Kelowna, BC — May 3, 2025 — The OCCA Communities Association (OCCA) proudly 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 the singing of the Canadian national anthem in English and French, and 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.
22 communities and organizations participated in the event, including:
Community and Cultural Leaders:
• Dr. Hua Meng, President of OCCA Communities Association
• Elna Von Dach, Chair of Folkfest, Founder of Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society (OFC)
• Bella Mockford, President of Okanagan Filipino Canadians Society (OFC)
• Akiko Yoshizawa, President of Kelowna Japanese Language Society (KJLS)
• Yewon Yim, President of Okanagan Korean Culture & Knowledge (OKCK)
• Guri Bassi, Okanagan Sikh Temple
• Shui Lee, Chairman of the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna,
• Nguyen Tran, Vietnamese Community in Okanagan
• Dr. Wayne Lai, President of Kelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society (KTCS)
• Noushin Mahmoudpour, Iranian community
• Lady Dia, co-founder of Africa Ubuntu Association (AUA)
• Saul Gomez, Founder & Director of Latin Voices Society
• Sam Ife, Founder of Africans in Okanagan
• Linda Jia, Founder of Kelowna Dragon Spirit Tai Chi Association
• Andie Wang, Founder of Okanagan Oriental United FC
Institutional & Organizational Partners:
• Dr. Joanne Taylor – Cultural Advisor, City of Kelowna
• George Greenwood – CEO, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
• Jeanne Legua – Government Relations Specialist, United Way BC
• Michael Kube – Reserve Constable, Community Safety Unit, RCMP
• Bruno Baumgartner – Regional Development Officer, SDECB (Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique)
• Dr. Delacey Tedesco – Associate Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Okanagan College
• Dr. Meilan Ehlert – Lecturer & Program Coordinator of Department of Languages and World Literature, UBC Okanagan
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.
AHM Opening 2025-Community Leaders Greeting Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
Territory welcome by Elder Llana Teichroeb Photo Credit: Yuan An
Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
Photo Credit: Shaw Gu
Photo Credit: Shaw Gu
Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
AHM Opening 2025-Fei Liu-Opening Remarks Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
Panel Discussion Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
AHM Opening 2025-Closing Remarks Photo Credit: Keligraphic Studios
Media Contact:
Fei Liu
Executive Director, OCCA Communities Association
📞 778-228-8660 | ✉️ ed@occabc.ca
Azaria Anderson
Marketing & Communications Specialist, OCCA Communities Association
📞 250-575-8387 | ✉️ marcom@occabc.ca
Fun Moments
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.
