The OCCA Communities Association (OCCA) hosted the 14th Annual Asian Heritage Month (AHM) Opening Forum at Metro Hub, Kelowna, launching a month-long celebration of Asian cultures, stories, and community building across the Central Okanagan.
The event began with a moment of silence honouring the victims of the Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, followed by a territory welcome from Elder Llana Teichroeb.
Fei Liu, Executive Director of OCCA and Chair of the AHM Committee, welcomed attendees with gratitude and purpose:
“This year’s theme calls on us not just to speak, but to act; not only to hear, but to truly listen; not only to stand for each other, but with each other. In times of hardship—like the recent Vancouver Filipino Festival tragedy—your presence, your allyship, and your support remind us that we are not alone. Together, we build a stronger, more united Okanagan.”
Fei Liu also reflected on OCCA’s 15-year journey, from its roots as the Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association to its current role as a multicultural umbrella organization. She emphasized the organization’s pride in its heritage while embracing its evolution and commitment to celebrating a diverse range of cultures.
Local dignitaries in attendance included representatives from MP Stephen Fuhr’s office, MLA Gavin Dew, Mayor Tom Dyas, and City Councillors Mohini Singh and Gord Lovegrove. Nicole Rustad delivered a message on behalf of MP Fuhr. Several community figures who participated in the recent federal election, including Trevor McAleese and Harpreet Badohal, were also present and showed their continued support for the event.
This year’s theme, “Stepping into Active Allyship: Uplifting Asian Voices in the Okanagan,” reflects a shared commitment to deeper listening, collaboration, and solidarity across communities. The Opening Forum was a heartfelt and energizing event attended by over 200 community members, leaders, and cultural organizations.
The event featured cultural performances, children’s dances, and a panel discussion moderated by Matteo Stewart, with panelists Dr. Delacey Tedesco, Dr. Meilan Ehlert, Lady Dia, Denise Young, Saul Gomez, and Aaron Hemens. The forum video will be posted on the AHM and OCCA websites once it’s ready.
20 communities and organizations participated in the event, including the Okanagan Filipino Canadians Society, Kelowna Japanese Language Society, Okanagan Korean Culture & Knowledge Society, Okanagan Sikh Temple, Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, Tay Truc Temple & Okanagan Buddhist Cultural Center, Kelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society, Iranian Community, Africa Ubuntu Association, Latin Voices Society, and Africans in Okanagan. Special recognition was also given to the new OCCA community groups, including the Kelowna Dragon Spirit Tai Chi Association and Okanagan Oriental United FC. Representation came from the City of Kelowna Cultural Services (Dr. Joanne Taylor), Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (George Greenwood), United Way BC (Jeanne Legua), Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) (Bruno Baumgartner), UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College, and the RCMP Community Safety Unit (Reserve Constable Michael Kube), all demonstrating strong and continued support for cultural inclusion and community collaboration.
“Together, with strength, solidarity, and active allyship, we are building a more inclusive Okanagan,” Liu concluded.
Highlights of Asian Heritage Month 2025:
- AHM Display at Kelowna City Hall – April 7 to June 15 at 1435 Water St.
- AHM Opening Forum – May 3 at Metro Hub, 1265 Ellis St.
- AHM Showcase – May 31 at Immaculate Conception Church Parish Center, 839 Sutherland Ave.
- Asian History Exhibition – Kelowna Downtown Library, May 1–31
- AHM Movie Week – Kelowna Downtown Library, May 12–17
- Multicultural Family Sundays – Kelowna Art Gallery, May 4, 11, 18 & 25
- Multicultural Drumming Rehearsals – Weekends in May and June at Ben Lee Park
Full details and the latest updates are available on the Okanagan Asian Heritage Month – Home page.
