(Minghui.org) The 2026 Orleans Multicultural Festival was held on September 12, 2026 at Aquaview Park in Ottawa’s East district. The event brought people from many ethnic cultures together and many stopped to talk with practitioners and they learned about Falun Gong. This year is the fourth time practitioners participated in this popular community event.

Yvette Ashiri who organized the event took a photo with Falun Gong practitioners during the 2026 Orleans Multicultural festival at Aquaview Park in Ottawa’s East district on Saturday, September 12, 2026. (Minghui.org)

Practitioners introduce Falun Gong (Minghui.org)

Identifies with Falun Gong’s Principles

Yvette Ashiri who organized the festival said this year’s event brought together different ethnic groups from Colombia, China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, the Congo, and other countries. Many community groups participated and filled the park with color and vitality.

She said, “This is a moment of unity. We hope everyone can come together to learn from and understand one another.”

Ashiri welcomed Falun Gong practitioners’ involvement and said she identifies with the principles of the practice: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, “I think these principles completely align with Canada’s values, and I myself identity with them too. We are delighted they could come and all other groups were able to take part in the event.”

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Gong exercises at the multicultural festival. (Minghui.org)

A Wonderful Tradition Worth Passing Down Through Generations

Wandara Topzo a percussion artist from central Africa said he was moved by practitioners’ energy and smiles: “They are more energetic than many people.” He thought this energy came from practicing Falun Gong and said, “Look, this is a wonderful tradition worth passing down through generations.”

Steven, a policy analyst was moved by how tranquil practitioners were while they meditated and said he always thought connecting the body and mind is crucial. However, the pressure in modern society is tremendous and its especially important to maintain inner balance and peace.

When he saw practitioners meditating he said, “They are very peaceful, calm. We really need more of such depth and serenity now.” He said he is very interested in Falun Gong and hopes to find out more about the spiritual practice.

Ms. Patel who works in the human resource sector often has sleep problems due to stress at work. After seeing practitioners peacefully meditating, she said, “I want to try this, mainly to relieve stress and anxiety, help myself relax a bit.” She emphasized that she does not want to rely on medication “because it will harm the body.”

Mario, a high school teacher took a photo with practitioners. (Minghui.org)

Mario, a high school teacher said he felt happy after he did the Falun Gong exercises, “The movements make one feel relax, particularly in unblocking the joints. My back and shoulders always hurt, I feel much better after trying the exercises.” He said, “I really want to join this exercise group.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Transcends Cultures

When asked their thoughts on Falun Gong’s core principles, residents from different ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds expressed said they resonated with them. Topzo said, “Compassion is what’s most lacking in today’s society.” “We should keep promoting kindness among people.”

He stressed that, “As humans, we should constantly have a kind heart, it is very important.”

Steven shared his understanding from the perspective of faith and community, “We must have compassion towards people around us. Now many people are not kind enough, they are only concerned with their own lives. Yet, you cannot live in a community without kindness. I am a person of faith, I believe in God. So much is happening in the world these days, it is extremely difficult for people to distinguish between the genuine and the fake, yet compassion is what we lack the most.”

He thought tolerance and patience are equally important, “We must learn to embrace everyone. But in reality, people often focus on the little things in their life, thus losing patience and tolerance.”

Ms. Patel thought Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance benefit the individual and society. She said, “If a person can adhere to these principles with regard to themselves and society, he will be more fulfilled.” She also emphasized, “These principles must be applicable to oneself and the outside world, it is bidirectional.”

Mario said Falun Gong’s principles are wise, “I love these principles. I think it is wisdom. If people can follow these principles, the world would become better.”

He hopes to introduce these principles to his children, “I want to bring my 18-year old son here, let him know these values- Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, these principles are excellent qualities for anyone.”