It was a great honour to attend the C-Tribe Festival last week in Edmonton.
Created and curated by my friend Sahr Saffa, C-Tribe brought together a compelling cohort of thinkers, innovators, and collaborators. I learned, I shared, and yes, I cried.
My favourite moment was hearing the magical words of Titilope Sonuga, poet laureate of Edmonton and a childhood friend of Sahr’s. Titi’s message of seizing power and having faith encouraged the voices of others who followed her on stage.
Nikiesha Lawson, from the Black Talent Initiative, orchestrated a beautiful panel on Employee Resource Groups, featuring Emiliano Void, founder of nuwave Equity.
I also enjoyed hearing from Dr. Robin Mazumder, a Vanier scholar, about how physical environments impact diversity, Jacqui Regenbogen from Sauce Labs on tackling DEI differently across global markets, and Deloitte’s Olaolu Adeleye teaching me what diaspora truly means.
C-Tribe also attracted speakers and attendees from RBC, Innovate Calgary, and Mitacs, along with dozens of entrepreneurs and investors. While I only attended the Festivals’ conference portion, along with a superb fashion show, the event rolled into music, gaming, and more fashion for the weekend.
C-Tribe is a hidden gem in an emerging gem of a city, that you should consider mining in the future. I share the C-Tribe Manifesto with you to get you pumped for the 2023 event.
C-Tribe Manifesto
We are the misfits, but not the misfortunate.
The underestimated, but not the under-deserving.
Rough around the edges, albeit the diamonds in the rough.
We’re building a world that’s architected by more and owned by all.
A global village that leads with kindness and breaks down barriers.
A collision of like-minds where no two are alike.
We are building different. Literally, physically and metaphysically.
A gathering IRL and in the metaverse. Built by the cultural and creative communities.
Celebrate culture.
Celebrate diversity.
Help innovative and creative people achieve their dreams.
To those still on the fence, tell them: LFG.
