Kelowna, BC — May 31, 2026 — The Asian Heritage Month (AHM) 2026 Multicultural Community Showcase successfully concluded on Sunday at the Kelowna Event Centre, bringing together more than 500 attendees from Asian and non-Asian communities across the Okanagan and beyond in a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and shared heritage.
Hosted by the Okanagan Filipino-Canadian Society (OFCS), the Showcase marked the 15th consecutive year of Asian Heritage Month celebrations in the Okanagan, under the theme “Heritage as Social Capital.” The event highlighted the role of cultural heritage in strengthening community connections, fostering inclusion, and building long-term social cohesion.
The evening opened with a powerful territorial welcome and performance by Indigenous artist Krystal Withakay, setting a meaningful tone for the celebration and underscoring the importance of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous lands.
“This milestone reflects not only 15 years of cultural celebration, but also the deep relationships built across communities in the Okanagan,” said Bella Fermin Mockford, Board and Advisor of OFCS, also Board Director of OCCA, “Heritage is not just something we preserve—it is something we actively build together as social capital for a stronger future.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The Showcase was honoured to welcome the following dignitaries and community leaders:
Messages of Support
The organizing committee was also pleased to receive a congratulatory letter from: MP Stephen Fuhr
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
The Showcase featured over 10 live performances, cultural exhibitions, and community booths representing a wide range of Asian communities. Attendees also enjoyed authentic cultural food offerings and interactive displays that highlighted the richness and diversity of Asian heritage in the region.
Acknowledging Community Leadership and Support
The 2026 Asian Heritage Month programming was made possible through the support of public funders, community partners, and volunteers:
Funders:
Hosting Partners:
Organizations, Communities, and Individuals Present at the Opening Forum and Community Showcase:
AHM Showcase Community Sponsors:
Organizers acknowledged ongoing support from all levels of government and community partners, as well as volunteers and cultural leaders who contributed time, talent, and leadership throughout Asian Heritage Month 2026 programming.
Looking Ahead
Asian Heritage Month in the Okanagan continues to grow as a platform for intercultural dialogue, education, and celebration. The Showcase served as the culminating event of a month-long series of exhibitions, forums, workshops, performances, and community activities held across the region.
Media Contact:
Kevin Chu
AHM Manager, OCCA Communities Association
📧 heritage@occabc.ca
📞 250-575-8561
Gary Jiao
Outreach Manager
📧 events@occabc.ca
📞 250-899-5298
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.
