Elisa Butoyi is hoping to share a part of his culture with North Bay this September.
Butoyi, a native of Rwanda, became a Canadian citizen in the summer of 2023. He moved to North Bay to attend Nipissing University where he graduated in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
"I am deeply passionate about fostering unity and diversity, striving to bring people and culture together," said Butoyi.
He believes coming out of the COVID pandemic, many people have become very isolated.
"There's never been a time in history where we've ever been so isolated," he said.
He believes the days are gone when neighbours will walk down the street and ask for favours or allow their kids to go out and play down the street, but Butoyi hopes that will change.
"We're so isolated, we're not helping each other, we're not building together, we're building separately," he said.
An example of that is Butoyi moving to North Bay to attend school in 2016. It took him nearly four years to realize there was actually a group of students also from Rwanda attending Nipissing University.
"If I knew we could have connected because we were from the same place; the same country," Butoyi noted.
He hopes a unique festival called the Roots and Rhythms Afro-Carribean Festival will bring people of Afro-Caribbean descent together.
"This whole idea is to bring people together and let people know that you are not alone, right," he said.
"Don't isolate yourself. There's people out there that you can relate with."
Butoyi says the vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture, art, music, and heritage, is scheduled to take place on September 14, at The Boat, North Bay.
"This festival is a significant event that brings together our diverse community to honour and appreciate the rich traditions and contributions of Afro-Caribbean culture," he added.
"We are excited to announce that this year’s festival will feature an array of performances including music, dance and comedy, showcasing the incredible talents of local artists. One of the highlights of the event will be the Afro-Caribbean Fashion Show, which will display the vibrant and colourful clothing that represents the essence of these two beautiful cultures."
Butoyi, who is working in the field of mental health and is a founder of the "TheManUpTalk" podcast is also using his cultural platform to create awareness for men's mental health.
"While working full-time in social services, I remain committed to giving back to the vibrant community of North Bay, where I am grateful to have made my home," he said.
"As a sign of appreciation and driven by my passion for helping others; I have engaged in various volunteer and meaningful opportunities within this community, including coaching men’s and youth soccer."
He believes his podcast provides a platform for men to share their experiences, seek support and promote mental wellness.
"TheManUpTalk, is a podcast, an education and support business dedicated to normalizing men seeking help through open discussions, support groups, and raising awareness around men’s mental health and well-being," he said.
Looking for support
Butoyi has been working hard to secure multiple sponsors to help get the event off the ground in its first year including the Nipissing University Student Union, and Cascades Casino North Bay to name a couple.
Anyone interested in the event is asked to contact Elisa at [email protected]
