Slavic culture honoured in latest ‘Embrace the Nations’ event

The third event in the popular Embrace the Nations series has been announced by Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society (VDICSS) and Vernon Elks #45.

A full day of embracing Slavic culture and 13 Slavic countries will be held on Sunday, March 17, starting with the Slavic Gallery and ending with the Slavic Gathering. 

Slavic people are from Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

“The series has surpassed our expectations, with the Vernon community warmly embracing both our Indian community at the Diwali celebration and our East Asian community at the Lunar New Year Celebration,” Anetha Kashuba, community connections coordinator for VDICSS, said.

“VDICSS is proud to support all immigrants coming into our country and to celebrate the diversity they each bring to our community.”

Kashuba said over the last two years, VDICSS has welcomed over 550 Slavic newcomers, including exceptionally talented artists, each bringing a unique perspective and set of skills that enrich the community.

The Slavic Gallery, a free event, will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., showcasing the remarkable works of local Slavic artists. Simultaneously, VDICSS’s Ukrainian community will host a Pysanka workshop (traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorating) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There will also be a chance to register for a Motanka workshop (traditional Ukrainian doll crafting) at a later date. These two workshops are sponsored by United Way BC – United for Ukraine Local Love Fund. Participation is by donation and all proceeds will go toward supporting the settlement of Ukrainian newcomers in our community.

The Slavic festivities will continue with the Slavic Gathering from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. hosted by the Slavic community featuring Slavic food, culture, and music. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The society said “Embrace the Nations” is open to everyone to celebrate diversity and deepen understandings of the rich cultures that contribute to to the community.

“All of our Embrace the Nations events have sold out and there’s been great feedback from the community,” Martin Friedrich, executive director at VDICSS, said. “Like the Lunar New Year event, the emphasis is not just on one country but on newcomers from many countries, and on the diverse ethnic communities that have been an integral part of Vernon for a long time.