Come Out and Celebrate Ethiopian Day on August 28, 2010 in Burnaby, BC

Last weekend (July 25-26), the Caribbean Festival in North Vancouver took place. I wrote about that event in my earlier post.

The Caribbean Festival in North Vancouver is a great example that shows how a small group of people can accomplish myriads of work. We Ethiopians should learn from other minority groups in town on how we can collaborate on a variety of projects and events. We, as a community, have been living in the lower mainland as permanent residents since the mid 1970’s. However, our presence is not felt at any level.

We must work together for the betterment of our community. For instance, the Somali community started coming to Canada and USA in the 1990’s, some 15 years after our community settled in Canada. Ethiopians have been coming for education and trade to the USA since the 1900’s – yes for more than 100 years now, but still the Ethiopian community in the USA is not as strong as it should be. However, the Somali community is way stronger than the Ethiopian community. Even though I don’t endorse all the illegal activities and rude behaviours that the Somalis are famous for, I admire and envy their closeness as a community.

When it comes to the Somalis’ community, we must and need to be like them – however, we must avoid their other negative personalities. I am not generalizing that all Somalis have bad personalities. This is my only experience and I am not painting all Somalis with the same brush.

The vast majority of Ethiopians are very law abiding people. So, if one is a decent citizen, then what makes it so difficult to be united under the community umbrella? I hope to explain this in the future. Also, anyone is welcome to submit an article explaining why we failed as a community so far.

The new Ethiopian Community of BC directors have planned a great event this August. It will be “The First Annual Ethiopian Summer Festival” and will be held in Burnaby, BC on August 28, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

For Google Map, please click here

For Google Street View, please click here

I am really excited that our community leaders have organized this event. It is way overdue. This is the first annual event in 35 plus years! I wish every one a great time and I thank the organizing committee from the bottom of my heart.

I look forward to seeing you all at the event.

My next blog entry will be on Thursday August 05, 2010.

Mullkam Samint!

Ethiopians: Come Out And Celebrate The Caribbean Day Festival In North Vancouver

In my previous post, I wrote about the Surrey Fusion Festival. I attended this fusion event. Again, it was a great event with many nations participating. I was sad, as last year, that Ethiopia was not represented. This year, South Africa and Nigeria were there.

I was also disappointed at the number of Ethiopians who attended. In my count, there were less than 10 Ethiopians. Such events are great and I encourage all to come out and participate.

At this fusion festival event, I met some Sudanese Nubians, who are already working to participate in the 2011 fusion Festival – great to hear that. I am hoping that the Ethiopian community of BC will participate next year.

Ethiopians: Be Part of the Fusion Festival in Surrey

Happy Canada Day to everyone!

Last year, I attended a great event in Surrey, called “Fusion Festival”. It was a great event as there were many fusions of nations that participated. There were countries from Asia, Europe, Caribbeans and South America. The only African nation that participated was Kenya despite Ethiopians numbering at least ten times the population of Kenyans in the lower mainland.

At that event, each country had its own two tents – one tent was to sell food, cultural items, etc. and the next door tent was basically an information booth about that particular group. Despite the few thousand of us Ethiopians living in the Vancouver area, we did not have a presence at the event. I really felt bad that we Ethiopians in diaspora are still half sleep, perhaps, I should say fully asleep.

Meet Ethiopian Role Model Entrepreneur – Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Old truck tyres never die, they just turn into sandals

What do you do with your old tyre from your car or truck? Chances are you will throw it out in the garbage. No wait! Some one wants it! Yes, a young Ethiopian entrepreneur has made a carrier for herself, and 50 plus of her employees.

Meet an Ethiopian role model – Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – who has combined the Internet’s selling power with nimble business practices more often associated with Asian countries, the idea has been turned into an unlikely international hit. Bethlehem, 30, quit her job as an accountant, to launch Sole Rebels.

Her company, Sole-Rebels, has received an International Fair Trade Certification. This means, she pays her employees decent wages, and follows labour codes. Even her employees have health benefit packages.

Bethlehm’s success has allowed her to expand and construct a solar-powered factory, adjacent to her old factory.

Her suppliers deliver old truck tyres and tubes to her factory; and she has hired women to spin, weave and dye locally-grown cotton, jute and hemp using skills passed down through generations. The results have been astonishing. Sole-Rebels thrived in the global market with no outside support, other than a government line of credit to help meet large orders.

Workers at Bethlehem’s SoleRebels factory — located in the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa — cut, sew and glue to fulfil Internet purchases from customers as far away as Canada and Australia.

Photo: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, co-founder of SoleRebels,
eco-friendly footwear company from Ethiopia, is highlighted
in this week’s CNN’s African Voices. (Screen shot from CNN)

Bethlehem has sold many thousands of pairs of handmade flip-flops, boat shoes, loafers and Converse-style trainers to foreign customers.

My Cousin in Ethiopia Fell Victim to a Nigerian Phishing Scam

Recently I received an email, supposedly from my cousin. The subject said, “Please Help Me“. I never got an email with such subject line from my cousin in the past; so I was very curious to find out what kind of help she needed.

I opened the email as soon as I saw it. The email read as follows:

San Jose: Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America 2010

The Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) has announced its 27th annual sports and cultural event to take place from June 27 to July 3, 2010. Yes, San Jose, California will be the host this year.

The “S” in ESFNA once stood for “Soccer”, but over the years, that did change to “Sport” so that other sports could be added. However, lately, the event has become more than sports. Therefore, the website’s (http://www.esfna.org) translates ESFNA in Amharic as, “Ethiopian Sports and Cultural Federation in North America”. I agree with the translation and it really makes sense.

Sending Money to Ethiopia

Sending money oversees is way to complicated! But, does it have to be? If you are sending money, for instance, to Europe from Canada or US, then you have many choices:

• Money Orders – via banks, post office, etc.
• Cash Transfers – via agents like Western Union, etc.
• Bank Transfers – via banks in wires, cheques, drafts, etc.

These services are very expensive both to the sender and recipient. The sender pays outrageous service fees and the recipient also gets dinged service fees in addition to lower exchange rates.

Photo: 1985 Ethiopian Gold Coin – showing a value of $400 Birr – worth a lot more at the present!

But, if you are sending money to Ethiopia, your options are limited. Most people in North America send money to Ethiopia using local licensed agencies rather than big corporations. These local agencies are mostly run by other fellow Ethiopians.

The service fees by the corporations are way to high, and also small local agencies give you the best exchange rates.

Ethiopia – a Role Model Country for Religious Tolerance

This past weekend a major religious clash took place in Nigeria. Hundreds of Christians were killed by Muslims on a broad day light in the city of Jos. BBC has reported all the details here. And The Times On Line has also reported all the details here.

As Africa’s most populous nation and one of the top oil sources, Nigeria has been one of the most stable countries in Africa for many years. This ugly event of murder and chaos has worried not only Nigerians, but also the West. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called this week on Nigeria to find and punish those responsible for the killings of more than 500 Christians in a wave of sectarian slaughter. More reporting on the Nigerian violence is here.

Ethiopia and Religion

Ethiopians of all religions and faith have lived side by side through out the centuries. This was mentioned by Professor Isaac’s letter, which I published here. Yes, it is gratifying to know that Ethiopians were / are able to respect each other’s religion despite what was / is happening in and around Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Muslims are traditionalists who sincerely follow the Quraan. I have never come across any Muslim who displayed hate, violence or anger towards others while growing up in Ethiopia. My hope and prayer is that, Ethiopia will continue to enjoy religious harmony for centuries to come.

For centuries, “Religion is personal where as Ethiopia is for all” has been the guiding principles of the leaders and the people of Ethiopia. This still holds true today in Ethiopia and hope it will hold true forever. Yes, Religion is a very sensitive issue and should be handled delicately.

The Battle of Adwa and the Defeat of Fascist Italy – March 2, 1896

On March 2, 1896, Ethiopia accomplished no other Africans have ever done – Ethiopia was able to defeat Fascist Italy that crossed its boundaries for the purpose of looting and colonization.

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, Ethiopia marked the 114th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa Victory. So, I decided to write a post about it. Ethiopia was the first and only country in Africa that defeated European colonial power during the ‘scramble for Africa’ rush.

Ethiopia, under Emperor Menelik II, decimated the invading Italian army at the northern town of Adwa. That victory became a symbol of independence and pride for all black people around the World, specially Africans. The victory was sweeter for African Americans, who were fighting racism in America at the time. The victory of Adwa was a huge event, and still it is in the minds of Ethiopians and Africans.

Because of Ethiopia’s triumph over Italy, many African nations have adopted Ethiopia’s flag (Green, Yellow, Red) in its various combinations.

From The archives of the New York Times on The Battle of Adwa.

Click on the links below to read from the New York Times Archives:

• ITALY’S TERRIBLE DEFEAT – Three thousand Men Killed, Sixty Guns and All Provisions Lost (March 4, 1896)
• ABYSSINIANS DEFEAT ITALIANS – Both Wings of Baratieri’s Army Enveloped in an Energetic Attack (On March 2, 1896)

The above two news articles from 1896 are a must read and remind us all that we should never take our freedom for granted; and continue our best to cherish our freedom.

Related Video

Haile Gerima’s Video regarding Adwa is found here.

Thank you very much our forefathers for paying the ultimate sacrifice to save Ethiopia!

My next blog entry will be on Thursday March 11, 2010

Mullkam Samint!

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and Canadian Patriotism

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic games are progressing very well. Canada is currently ranked at fourth place in medial count rankings; behind USA, Germany and Norway.

I am really glad to see that, finally, Canadians have shown their patriotic side. Such out pouring enthusiastic patriotism was never expected in Canada as Canadians are very polite and subdued people, who keep low profile, don`t usually brag, for example, as compared to Americans.

A few days ago, I went to down town and in surrounding suburbs to witness for myself first hand all the patriotic events I saw on TV. Sure enough, I too was carried away with the celebrations. Robson square was crowded, the whole down town was flooded, and is still flooded, with a lot of people as I write this blog.

Chants of “Go Canada Go!”,  impromptu performances of the Canadian National Anthem (O! Canada), visceral screams of “Whoooo!”, “Canada!”, and more have echoed throughout Vancouver, and neighbouring cities.

The Canadian Home Renovation Tax Credit Explained

The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) has left many homeowners wondering how this new credit available for tax year 2009 will impact their tax returns.

Here are some quick facts that can help you know what to expect if you have made eligible renovations to your homes and cottages.

The deadline for HRTC has now passed; but it is tax time and you will need to know what to claim. Please keep in mind that your renovations must have been done before February 1, 2010.

Ethiopian Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Meet Olympian Robel Teklemariam

Ethiopia’s Olympics history is astounding, to say the least. For decades, many Ethiopians have participated in the Olympics around the world and have made us all proud – these were all summer Olympics.

When it comes to the Winter Olympics, however, Ethiopia and many other African nations don’t actively participate due to lack of snow in the continent. For instance, there were a total of 9 African participants in the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics from a total of 6 countries:

• Algeria (2)
• Ethiopia (1) – Robel Teklemariam
• Kenya (1)
• Madagascar (1)
• Senegal (1)
• South Africa (3)

Vancouver Winter 2010 Olympics Games Free Events

Olympics – whether Winter or Summer – is a great event.

Ethiopia has been participating in the summer Olympics for nearly 50 years now. Ethiopia has opened the floodgates for all Africans to participate in the Olympics.

I am very proud of the accomplishments of Ethiopian athletes. In the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, Ethiopia sent 12 athletes, and came home with 8 medals – that is by far the best a country could hope for. However, Canada did send 425 Olympians to Sydney, but came back with nothing. I remember the media hammering the Canadian Olympic Committee by comparing them to Ethiopians. Canada’s low performance in 2000 was improved in 2004 in Athens and again in 2008 in Beijing.

Professor Ephraim Isaac Extends his Greetings, Appeals for Unity of All Ethiopians

The year 2009 is now behind us. What a year it was! We witnessed many dramatic events in the last year around the world, Ethiopia included. Some events were very sad, some very stupid and some needed to happen.

Now, we must accept the year 2010 with great appreciation and positive outlook. The New Year celebration has triggered an Ethiopian Harvard Professor Ephraim Isaac to appeal to all Ethiopians …

He asks, “Why are we stuck on the philosophical values of Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Marx? Why not respect and uphold the teachings of peace and reconciliation of our own wise teachers like, Zar’a Ya’aqob, Kristos Samra, Abba Gedas, and others?”

Ethiopian Vancouver Blog: Looking at My 2009 Posts

Since I started writing this blog on September 10, 2009, I have been contacted by many people with good words and encouragements. It feels good when I know that, many people are reading my posts and like what I have written so far.

I have decided to summarize my 2009 posts here in one post. Well, there were 17 posts for 2009 as started in September 2009. In 2010, I plan to write 52 posts at the rate of one a week.

Click on any of the following links to read in more details.

September 2009

Sept 10:  Happy Ethiopian New Year to All

Sept 17:  To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 1

Sept 24:  To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 2

October 2009

October 1:  To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 3

October 8:  Thanksgiving and Ethiopians in Vancouver

October 15:  Ethiopian Community of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada

October 22: Just How Big is the Internet? Let us Print the Entire Internet, Honey!

October 29: H1N1 Vaccination – Is it Good for me?

November 2009

November 5: Remembrance Day in Canada

November 11: The Contribution of Ethiopia and Other African Nations for World Peace During the WWII

November 19: Cool Things You Can Do with the Internet

November 26: Advertisements in North America – Prey Upon Fear – With An Ethiopian Eye

December 2009

December 3: Role Model Ethiopian – Daniel W. Yohannes

December 10: An Ethiopian Blogger’s View: Is Greed Good Or Bad?

December 17: Just How Big is the Internet in China?

December 24: An Ethiopian Blogger’s View: Are all African Presidents/Prime Ministers Corrupt?

December 31: Microsoft to Release Windows 7 in Amharic, Ethiopian National Language, and Nine Other African Languages

I plan to write some interesting topics in 2010.

If you have any topic in mind that you want me to write about, please let me know.

Do you like to suggest a topic and/or contribute an article? If so, please contact me in the form below.

May the New Year Bring Peace, Harmony, Unity, Love and Prosperity and Good Health to us all and to our motherland, Ethiopia and to our fatherland, Canada!

My next blog entry will be on Thursday January 14, 2010.

Mullkam Samint!

Thanksgiving and Ethiopians in Vancouver

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Monday, October 12, 2009 will be Thanksgiving holiday in Canada. I wanted to post an article regarding this holiday as seen with an Ethiopian point of view …

I would like to dedicate this post to the Aboriginal People of North America, with out whom, we all (whether new immigrants or many generation Canadians) would not have been living in Canada.

When the early explorers arrived in North America, the Natives were very generous, helpful, compassionate and hospitable people. The Natives welcomed the explorers by:

• Giving them the food they needed when they were hungry
• Pouring the drinks when they were thirsty
• Guiding them when they were lost, and
• Clothing them when they were cold

To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 2

Last week, I discussed “To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 1“.

In this “To Buy a House or Not to Buy – Part 2” article, I originally wanted to compare buying vs. renting a house. However, late last week, Berhanu, one of the Vancouver’s Ethiopian community members, suddenly passed away.

Therefore, I have decided to dedicate this post to Berhanu and publish a timely article regarding mortgage insurance. The comparison that I planned on publishing today, Renting Vs. Buying, will be discussed in Part-3 next week.

Happy Ethiopian New Year to All

Happy New Year to All Ethiopians!

Tomorrow, September 11, 2009, will be the Ethiopian New Year (Enqutatash in Amharic) or R’ise Awde Amet (Head Anniversary) in the ancient language of Ethiopia, Geez.

Yes, September 11, 2009 will be the first day of the first month of the year 2002. Ethiopia is about 7 years, 3 months and 20 days behind the official Gregorian Calendar in use in North America, Europe, and most countries around the world. Ethiopia has 13 months in a year; 12 months of 30 days each, with the 13th month having only 5 days (6 days in a leap year, which takes place every 4 years).