‘A great feeling:’ Saskatoon man honoured by Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award

A Saskatoon man has been given some national recognition.

Earlier this month, Ali Abukar, the CEO of the Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS), was named one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants of 2023 by Canadian Immigrant magazine.

Abukar was the only person from Saskatchewan to receive the honour this year.

“It was a great feeling, just knowing how prestigious this award is,” he said.

Abukar fled his home of Somalia at age 18, ending up in Egypt as a refugee. He spent 10 years there before arriving in Canada in 2011.

He landed in Ontario and spent two years there before moving to Saskatchewan to join the Saskatoon Open Door Society in 2013.

Abukar sees this award as a reflection of the entire SODS organization.

“It is great, not only for myself, but also for our organization,” Abukar said. “This is in line with our mission and vision and we were founded to help immigrants and refugees settle and integrate and contribute positively.”

Abukar accepted the award at a ceremony in Toronto on Aug. 3.

Abukar also credited those who came before him.

“There were visionaries of people who founded this organization 43 years ago when there were (only) a few volunteers who came together to respond to refugees — who were at the time coming from Vietnam,” he said. “Now we’re this large organization (with more than 200 employees and many volunteers and supporters) to help more than 13,000 newcomers every year is a great, great achievement.

“Having the opportunity to play a role in that was great and seeing people succeed and be (not only) part of their community here but part of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan is a great thing.

“Canada relies on immigrants and immigrants play a vital role in building this country and growing this country, so we all are grateful for the opportunity to be welcomed here by the Indigenous people who have lived in this land for thousands of years. We’re very happy to be part of this great Canadian society.”

Abukar said he also wished to credit unsung heroes.

“I’m one of those lucky people who have gotten the recognition but there are many, many unsung heroes from the immigrant communities that are doing great work,” he said.

“Whether it is in our health-care system, in our hospitality, in our service industry, (or the) many, many leaders in our community that are contributing positively to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and overall to Canada.

“I share the recognition with all those people who were not able to be part of (this) recognition and I wish that this is an inspiration for many of the newcomers who are coming to Canada so they can play a big role in shaping this country and make life better for everyone.”