Sudanese Community

Sudanese Community in Hamilton | General Information about Sudan

Sudanese Community in Hamilton

Population in Canada:

35,000 - 40,000
Population in Hamilton:

Approximately 1200 people
History of immigration:

The first wave of immigrants to Canada started in late 1989, after a military cue from Islamic orthodox groups. This forced a number of Sudanese who did not agree with the regime to leave the country.
The second wave of immigrants started in 1996, through a resettlement program by the Government of Canada. Over 6000 Sudanese, mostly from the war-hit south, were brought to Canada. This process continues and a large number of immigrants from the second wave have resettled in Hamilton.

Common Foods

Kisra (cornflower and bread), Humus and Falafel.

Traditional Clothing

For women, colorful silk-like long veil, with skirt and shirt. Part of the material covers the woman's head. Long white shirt and white pants, with a large white turban. Children's clothing is a long white shirt and white pants with a white turban.

Art and Culture

Ethnic businesses in Hamilton:

Variety Stores, Dollar stores, Gas stations
Major occupations of the community's members:

Security officers, Taxi drivers, Social workers, Service sector.
Areas of residence of the community's members in Hamilton:

Hamilton Mountain East, Downtown, East Hamilton.
Community Organizations/Associations in Hamilton:

1. Sudanese League of Hamilton.
Established on January 04, 2003

2. African Sudanese Association of Hamilton
Address: 360 James St. North Lower concourse Hamilton, On. L8L 1H5, Phone: (905) 667-3175 , (905) 667-3175

3. McMaster Sudanese Students Association
Organization's purpose:
Community service, Community mobilization, Events organization, Sport activities, Networking, National days celebration.

People in charge:

1. Abdel Halim Gawish - President
2. John Amhar

Music:

Bashir Ismael, Nadir, Yahya Fazlullah and Awad musicians and singers.

Mohammad Wardi, Mahjoub Sharif - Nationally known musicians.
Major schools attended by community members:

Sir. Johan A. McDonald, Cathedral High School, Barton School.
Major sport activities:

Soccer; Hamilton Sudanese soccer players are the winners of the all Ontario Sudanese Tournament.
Newcomer Professions:

The Sudanese in Hamilton are highly educated professionals. A large number of them have received University degrees in medical sciences, engineering and management. Unfortunately, most professionals are involved in areas other than their own trades.
Community's Association:

Hamilton's Sudanese community's association is the African Sudanese Association of Hamilton and its purpose is to provide services and social support to the Sudanese community in Hamilton. John Amhar is the President of the association. (Other Associations)
Success stories of communities at large:

The Sudanese community and its organizations are well integrated within the Hamilton community. They have good relations with other agencies.

Sudanese community members also organized a radio program at CFMU 93.3 and are broadcasting news and cultural programs for community members. Broadcasts are on Sundays at 2pm. The radio show name is "Tanweate Sudania".

General Information about Sudan

Country's Population:

41,236,378 (July 2006 est.)
Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea.
Climate:

Tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region (April to November)
Capital City:

Khartoum
Holidays:

Independence, Ramadan, Christmas
Celebrations:

Eid Ul Adha, Great Eid, January 01 Sudans Independence day, Christmas
Major Languages:

Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English
Religions:

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum)
National Symbols:

Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
National anthem:

Nahnu Djundulla Djundulwatanlisten