July 14th, 2024 - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Three years after moving to Winnipeg, I finally found my community - brought together by a love for our country and a commitment to having a say in what our future looks like. This is a story of dozens of connections made in a day, an exciting road trip, and new friends who already feel like family.
It all started with a text message from a dear compatriot, the only Rwandan I knew, a business connection I had made through work and had only hung out with twice, saying: “are you interested in voting in the Rwandan elections?”
This question was timed perfectly as I had just been discussing the upcoming elections with my family who are all currently based in the US, spread out across the East Coast, South and West Coast. We were wondering whether we’d be able to vote from our respective cities. I mentioned the text message. They were all so happy for me.
Now, for me, one downside of living in Winnipeg is feeling disconnected from the diplomatic community. Having lived in over 8 countries, I just love being close to my Rwandan embassy, attending our events, appreciating and cherishing our diplomatic relations to our host country.
It’s no surprise that my friend’s text message filled me with hope for a chance to perform my civic duty and I excitedly responded, “I would absolutely love to vote! Please share more details.” However, my excitement soon dissipated when he responded saying that the nearest voting poll would be in Regina, a whopping 6-hour drive away. I begrudgingly agreed to be added to a Whatsapp group that would be created a few weeks later.
Chris Shema, president of the Rwandan student association in Winnipeg, added me to the group. As he coordinated with both the Rwandan embassy and the Rwandan community in Regina, more participants were added to the Whatsapp group: #Voting2024. After transportation and accommodation plans were secured, it was finally time to get on the road. Out of 21 group members, 12 were able to make it and the rest sent their love and support saying: “Murakoze cyane kuhatubera.”
Passport and Identity card in hand, I dragged my little suitcase to the agreed meeting location. This was at 11 P.M. on a Saturday night, only a few hours before the election was set to begin. I was keeping an open mind and tapping into my spirit of adventure. I didn’t know anyone; Chris Shema, the only familiar name, had already left with the first group earlier in the afternoon.
A big Ford SUV pulled up and I was greeted by a group of smiling young men, kind, charming and equally appreciative of the significance of the journey we were about to embark on. I immediately felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and comfort. Had I finally found my community without even having to move to Ottawa like I thought I’d have to? I kept wondering quietely to myself. The rest of the trip would prove to me that indeed I had.
We arrived at sunrise, had a quick nap and change of clothes. We then headed to Seven Oaks Hotel where we proceeded to vote. At the hotel, we were warmly welcomed by Regis Francois, the leader of the Rwandan community in Regina. He had a fantastic team of Rwandan volunteers working with him. Regis later held a party in our honor to meet other Rwandans who also drove in from other towns, including the outskirts of Regina, Moose-Jaw, Gravelbourgh, Fairland, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Vancouver. Over 70 fellow travelers made it to the polling station that day. Friendships were made over food and drinks, and just as quickly as we had arrived, it was time for us to return to winnipeg.
This was easily one of my favorite road trips ever and I’m so glad I went. From bonding with the group the entire trip, voting, exploring Downtown Regina, to obnoxiously blasting and dancing to hits like Instinzi and Mukota by Ruti Joel. It’s a trip that none of us will forget anytime soon. The importance of this election cycle aside, this road trip was my chance to reconnect with what it means to be Rwandan. Leading a nomadic life like I do can be exhilarating and enriching in worldly and cultural experiences, but it can also distract me from important issues Rwandans are facing in their day-to-day lives. So, it always feels special to reconnect in these instances and be an active contributor to both the topical conversation and the community.
Rwanda, small as it is, will always have a significant place in the history of the world, and Rwandans will play significant roles in shaping the story of humanity. This election cycle, happening right after the celebration of 30 years of freedom and independence from the 1994 genocide ideology, carries within it great momentum of what’s already in motion, bringing us to the next stage of our development. Perhaps I’m being a little sentimental today, but being Rwandan has always felt like a special blessing to me.
The Rwandan community from Winnipeg poses for a photo in front of the Seven Oaks Hotel Regina before voting
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