Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

w a l k i n g
t o g e t h e r
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Accompaniment: A term not commonly used in the Canadian vocabulary, perhaps due to the high
value Canadians place on independence, the concept of accompaniment is extremely important to
Colombians. The idea of accompanying one another - be it on small errands or to the bus stop, being
present with a friend going through difficult times or taking part in important celebrations - is greatly
valued. This is why short visits, phone calls just to say hi and let your friend know you are thinking of
them, and checking in on friends that are ill or in the hospital are so important. Accompanying one
another is a way of showing the value you place on the relationship and on the person.
Appearance
A clean and tidy appearance is valued at all levels of Colombian society. The next two points take a closer
look at the importance of appearance:
Personal Appearance: Looking good is mandatory in Colombian culture. It is a sign of good etiquette
and respect for self and for those around you. Dressing very casually or “sloppily” in public falls outside
of cultural norms. One must dress well in order to be taken seriously by others, especially when dealing
with financial or state entities.
Shopping in thrift shops may at first seem like a strange idea for Colombian refugees - they may fear that
they won’t look good in second hand clothes, since second hand shops in Colombia tend to carry poor
quality and often worn out clothes. As well, most Colombian refugees have experienced discrimination
and the loss of financial security, if not abject poverty, prior to arriving in Canada. Looking one’s best is a
protection against looking poor or looking “displaced” and being socially marginalized as a result.
Clothing is widely manufactured in Colombia, and although there is a wide range in prices, it is possible
to find clothing at very economic prices. Even for Colombia’s poor, purchasing new clothing is much
more common than purchasing second hand clothing, due to the availability of inexpensive clothing.
It is a common cultural practice for new clothes to be worn on important days such as Christmas and
New Years.