Author Archive

Main Event – Nowruz

Projects May 12, 2025

Burc Intercultural Centre hosted a Nowruz Event

Burc Intercultural Centre proudly hosted a vibrant Nowruz celebration at the Dalhousie Community Centre on May 11.
The event featured a rich and diverse program, including traditional dance performances, folk songs, poetry recitations, engaging competitions, and gift presentations. Attendees enjoyed a lively and culturally immersive experience that brought together community members of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Nowruz.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Alberta for its generous support, which made this meaningful event possible.

The Program Flow was:

1- Adrian Wolfleg – Opening Speech – He is a member of the Siksika Nation, part of the Calgary Public Library’s Elders’ Guidance Circle, and Cultural Knowledge Keeper of the Alberta Men’s Network

2 – Melody Dance Group – Persian Origin Dance performances

3 – First Gift raffle

4 – Muradiye S. – Speech about togetherness

5 – Azeri Calgary Stars Dance Group – Azerbaijani Origin Dance performances

6 – Azra and Sumeyye – Guitar Performance

7 – Mahtab Sayed Nabian – Iranian singer

8 – Arife – Reading an emotional letter

9 – Second Gift raffle

10 – Tusher Samin – Guitar Performance

11- Group Game – Guessing your daughter

12 – Drama – theatre performance by community girls

13- Piano Performance by community girls

14 – Third Gift raffle

15- Closing

Volunteer Week Celebrated with Enthusiasm at IDI

Projects May 5, 2025

We celebrated Volunteer Week with great enthusiasm, bringing together both new and longtime volunteers.

On May 3–4, IDI celebrated Volunteer Week with great enthusiasm, bringing together both new and longtime volunteers. The events featured presentations highlighting the vital role of volunteerism in building stronger communities.

In recognition of their dedication, returning volunteers received certificates of appreciation, while new volunteers were warmly welcomed with a special celebration. Participants also enjoyed a variety of delicious food throughout the events.

The atmosphere was full of motivation and inspiration, culminating in the decision to establish volunteer clubs at universities. Some of the young female volunteers stepped forward to support the formation and development of these clubs.

We thank Alberta Volunteer for their generous support.

NOWRUS CELEBRATION

Announcement April 24, 2025

Cultural Connections: A Newroz Celebration!

Join us for a vibrant evening of music, dance, and cultural sharing! Experience rich traditions from various ethnocultural and Indigenous communities through:

🎶 Live performances

🎨 Cultural workshops & food tastings

🗣 Intercultural dialogue

👧 Youth cultural exchange

Let’s come together to celebrate unity in diversity! ✨

** Alberta Ethnocultural Grant Program

#NowruzCelebration #CulturalConnections #YYCEvents #CelebrateDiversity

Wolunteer Week Event

Announcement April 5, 2025

Join us as we celebrate the incredible contributions of our amazing volunteers!

You’re invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 3 and 4

Location: 2937 19 St NE, Calgary

Together, let’s honour the power of community, diversity, and kindness.
What to expect:
• Delicious food
• Thoughtful gifts
• Volunteer certificates
• A chance to connect with fellow volunteers

Because diversity is our strength!

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/calgaryidiyouth/
Hosted by IDI Calgary, Burc Intercultural Centre, and Volunteer Alberta.

Another Beautiful Dialogue Lunch

IDI January 12, 2025

IDI and Emmanuel Community Church Came Together in Calgary for an Event Hosted by the Church

On the morning of January 12, members of IDI and Emmanuel Community Church came together in Calgary for an event hosted by the church. The program highlighted ‘Jesus in the Quran’ and provided an opportunity to share IDI’s mission of fostering dialogue and understanding between cultures and faiths. Following the Sunday worship, attendees shared a delicious lunch, connecting through meaningful conversations and exchanging ideas.

An evening of togetherness

IDI December 22, 2024

An evening of togetherness: A Christmas Celebration Dinner

Spring reminds us of the beauty of diversity — different flowers blooming in vibrant colours, each with its unique scent. Just as black stands out boldly on white, our differences make us more visible and beautiful.

At IDI Calgary, we believe God created us in diverse colours, races, and cultures to celebrate this richness together and we did it on December 19, 2024

TogetherWeThrive #UnityInDiversity #IDICalgary #ChristmasDinner

A Beautiful Interfaith Lunch

IDI October 21, 2024

IDI and the First Lutheran Church community gathered for lunch On October 20

After Sunday worship, IDI and the First Lutheran Church community gathered for lunch at First Lutheran Church. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and openness as members from both communities engaged in meaningful conversations.

Pastor Phil Holck delivered a beautiful speech that emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and understanding, fostering a spirit of unity among the attendees. Everyone enjoyed delicious food, shared their stories and, strengthened their connections. The event was a wonderful reminder of the power of coming together and promoting mutual respect and collaboration between faiths.

THANKSGIVING DINNER 2024

IDI October 20, 2024

IDI Youth Organized a Thanksgiving Dinner

IDI Youth organized a Thanksgiving dinner on October 19. We thank everyone for sharing a meaningful philosophy behind Thanksgiving.

This dinner was surrounded by great food, even greater company, and endless gratitude. We are thankful for the moments that make life special. We felt blessed to celebrate with amazing people. Thanks for sharing our table and hearts with those who matter most.

15th Calgary Intercultural Festival

Festivals August 26, 2024

15th Calgary Intercultural Festival -2024

The 15th annual Calgary Intercultural Festival of 2024 was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The excitement of the festival, held at Dalhousie Community Center, was shared by hundreds of people from all cultures. The program, which began at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, concluded at 8 p.m. on Sunday. The surprise guests of the event were football legend Hakan Şükür and NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom. During the day, Enes and Hakan hosted small activities with their young fans and held conversations with participants in the evening sessions of the program.

Additionally, nearly 20 stands offered food from Turkish and global cuisines as well as various art products for sale, with the proceeds going to support those in need.

The stage also hosted many wonderful performances. Here are some of them:

• Calgary Summer School Children’s Group – Singing and dance performances
• Enes & Sueda Duo – Singing performances
• High school student Faruk Durap – Stage performances (a portrayal of Nasreddin Hodja)
• Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes – Indigenous blessing and a song (Opening ceremony and song performance related to Indigenous culture by Cheryle)
• Ukrainian opera singer Anna Pompeeva – Singing performances
• Afghan performance group – Dance and singing performances
• Azeri Stars Calgary Group performance
• Ukrainian Suzirya Dance Theatre performance
• Calgary Interfaith Council – Reverend Samaya Oakley – Speech on the importance of promoting tolerance in the community
• Deputy Mayor of Calgary Raj Dhaliwal – Speech on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the community

For more updates on the program, you can follow us on our social media accounts below:

https://www.instagram.com/intercultural.fest/
https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryInterculturalFestival