KELOWNA, B.C. — The 2025 Asian Heritage Community Showcase, held on May 31, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Hall, was a celebration of culture, diversity, and community spirit. Over 300 attendees gathered for an evening filled with music, dance and to witness the diversity of cultures that make up the Okanagan.
Hosted by the Okanagan Filipino-Canadian Society (OFC), the evening began with a warm welcome by Bella Mockford and Minnie Muresu, followed by a Territory Welcome from Kim Kosik. The Canadian National Anthem was beautifully performed in both English and French by Bruno Baumgartner, setting the tone for a night of pride and cultural appreciation.
Community Leaders, Performers and Dignitaries Photo Credit: Valiente Media
Community Leaders, Performers and Dignitaries Photo Credit: Cathy Zhang
Multicultural Drumming Rehearsal Photo Credit: Yuan An
Dragon Boat Festival Ceremony Photo Credit: Valiente Media
Fei Liu, Executive Director of OCCA Communities Association and Chair of the Asian Heritage Okanagan Committee, opened the event with welcoming remarks and expressed gratitude to the attending dignitaries. She acknowledged The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, MP Dan Albas, MLA Gavin Dew, MLA Kristina Loewen, Councillor Mohini Singh (on behalf of Mayor Tom Dyas), and former MP Tracy Gray for their presence and support.
Guests were then treated to a rich lineup of music, dance, and tradition. Multiple Asian cultural performances contributed by Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, and
Iranian communities highlighted the evening, featuring participants of all ages—especially the next generation, whose energy, talent, and enthusiasm brought a fresh spirit to the celebration of heritage.
May 31 was also the Dragon Boat Festival, which was marked during the event with traditional Dragon and Lion Dance ceremonies led by Master Shui Lee. Attendees enjoyed Zongzi—a traditional sticky rice delicacy associated with the festival—adding to the cultural richness of the evening. A variety of Asian foods and drinks were also provided on site, offering guests a true taste of Asian culinary traditions.
“OCCA has blossomed into a multi-cultural organization, and seeing events like this unfold is a great reminder to us of the power of culture to bring us together.” said Fei Liu, Chair of the Asian Heritage Okanagan and Executive Director of OCCA Communities Association, “The showcase was a beautiful reflection of the strength and diversity in our community.”
Our Deepest Gratitude
The 2025 Asian Heritage Month Celebration was made possible thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors and community partners:
Funded by:
*Government of Canada
*Province of British Columbia
Hosting Partners:
*OCCA (OCCA Communities Association)
*OFC (Okanagan Filipino-Canadian Society)
*OKCK (Okanagan Korean Culture & Knowledge Society)
*KJLS (Kelowna Japanese Language Society)
*Okanagan Sikh Temple
*The University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
*Okanagan College
*Kelowna Art Gallery
*Okanagan Regional Library
*National Film Board of Canada
*City of Kelowna
Partner Organizations and Communities:
*Africans in Okanagan
*Africa Ubuntu Association
*BIBAK Okanagan Cultural Society
*Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna
*Iranian Community in Okanagan
*Kelowna Dragon Spirit Tai Chi Association
*Kelowna Folkfest
*Latin Voices Society
*Okanagan Buddhist Cultural Center
*Okanagan Oriental United FC
*SDECB (Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique)
*Taiwanese Cultural Society
*Vietnamese Community in Okanagan
Community Sponsors:
● Ancient Alternatives Okanagan
● Keligraphic Studios
● LVS Restaurant
● McDonald’s
● Valiente Media
United in Strength and Hope
This year’s showcase was the ultimate cultural event to wrap up an incredible Asian Heritage Month. It was a testament to the strength of community, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of heritage. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the guests, performers, volunteers, committees, and especially our audience.
Together, we made history. In unity, strength, and hope.
About OCCA Communities Association
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometers from Peachland to Vernon. We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.
Fun Moments
Photo Credit: Valiente Media, Cathy Zhang, Yuan An and Ken Lo
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
