Roots & Renewal

Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief

Still riding the high from May as Chaldean American Month in Michigan, our June issue continues to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chaldean community around the world.

Our cover story introduces Chaldean Patriarch Amel Nona. Born in the historic Christian town of Alqosh in northern Iraq in 1968, Patriarch Nona has long been recognized as a steady and courageous shepherd. He served as Archbishop of Mosul during some of the darkest years in Iraq’s modern history, guiding Christians through the devastation brought by the Islamic State and the mass displacement of thousands of families from the Nineveh Plain. His calm leadership during that crisis earned him widespread respect among both clergy and faithful.

Some Chaldean families are now returning to Iraq—or arriving there for the first time—to reconnect with the land of their ancestors. Today’s world feels smaller than ever, with technology allowing people to stay connected across continents in seconds. For many, stories passed down through generations have sparked a longing to experience a homeland they have heard about but never truly known. In this issue, we share the story of a man with a mission who built an organization helping make those journeys possible.

That same spirit of determination echoes throughout these pages. We revisit Iraq’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage, a victory decades in the making that united Iraqis across borders and generations. Soccer is experiencing a global surge in popularity, and Iraqi fans everywhere—from Sterling Heights, Michigan to Sydney, Australia, to Alqosh in Iraq—are enjoying every moment of it.

We also share the remarkable journey of Sameer Poules, whose path from immigrant to the DEA reflects the resilience, discipline, and commitment to service deeply rooted in the Chaldean identity. His story is not only one of professional achievement, but also of honoring the values instilled by family, faith, and community—values that continue to guide Chaldeans across generations as they pursue opportunities while giving back to the country they now call home.

During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we also examine difficult but necessary conversations around men’s mental health, identity, and vulnerability within the Chaldean community. In today’s society, ideas of strength and masculinity are evolving, and vulnerability is increasingly recognized as an essential step toward growth and healing.

Elsewhere in this issue, readers will find stories grounded in memory and heritage—from Marian High School’s lasting Chaldean connection to the experiences of returnees rediscovering life in Iraq. We celebrate summer traditions, spotlight rising leaders and entrepreneurs, and continue documenting the history, culture, and voices that shape the community.

This edition also reflects a growing civic awakening within the Chaldean community. As conversations surrounding policy, representation, education, development, and local leadership continue to expand, so too does the willingness of community members to become more actively engaged in shaping the future of the places they call home. Across neighborhoods, schools, townships, and civic institutions, more Chaldeans are stepping into public conversations, organizing around shared concerns, supporting candidates and causes, and recognizing the importance of having a voice in decisions that affect everyday life.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and contributing to these stories. Each issue serves as both a record of where we have been and a reminder of where we are headed.