A deaf Bhutanese refugee tells Tom Spears about life in her new country
By Tom Spears, The Ottawa Citizen
Pabi Rizal grew up in a refugee camp in Nepal, arriving in Canada three years ago at age 18. She is deaf and has learned English and western-style sign language together in her new country. She has two jobs and does volunteer work. The Citizen asked her about adjusting to life here; she took the questions through video conference with a signing interpreter and replied in writing:Where did you live in Bhutan? And when did you arrive in Canada?
Born and lived in Dagana, Bhutan for first six months. Then moved to Beldangi 2 Refugee Camp in Nepal from 6 months old to 18 years old. I arrived in Canada on July 15th, 2009.
Do you remember the feeling of getting off the plane and seeing this country the first time?
Yes I remember — wow, big city in Toronto (airport) and then Ottawa on same day, many airplanes.
Why did you come to Canada instead of a different country?
UNHCR recommended my family to move to Canada. My parents accepted. (UNHCR is the United Nations agency for refugees.)
How difficult is it to live with a new culture? With new kinds of food and customs?
Breakfast and supper in Nepal comparing to Canada 3 meals a day. Nepal food is spicy with lots of vegetables, fruits and rice every day comparing to Canadian food and many snacks (I do not eat sweet snacks)
Have you ever seen a hockey game?
Yes, first time last March in Belleville with my school friends and staff to watch Belleville Bulls vs. Ottawa 67’s. Ottawa won
