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Connecting cultures with Meet and Greet events
By Kerstin Renner
Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as part of official policy in 1971.
Citizens are encouraged to take pride their heritage and share with others to foster a sense of belonging. Great examples of multiculturalism in action are Globalfest in Calgary or Fusion Festival in Surrey; however, multiculturalism is not only for the big cities.
There is a mosaic of many different cultures right here in the Kootenays. Cranbrook Multi-Cultural Society (CMCS) has set out to promote multicultural awareness and mutual respect through celebrating our diversity in the community. This summer, we will see the second annual Multicultural Festival at Rotary Park on August 22, but leading up to the big day there will be other opportunities to explore the different cultures in the community.
“In April, we are starting our series of Cultural Meet and Greets in Cranbrook,” explains Coco Seitz, president of the CMCS. The last Friday of every month, a Cultural Meet and Greet will be held at the Connect Cranbrook Building from 7 to 9 p.m. “The aim of this event is twofold,” Seitz continues. “On the one hand, we want this to be an opportunity for people to connect with other local residents of the same heritage background to network and socialize. On the other hand, this event is open to anyone interested in learning about and enjoying other cultures.”
CMCS hopes that these Cultural Meet and Greets will not only help immigrants who are new to Cranbrook to settle in, but act as a building block in achieving the society’s mission of building a community that recognizes and appreciates cultural diversity.
CMCS will provide refreshment and drinks. Childcare is available. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
The first Cultural Meet and Greet will be on Friday, April 24. To find out more about CMCS and their events, go to www.cbkmulticulture.org or follow Cranbrook Multicultural Society on Facebook.
Dates for events: April 24, May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28, all from: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Connect Cranbrook Building located on the corner of 14th Ave and 2nd Street N, kitty corner to the Key City Theatre.
