We named this next piece after Seada Karalic, who is 33 years old. Seada arrived to Canada as a refugee from Bosnia & Hercegovina at the age of 6. Since then she has obtained a Masters of Counselling and has become a Registered Provisional Psychologist and an Instructor. Seada recalls the war breaking out in Bosnia (formerly known as Yugoslavia) in 1992 causing several families, including her own to flee for safety. When they reached a city called Brchko, they arrived at a bridge where they were expected to finish route by foot. She held her father’s hand tight, he held her sister on his arm, and her teary eyed mother held their suitcase. Seada went on to explain the worry of not knowing what was waiting for them on the other side and yet being forced to walk. At the end of the bridge were armed soldiers. They ordered them to separate from their father. He was expected to stay behind while her mother, sister, and herself were permitted to continue. She wishes she could share all the details of that day but she cant because when one experiences trauma, ones mind blocks painful memories to prepare your body’s fight to survive. What she does recall is her sister’s cry, and biting her nails while she stood paralyzed, afraid to make a sound. She never knew what happened to her father from that point on, until later when she heard he was in the concentration camp and alive. In one home, there were 10 people living in it. The next 8 months consisted of pain, of struggle, absent parents, insecurity, and fear. Eventually her mother received a letter that stated her father was alive, fortunately. The journey to reunite with her father was an emotional experience. Shortly thereafter their application to leave for Canada was granted. In the cold winter of January in 1993, they found their new home, a safe haven, in Edmonton.
Seada states the biggest misconceptions about refugees are that they are here to “steal the land” or “take away new jobs” or “are lazy.” She finds these misconceptions disappointing because ultimately every person fleeing their homeland, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, language spoken, or faith background is living in Canada to rebuild a home in safety, security and harmony. An absence of related experiences can become a barrier to connecting our similarities and understanding our differences. The hardest part about being a refugee for Seada is the constant need to prove that you are just as worthy as anyone else to live in Canada. When asked what she misses most about her country she went on to explain how she craves the European weather, the social atmosphere, the music, cultural experience, family and food. If she could bring a taste of the Bosnian culture to Canada she would be complete. Her advice to new refugees coming to Canada is to embrace your differences; our worlds need more diversity and less individuality. Refugees are not liabilities they are assets.
The burgundy button down dress has such a rich material. The belt comes with the dress and you are able to interchange it with any accessory you like. What we love about our button dress is that you can dress it up or down.
*The model is wearing a small*
Size Guide
Small- Chest: 17" Waist: 31" Length: 62"
Medium- Chest: 18" Waist: 33" Length: 63"
Large- Chest: 19" Waist: 35" Length: 63.5"
Extra Large- Chest: 20" Waist: 35" Length: 64"
