Ten years after its inception, the Whistler Multicultural Festival continues to grow, as do the diverse groups represented at the festival.
Held at the Whistler Public Library and Whistler Museum, this year’s festival marks the 10th anniversary of the event run by the Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS), celebrating the distinct cultures that make Whistler a place for everyone. From 4 to 8 p.m. on June 7 along Main Street, events for all ages will be on display, including food vendors, cultural performances, artistry, activities and products.
According to a release from the WMS, each year, local Indigenous groups in attendance include Lil’wat (Líl̓wat7úl), Squamish (Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Stl’atl’imx, and Xa’Xtsa. There’s a strong showing from local Mexican, Filipino and Japanese communities, as well as diverse attendees from around the world.
Attendance at the grassroots event has grown from an estimated 500 people in 2013 to about 800 last year, and volunteers have almost tripled between that time.
Yami Yeung, multicultural outreach worker with the WMS, explained the society and event helps foster positive experiences for newcomers to Canada.
“This is WMS' goal, to build cross-cultural interaction and connections, develop awareness and understanding of our local diversity, and seek to grow equity and inclusion," Yeung said. "We aim to build the voice and profile of newcomers and immigrants in our local society, and to develop community inclusion initiatives."
Representatives from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre will begin festivities with a welcome dance.
Other highlights include members of the Lil’wat Nation sharing traditional performances, and Filipino singers and dancers who will delight audiences. Chinese Thai Chi will provide a sense of Zen, while Japanese kendo martial artists will also represent their cultures and skills.
This year the festival is sponsored by Brahmi Skincare, a Whistler-based company that merges beauty products with Hindu spiritual teachings and energy work into skincare routines.
“She will do henna as an activity at the multicultural festival and also she will showcase her skincare and how her culture helped her business be successful,” Yeung said.
The event is funded by Canadian Heritage and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Other celebrations of multiculturalism on display include an art show in collaboration with Arts Whistler called Cultural Crossings. The submissions showcase the path immigrant and newcomer artists travelled on their way to the Sea to Sky, whether their work centres around homeland or influences from the 49th parallel.
“It's about how they integrate and bring their culture into Canada,” Yeung said.
The exhibit runs from June 5 to July 27 at the Maury Young Arts Centre and includes an art party in celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27.
