CIRCLE International

Celebrating Pashtoon Culture and Community in Edmonton

CIRCLE International proudly hosted the Pashtoon Community Cultural Celebration in Edmonton, bringing together hundreds of community members, cultural leaders, families, youth, and distinguished guests for a vibrant celebration of Pashtoon heritage.

The event highlighted the richness of Pashtoon culture, including language, traditions, music, poetry, traditional clothing, Attan, hospitality, and cuisine. It also created an important space for intercultural learning, community connection, and mutual respect among Alberta’s diverse communities.

We were honoured to welcome Members of the Legislative Assembly Gurteej Brar, Nathan Ip, and Jasvir Deol as special guests. In their remarks, they recognized the social, cultural, and economic contributions of the Pashtoon community and emphasized the importance of multiculturalism in strengthening Alberta’s identity.

Community speakers shared thoughtful messages about unity, belonging, cultural preservation, and the important role of younger generations in carrying Pashtoon traditions forward. Their remarks reflected the spirit of cooperation and community pride that shaped the entire celebration.

Through a video presentation, Pashtoon scholar Dr. Noor-ul-Amin offered valuable insights into Pashtoon history, heritage, and contributions. Afsar-ul-Mulk Afghan also spoke about the importance of youth leadership, cultural engagement, and the positive representation of the Pashtoon community.

A special Pashto poetry session featured respected poets Professor Bakht Zada Danish and Rashid Khan Rashid, who shared their poetry through video messages. Live music, cultural performances, and traditional Attan added energy and joy to the event.

Children and volunteers were recognized with certificates and awards for their participation and contributions. Guests were also welcomed with traditional Pashtoon food, creating a warm, family-friendly, and culturally meaningful atmosphere. The celebration also welcomed seniors from diverse ethnocultural communities, providing meaningful opportunities for newcomers and long-term residents to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships through intercultural engagement.

CIRCLE International is a Canadian nonprofit organization committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, community empowerment, newcomer support, youth and women’s leadership, and social justice. This celebration formed part of our continuing commitment to multicultural engagement and to creating inclusive spaces where different cultures are respected, shared, and celebrated.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all guests, speakers, artists, poets, volunteers, families, partners, and community members who helped make this event a success.

Together, we celebrate our heritage.
Together, we build understanding.
Together, we strengthen communities.

CIRCLE International — Connecting Communities. Empowering People. Inspiring Change.

YourAlberta (Government of Alberta)
City of Edmonton - Local Government
City of Edmonton Recreation Centres
Canadian Heritage
Edmonton Community Foundation
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
United Way of Calgary and Area
Chand Gul ChangeX Employment and Social Development Canada
Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales Dost Khan Afsar Afghan Ruby Malik

8CIRCLE International is pleased to share that our workshop, “Understanding Racism, Microaggressions, and Safe Community Response,” was successfully held today Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Empire Park Community League.

The event brought together community members from different ethnic groups, cultures, and backgrounds, including youth, seniors, newcomers, refugees, women, and community leaders. It was a meaningful and engaging session focused on learning, reflection, respectful dialogue, and practical ways to respond to racism and microaggressions in our daily lives.

Participants shared their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on how we can build safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive communities together. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation.

This workshop was part of Edmonton Intercultural Women’s Anti-Racism Circles, supported by the Government of Alberta.

CIRCLE International remains committed to promoting inclusion, respect, equity, and anti-racism through community education, dialogue, and action.

Thank you to all participants, volunteers, facilitators, and community partners for making this event successful.

Alberta Nonprofit Network - ABNN
YourAlberta (Government of Alberta)
City of Edmonton - Local Government
Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales
Amira Elghawaby
Canadian Heritage
Edmonton Community Foundation
United Way of Calgary and Area

CIRCLE International is hiring University Students for Summer Jobs 2026! ☀️

We are looking for motivated and passionate youth to join our team as Community Liaison Workers this summer. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on work experience, strengthen your leadership and communication skills, and contribute to meaningful community work in a supportive and inclusive environment.

If you are a university student who wants to learn, grow, and make a positive difference, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Send your resume to: [email protected]
📝 Subject line: Your Full Name_Summer Job
📅 Deadline: CoB, May 10, 2026

Here is the link to the job description: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E29MoQguac8YTt6odtbAzZqCO8wDlJef/view?usp=sharing

We are honoured to share that CIRCLE International, with support from the Government of Alberta, is launching the Edmonton Intercultural Women Anti-Racism Circles project. This important initiative will help address racism through community-based education, leadership development, and intercultural dialogue. Through anti-racism workshops, leadership trainings, and dialogue circles, the project will empower racialized women, engage youth and community members, and build stronger allyship across Edmonton. We are excited to begin this journey and remain committed to creating safer, more inclusive, and more connected communities for all.

Stay tuned — more updates will be shared soon.



City of Edmonton - Local Government


Alberta Nonprofit Network - ABNN

Canadian Heritage
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations