For 40 individuals from 16 countries, yesterday marked the beginning of a new chapter, and there’s no place quite like the Calgary Stampede to celebrate it. At a special citizenship ceremony held at Doherty Hall on Stampede Park, participants proudly took the Oath of Citizenship and officially became Canadians.
Among those marking the milestone were Calgary Stampede CEO, Joel Cowley, and his wife, Tammy, who joined fellow participants in celebrating their new citizenship surrounded by members of the Stampede family.
It’s very meaningful to do it here at the Calgary Stampede. This is my family, and now we have a Canadian family, and we’re part of that Canadian family. That’s very special,” shared Joel. “From the moment we arrived in Calgary more than 30 years ago, it felt like home. The kindness that we’ve experienced in Canada is very, very special. It’s something we wanted to be a part of—a kind, civil, inclusive country. We are so honoured to be Canadians.”
For Louisa Guignard, and her husband Guillaume Class, becoming Canadian was an important step in completing their family’s journey. Originally from France, the couple moved to Canada nine years ago and have since built their lives in Calgary, raising two children.
Guillaume said what began as an opportunity to study in Canada quickly turned into something much more. After arriving in Montréal, the couple eventually made their way west, drawn by Alberta’s landscapes and the Rocky Mountains.
“We fell in love with the country,” Louisa reflected. “The Rockies, the winters, the scenery—there’s something incredible about it. We also experienced the Stampede for the first time last year, and it was unlike anything we knew in France. There are so many unique moments here, and there’s always something new to discover.”
The ceremony celebrated not only the notion of becoming Canadian, but also the diverse journeys that bring people to Canada. Following the ceremony, the new Canadians were invited to continue the celebration on Stampede Park and take part in the experiences that make The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth so special.
Congratulations and welcome to all the new Canadians!
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