Borkena
Toronto – Canada is home to tens of thousands of Ethiopians, with Ottawa—the nation’s capital—estimated to have at least 5,000 Ethiopian residents (no official figure available).
The Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa (ECAO) is one of the country’s most active diaspora organizations. Founded in 1985, it was established with the vision of “creating a strong and supportive network of Ethiopians and ultimately establishing the first Ethiopian community centre in Ottawa.” According to its website, the association’s core mission is “to provide services to Ethiopian newcomers and the diaspora in their native languages, including Amharic, Afar, Tigrinya, Oromifa, and others as membership grows.”
The association organizes cultural events celebrating Ethiopian holidays, such as Ethiopian New Year (observed on September 11, except during leap years) and Adwa Victory Day (March 2). Due to weekday work schedules, celebrations are often held on the nearest weekend—a common practice among diaspora communities.
The Association’s Recent Achievement
Borkena spoke with ECAO President Neguissie Debele, who has led the organization for seven years. He confirmed that after sustained advocacy, the City of Ottawa has officially proclaimed March 2 as “Adwa Victory Day.”
In an email statement, Nigussie explained: “This proclamation elevates awareness of Ethiopia’s historic triumph beyond the diaspora, fostering cross-cultural understanding in Canadian society.” The 1896 Battle of Adwa marked Ethiopia’s decisive victory against Italian colonial forces, a milestone in African sovereignty.
Nigussie emphasized the significance of this recognition: “It affirms the Ethiopian community’s contributions to Ottawa’s cultural diversity and creates a platform for annual celebrations, educational programs, and discussions on Adwa’s legacy—particularly its relevance to freedom, sovereignty, and pan-Africanism.”
Programs and Activities
Currently, ECAO runs summer job programs for students, newcomers, refugee claimants, and youth engagement initiatives. The association also seeks volunteers in law, healthcare, grant writing, education, social work, photography, engineering, and sports.
Membership is open to Ethiopians and Ethio-Canadians in Ottawa for a nominal annual fee.
Community Impact
ECAO serves as both a cultural bridge and social anchor, supporting newcomers and long-term residents alike. Its successful Adwa Day campaign highlights how diaspora communities can preserve their heritage while enriching their adopted cities.
For details, visit the Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa’s website.
Editor’s Note: To feature your local Ethiopian community association, email info@borkena.com. We welcome stories of achievements and inspirational initiatives.
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Good job and congratulations! Keep up the good work.