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Asian Heritage Month Opening Forum in Kelowna 2025: A Vibrant Start to a Month of Celebration

The Asian Heritage Month Opening Forum in Kelowna marks the beginning of a city-wide celebration of the rich cultural diversity and contributions of Asian Canadians. Organized by the OCCA Communities Association with support from UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College, the 2025 forum continues a proud tradition of fostering inclusion, dialogue, and community pride145.

Event Overview

Held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the Opening Forum is a free, public event that brings together community leaders, students, and residents to kick off Asian Heritage Month. The event typically features:

• Panel Discussions:
  Led by notable figures such as Dr. Shirley Chau, associate professor at UBC Okanagan, these panels include students and community members sharing personal stories of belonging, integration, and the Asian Canadian experience in the Okanagan15.
• Cultural Performances:
  The forum showcases a variety of live performances, including choir, vocal solos, Asian musical instruments, and piano, highlighting the artistic talents within the community1.
• Community Recognition:
  The event is attended by local dignitaries, including the mayor, MLAs, and leaders from educational institutions, reflecting the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion14.
• Territory Acknowledgement:
  The forum opens with a territory welcome from local Indigenous elders, recognizing the unceded traditional lands on which Kelowna stands1.

Why the Opening Forum Matters

The Opening Forum sets the tone for Asian Heritage Month, emphasizing the importance of multicultural understanding and representation. It’s a platform for sharing stories, celebrating achievements, and addressing challenges faced by Asian Canadians in the region. The OCCA Communities Association, which has led these efforts for over a decade, is dedicated to representing racialized groups and strengthening community bonds15.

Highlights from the Month

Following the Opening Forum, Kelowna hosts a range of Asian Heritage Month events, including:

• Family Sundays at the Kelowna Art Gallery, featuring Asian crafts for children
• An Asian Heritage Exhibition at the Okanagan Regional Library
• A movie week with free screenings of films exploring Asian Canadian stories
• A Multicultural Community Showcase with performances and Asian cuisine
• Special concerts, such as Japanese drumming by Yamabiko Taiko4

Get Involved

Asian Heritage Month in Kelowna is open to everyone, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate. For a full schedule of events, visit the OCCA Communities Association website or asianheritage.ca45.

“The OCCA Communities Association is committed to representing various racialized groups in the Central Okanagan, fostering diversity, inclusion, and multicultural understanding.” – Fei Liu, Executive Director, OCCA1

Join the Opening Forum and the month-long festivities to honour the legacy, resilience, and vibrant cultures of Asian Canadians in Kelowna.

Citations:

1. https://www.kelownacapnews.com/community/celebrate-asian-heritage-month-in-kelowna-7354420
2. https://www.kelownamuseums.ca/exhibits/asian-heritage-month/
3. https://www.speakers.ca/2025/01/2025-planning-asian-heritage-month-in-may/
4. https://www.kelownacapnews.com/local-news/kelowna-celebrates-asian-heritage-month-with-full-schedule-7352362
5. https://occabc.ca/news/
6. https://www.castanet.net/events/asian_heritage_month_opening_forum_metro_hub/145072
7. https://allevents.in/kelowna/asian-heritage-month-%E2%80%93-opening-forum-at-metro-hub/80001351189971
8. https://occabc.ca/events/
9. https://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/community/kelowna-city-hall-honours-asian-heritage-month-with-cultural-display-7938409
10. https://infotel.ca/events/asian-heritage-month-opening-forum-%E2%80%93-metro-hub-kelowna/4-39909
11. https://www.kelownacapnews.com/community/kelowna-city-hall-honours-asian-heritage-month-with-cultural-display-7938409
12. https://secure.kelownachamber.org/events/Opening-event-Asian-Heritage-Month-4029/details
13. https://occabc.ca/asian-heritage-month/
14. https://www.tourismkelowna.com/explore/seasons/spring/may/
15. https://kelownanihongo.ca