Powell River residents will once again have the opportunity to showcase their culture and origin during the second annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity, taking place Saturday, September 29 from 10 am to 4 pm at Powell River Recreation Complex.
Organized as a joint endeavour by Powell River Council for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Powell River Diversity Initiative, Powell River Literacy Council, English Second Language Settlement Assistance Program and the complex, the celebration aims to show multiculturalism within the community.
“It’s about culture as we recognize it, whether that’s classical music or painting or drama,” explained Ann Nelson, founder of the arts council, “but it’s also about the ethnic cultures that have formed us...it’s about the preservation of our heritage, both ethnic and built.”
The festival will span the upper floor of the complex. Cultural performances such as French ballet, Scottish bagpipes and Bollywood dance will take place both in the Evergreen Theatre and on a secondary stage set up in the foyer.
Also in the foyer will be cultural displays. Last year, explained Nelson, displays from around the world, as well as different parts of Canada, filled up the entire area.
Demonstrations are also a feature of the festival. “It’s participatory,” explained Nelson. “People get to learn how to drape a sari or tie a turban on their own bodies.” Other interactive activities include workshops on how to play Native American flute, classes teaching Japanese origami and demonstrations of instruments such as the didgeridoo.
An international food fair will play host to a plethora of vendors offering samples of numerous cuisines from around the globe. “There will be everything from Polish to Chinese to Dutch to Bangladeshi,” said Nelson.
This year, the cultural celebration will also be collaborating with the third annual Salmon Festival hosted by Club Bon Accueil, with shuttles taking people back and forth between the events.
Powell River’s cultural festivities, which take place at the same time as many other culture days across the country, are continuing a long Canadian tradition of celebrating ethnic origins. “There’s always been groups that foster the preservation of folk songs and dances and costumes,” explained Nelson. “Canada’s really done it right, and we want to celebrate that.”
Nelson said she also hopes the cultural celebration will put forward a message of tolerance in the community. “It’s interesting that we are a nation of immigrants and yet there is still intolerance for some ethnic groups,” she said. “We need to practice our tolerance. It needs to become habitual and we can only do that if we have opportunities like this.”
The event welcomes anyone who wants to participate, said Nelson. Those wishing to be involved through performances, demonstrations, or workshops can contact Nelson at 604.483.9345 or [email protected]. To volunteer, or host a food booth or country exhibit, readers can contact Kelli Henderson at 604.485.2004 or [email protected].
