celebrates diversity in the Treasure Valley, and gives refugees a space to showcase their talents and cultures.
“Different organizations bring us to this country so this day is set aside every year to celebrate refugees from all over the world. You have to remember this day and where you have come from,” said Hawa Kamara, who was celebrating in the Grove Plaza.
Idaho has resettled over 23,000 people since 1975, from almost 60 different countries.
Saturday, 18 refugees from Sudan, Bhutan, Iraq, Congo, Nepal, Burma, Eritrea, Iran, and Ukraine took the oath of citizenship and became Idaho's newest Americans.
Boise was certified as a Welcoming City earlier this yearby Welcoming America, a national non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides guidance and support to help communities become more inclusive toward immigrants and all residents.
Boise is only the third municipality in the country to receive the designation.
