One diaspora community is eager to show that fraternity between Canadians and Americans is alive and well, regardless of what their politicians get up to.
Esperanto-speakers from across the two nations will gather for the 2025 Esperanto Binational Congress (‘Dulanda Kongreso’ in Esperanto) this July, hosted by Esperanto-Toronto, and organized jointly by the Kanada Esperanto-Asocio (KEA) and Esperanto-USA. The theme of the Congress will be “Friendship across borders”. True to the reason for which the Esperanto language was created, the gathering seeks to bring together diverse people from across borders, to advance the cause of peace and mutual understanding.
“The congress will focus on themes of language and cultural connection, showcasing how Esperanto bridges gaps between diverse communities.” declared Garry Evans, KEA President. “During trying times such as these, Esperanto highlights how ordinary folks can get along harmoniously, no matter what mud the politicians might be slinging. The very reason Esperanto was invented as an international language was to promote peace, understanding and comraderie; if you look at our diverse community across North America, it is plainly evident that it has succeeded at this in spades.”
Esperanto-USA President Brandon Sowers noted “It is with a warm heart that American Esperantists accept the invitation to come to Toronto this year. We will hold a joint bi-national convention this summer with our Northern comrades in a show of solidarity of Americans with Canadians. Our community has always come together in the face of adversity. Today it is more important than ever to show that we, as people, can transcend petty politics in the spirt of friendship and community.”
“Unlike ethnic languages, Esperanto belongs to no nation or national group.” noted Andy Blair of Esperanto-Toronto. “Anyone can become an Esperantist, and a member of our diaspora by
simply learning the language. The incredible thing is, the strength of community that has formed between us, despite Esperanto-speakers coming from all nations, and walks of life. “If unrelated people of every background, race, religion and nationality can come together in community so strongly across borders, I think it shows to our fellow Americans and Canadians that anything is possible, that we don’t have to follow the politics of division so prevalent today.” he added.
The Binational Congress, taking place at Toronto Metropolitan University July 5-14th, promises engaging presentations, discussions, music, book launches, cultural presentations, and networking opportunities… all in the language Esperanto. It will also feature a week-long crash course in Esperanto, the Nord-Amerika Somera Kursaro (NASK). Official exams will be held for those aiming to certify their language level, from post-beginner to advanced.
“Toronto’s vibrant, international environment offers an ideal setting for our gathering.” said Blair. “There are few, if any, cities in the world that are ore multicultural than Toronto. We welcome those curious about Esperanto, and language enthusiasts alike, to join us.”
Esperanto, an international auxiliary language created in 1887 by a poor Polish eye doctor named Ludwig Zamenhof, aims to foster understanding and peaceful communication among people from diverse nations with its easy-to-learn, logical structure. Never meant to replace any national language, but to supplement, Esperanto has evolved from a constructed language project into a vibrant global movement, connecting millions of speakers worldwide.
In Canada and the United States, Esperanto’s history starts before 1900 and continues to thrive. The Kanada Esperanto-Asocio and Esperanto-USA lead efforts to promote Esperanto language education and culture. In recent years, a combination of in-person and online events has drawn newcomers, infusing the movement with fresh energy and a growing base of younger enthusiasts.