Selah Getahun on Building Community: Settlement Services, Crisis Response, and Ethiopian Heritage in Toronto

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/11/17

Selah Getahun, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area, discusses the organization’s role in supporting Ethiopian immigrants. The association provides settlement services, crisis response, and senior programs while advocating cultural integration. Getahun envisions expanding services to include youth centers and childcare facilities, elevating the association to meet Canadian service standards. He also champions Ethiopian Heritage Month to integrate Ethiopian culture into Canada’s multicultural identity. The association organizes major events like the Ethiopian Day Festival and Adwa Victory Day, celebrating Ethiopian history and resilience. Getahun remains committed to supporting newcomers and fostering community development.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Today, we are with Selah Getahun, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Region (EAGTA SR). It is a community-focused organization empowering Ethiopian Canadians through social, cultural, and settlement services. With a strong background in leadership and advocacy, Salah works to facilitate the integration of Ethiopian immigrants while preserving their rich cultural heritage. Under his guidance, the organization has expanded its outreach, supporting newcomers, fostering community development, and addressing key social challenges. Passionate about social justice and community empowerment, Salah plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps between Ethiopian Canadians and broader Canadian society, including through interviews like this one, ensuring meaningful support systems and resources are available for individuals and families in need. So, thank you for joining me today. I appreciate it. What inspired the establishment of the Ethiopian Association? It has been around for several decades—since 1980—though people may not be aware of that. How has its mission evolved, or how have its targeted objectives changed as it has expanded its services and commitments?

Getahun: Thank you so much for having me on this platform.

The inspiration for establishing the Ethiopian Association, specifically in the Greater Toronto Area but generally in Ontario and Canada, was to create a pathway for integrating Ethiopians. The vast majority—almost 90% or more—are refugees of conflict, arriving with trauma, numerous challenges, language barriers, and culture shock, often without anywhere to turn. The organization was founded to facilitate the integration of Ethiopian immigrants and refugees into Canadian society. However, it was also highly engaged as a diasporic organization in addressing issues back home.

Integration has traditionally been difficult within the Ethiopian community, as we tend to form close-knit community groups. When Ethiopian immigrants meet, they often gravitate toward Ethiopian spaces—such as Ethiopian restaurants—and the first topic of discussion, whether positive or negative, is often events occurring back home. Over past decades, much of this discussion has centred around war and supporting those affected.

That is how the association was created, established, and has operated over time. More recently, however, our focus has shifted more directly toward assisting Ethiopians arriving in Canada. In one way or another, we are supporting individuals who have been victims of war, conflict, and injustice in Ethiopia, and the number of those in need has grown exponentially. We are committed to doing our part to support Ethiopians in need.

Jacobsen: And for people who don’t have the experience of being refugees or asylum seekers—those who come to a new country under peaceful circumstances—even if they meet the language requirements, that is often still insufficient. They may be able to get by, but there are still challenges. So, what services do people from various backgrounds generally need most?

Getahun: Yes, we do not restrict our services only to refugees or people fleeing conflicts. No matter the circumstances under which they arrive, as long as they are immigrants seeking assistance, we provide services to them.

Jacobsen: What are the services?

Getahun: The number one service is settlement services. When we say “settlement,” what does it mean to arrive in Canada? Where can newcomers find essential services? For example, we guide them if they need healthcare, a bank, language training, education, or job training—anything related to newcomer integration or settlement. Housing is a key part of this, and while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) supports these services, we are not directly funded by IRCC. However, some institutions, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, receive IRCC funding to provide such services.

We assess what newcomers need. If we can provide the service directly, we do. If they require referrals, we connect them to the appropriate organizations. For example, if someone needs language training, we refer them to settlement provider organizations that offer it. We connect them with relevant services if they seek housing or shelter.

Additionally, we assist them if they need to apply for government support but lack access to computers or the necessary resources. We mobilize community resources, including professionals and volunteers, to help them complete government forms and secure services.

Another major area we address is crisis response. This applies not only to newcomers but also to long-time residents. Many face mental health and wellness challenges or medical emergencies. There may be accidents or other urgent situations, and we have a dedicated committee to intervene. We assist in navigating healthcare, translation services, legal support, and more. Our crisis intervention services ensure that those in need receive timely help.

We also provide services for seniors. Many individuals who helped establish this organization nearly 50 years ago are now elderly. They face risks of isolation and mental health challenges. To support them, we offer a gathering space every two weeks where they can engage in physical stretching, playing games, reading books, storytelling, and participating in book clubs. This platform fosters social connections and helps combat loneliness.

Beyond that, we connect seniors with additional community programs and service providers tailored to their needs.

Another key program we offer is education and awareness through weekly seminars. These seminars cover a wide range of topics and provide crucial information and resources to our community members.

As I mentioned, those topics range from newcomer integration to various tailored issues. We invite professionals based on the time, the topic, and the agenda. For example, this past  month, we focused on Black History related topics; next month, we will focus on womens’ rights as a theme. We bring in experts who are well-versed in these subjects, along with community organizations. For instance, we hosted a Black community health organization providing a culturally informed healthcare approach.

In our culture, discussing mental wellness and mental health has historically been, and still is a taboo subject. Culturally informed approaches are essential to addressing these challenges effectively. During these seminars, people gather in our community space in person, creating a platform for networking, newcomer integration, mentorship, and support.

Additionally, we serve as part of the sponsorship agreement holders with IRCC, facilitating resettlement services for those outside their home countries. This primarily includes Ethiopians and Eritreans in Uganda, Kenya, the Middle East, and refugee camps in various regions. IRCC has a program that allows people to sponsor refugees, and we act as the institutional sponsor, processing applications and assisting in the arrival of sponsored individuals from these camps.

Jacobsen: Forty-four years, if my math is correct. That’s a long time. When supporting individuals, most organizations handle several hundred or even several thousand cases. Some cases must stand out. Are there any noteworthy support stories we should highlight in this conversation?

Getahun: The organization is a little older than me! I joined only a few months ago, so I have not been here throughout its entire history, but we hear stories.

For example, we have a community building owned by the organization. It has a very interesting history, particularly in how it was purchased and later saved from bankruptcy. At one point, the organization struggled to pay the mortgage and maintain the space. However, generous individuals who believed in the value of community services stepped up. They became co-signers and guarantors to help preserve the building.

We are one of the few institutions in Toronto with a dedicated community space. As you know, finding a location for gatherings or community services in the city is extremely difficult—not to mention the cost of living itself. That story stands out because it highlights the importance of this space for people to come, receive services, be referred to resources, or even just sit and work in a supportive environment.

Another significant aspect of our work is our consistent and ongoing support for internally displaced people back home.

Almost everyone has a family member back home when we provide services here. So, whenever there is conflict, drought, or instability—when people are internally displaced within Ethiopia—the community comes together to gather support, whether in cash, clothing, or food, and sends it back.

Even since I joined, I have witnessed four or five rounds of support efforts for people displaced by the internal war in Ethiopia, all made possible through community contributions. Our organization might not always be at the forefront of facilitating these efforts. Still, the people within our community take the initiative. They come together, announce the need, and mobilize resources. It’s a story that is both sad and hopeful because of the recurring cycles of conflict but hopeful because people never lose their willingness to help and support each other.

Jacobsen: Do you build that sense of community through cultural heritage events, music, or casual gatherings? What tends to be most popular within the community, such as barbecues and small festivals in the park?

Getahun: We have two major annual festivals that are extremely popular and large-scale.

One is the Ethiopian Day Festival, a two-day event held over the Labor Day weekend. Ethiopia follows its own calendar, and we are currently in 2017. We maintain this tradition by celebrating the Ethiopian New Year on September 11.

The world has many different calendars, and ours begins in September. We host a vibrant, carnival-style festival in a large public park in Toronto to mark this. Since it’s summertime, the event is colourful and full of life. For two full days, there is dance, music, food, cultural showcases, and performances by major Ethiopian artists from Ethiopia and the diaspora.

The festival is filled with fun activities, and the estimated attendance is around 5,000 people.

Jacobsen: That’s a lot! That’s a big crowd for Toronto. Where do you host it to accommodate that many people?

Getahun: We host it in Christie Pits Park, a large public park. However, given how popular the event has grown, we are now looking for an even bigger space for future celebrations.

This festival has been running for about 25 years, and the association has hosted it annually. It’s an incredible event. I had just started working here when we celebrated this year’s New Year, and it was truly magnificent.

That’s one of our major festivals. The other is Victory Day—specifically, Adwa Victory Day.

Jacobsen: What is Victory Day?

Getahun: Adwa Victory Day commemorates a defining moment in Ethiopian history. During the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, European powers divided Africa among themselves, and Italy was designated as the colonial ruler of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia successfully defended its independence against the aggression of Italian invaders—or, more accurately, colonialist invaders. It was a one-day war.

The Italians underestimated the strength and capability of the Ethiopian people. The mainstream media does not widely cover this because it is a shameful defeat for a colonizing power. The battle took place on March 2, 1896 and Ethiopians commemorate that day as Adwa Victory Day, named after the location of the battle.

We have a major event planned for March 2. If I could show you the flyer, we are hosting a large indoor event since it’s winter.

It will be a half-day commemoration featuring a theatrical performance about the king, the queen, and war generals who marched to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty. A York University professor will present how the victory at Adwa inspired independence movements across Africa and the rest of the world, where many countries were still under colonial rule.

We also have numerous songs about the victory, and a live musical performance will be on stage. The event will feature traditional dance, poetry, spoken word, and an overall atmosphere of inspiration, commemoration, and glorification of the Victory at Adwa.

Jacobsen: I actually looked this up because I wanted to make sure I got it right. In comparison to the Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian calendar starts on Meskerem 1, which falls on September 11 or September 12, depending on the year.

It is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar because of differences in calculating the birth year of Jesus Christ. So technically, Ethiopia is seven years younger than the rest of the world.

That must spark endless hermeneutical and theological debates between those who follow the Gregorian calendar and those who follow the Ethiopian calendar. But that’s a whole other conversation. I should bring in an expert to discuss it.

Jacobsen: So, what are your hopes for 2025 for this organization?

Getahun: This organization has experienced both great achievements and significant challenges. I am the youngest leader in the community organization and bring energy, expertise, and vision.

My vision is to elevate this association to meet the Canadian standard of service provision for our community. Some community organizations have highly structured and well-established services—not just language training or settlement support but comprehensive resources for their members.

For example, some have youth centers where young people can play volleyball, engage in innovation and AI training, and participate in other developmental programs. There are spaces for mothers to access childcare while they work.

There are also facilities where people can relax and enjoy themselves, including swimming pools, event spaces, gyms, spas, and more. My vision is to create a fully equipped community center where Ethiopians can access a complete range of services.

That is one aspect—the physical infrastructure.

The second part of my vision is cultural integration.

Canada is a multicultural country by law, and Ethiopian culture is rich, deep, and vibrant. However, it has never been fully integrated into the Canadian cultural mosaic.

We have nearly 50,000 Ethiopians here—so why shouldn’t Canada embrace and recognize Ethiopian culture?

To advance this, we are working to register September as Ethiopian Heritage Month in the province of Ontario. September is significant because it is filled with major Ethiopian holidays. We have already made progress in the process and expect the proclamation to be finalized by 2025.

Once this is achieved, September will officially be a time for celebrating Ethiopian culture in Canada, ensuring it becomes a recognized part of the broader Canadian identity.

In summary, these are the key things I envision for this association and Ethiopians here.

Jacobsen: And by 2025, you mean 2017 [Laughing]!

Getahun: Yes!

Jacobsen: Selah, it was nice to meet you. Thank you for your time.

Getahun: All right. Thanks so much. Have a good day.

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