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.
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.
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:
Unleash a World of Flavor, Music, and Culture at the 15th Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival
Experience a Kaleidoscope of Cultures
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of diversity and unity at the 15th Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival, formerly known as the Calgary Turkish Festival. This vibrant two-day extravaganza takes place on August 24th and 25th at the welcoming Dalhousie Community Association. Opening Ceremony is on August 24th at 1:00pm Immerse yourself in a world of captivating performances, tantalizing global cuisines, and engaging activities that showcase the rich tapestry of Ukraine, Turkey, the Philippines, and Azerbaijan. From the rhythmic beats of traditional dance to the soulful melodies of folk music, our stage will come alive with a kaleidoscope of cultural expressions.
Savor the World on a Plate
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure like no other. Explore a diverse array of food trucks and vendors offering authentic dishes from around the globe. From the hearty comfort of Ukrainian borscht to the fiery flavors of Turkish kebabs, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to try unique Filipino and Azerbaijani delicacies that will transport you to distant lands.
Discover Unique Treasures
Explore our vibrant marketplace, where talented artisans showcase their handcrafted creations. Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, and home decor that reflect the rich heritage of each culture. Support local businesses while finding the perfect souvenirs to cherish.
Family Fun for Everyone
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day filled with laughter and excitement. Our dedicated family zone offers a variety of activities, including face painting, games, and interactive workshops. Little ones can explore their creativity while parents relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Connect and Celebrate
Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared humanity. Connect with people from diverse backgrounds, learn about different cultures, and foster a sense of community. Together, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious city.
Join us for an unforgettable experience!
We invite you to be part of this extraordinary event. Mark your calendars for August 24th and 25th and bring your friends and family to the Dalhousie Community Association. Let’s celebrate diversity, unity, and the richness of our world together.
NBA star Enes Freedom and soccer star Hakan Sukur will be special guests this year.
For more information and updates, visit our website or follow us on social media.
A vibrant summer picnic brought together members of IDI, ATIC, and Parkland United Church on August 3rd, 2024. The sunny afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for a day of camaraderie, delicious food, and fun activities. Attendees gathered at Edworthy Park to enjoy a picnic spread filled with grilled burgers, fresh salads, and homemade desserts. While savouring the delicious meal, participants engaged in lively conversations and laughter. In addition to the culinary delights, the event featured a variety of group games and activities. These interactive experiences fostered a sense of community and provided opportunities for participants to connect on a deeper level. Laura Holck, Social Justice Chair of the Parkland United Church, expressed her gratitude for the turnout and the positive atmosphere of the picnic. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together and enjoy a day of fellowship,” she said. Irfan Gulsu, President of Anatolian Turkish Islamic Centre (ATIC) Calgary, echoed Holck’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such events in building bridges between communities. “The picnic was a fantastic opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate our shared humanity,” Gulsu stated. The summer picnic was a resounding success, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a renewed sense of community. Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) Calgary look forward to hosting similar events in the future.
Date: June 13, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: IDI Community Center
Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) hosted a memorable Interfaith Dialogue Dinner at the IDI Community Center. The event brought together 12 families—6 from Laura Holck’s guests and 6 from the Hizmet Movement. The gathering fostered an atmosphere of warmth and openness, where participants had the chance to engage in meaningful conversation around shared values and experiences.
The evening was designed to promote mutual understanding between people of different faiths. As part of the program, each table was given thought-provoking prompts such as, “How do you know me as a Christian & Muslim?” This allowed guests to reflect on their perspectives and listen to others’ experiences in a respectful, open dialogue.
The attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, generously sponsored, which added to the sense of community and hospitality.
Laura Holck, the Social Justice Chair of the Parkland United Church, and Malik Muradov, a Muslim chaplain, delivered inspiring welcome speeches. Both emphasized the purpose of the evening—building bridges between communities, celebrating diversity, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
It was a truly enriching evening where new friendships were formed, and participants left with a deeper appreciation for one another’s beliefs and traditions. Events like these are a testament to the power of dialogue in bridging divides and creating a more harmonious society.
BURC and ATIC orchestrated a heartwarming convergence, uniting aspiring young individuals with the esteemed presence of former NBA player Enes Kanter, all in the noble pursuit of instilling a profound passion for sports within the youth. Enes Kanter, a charismatic figure who has captured the attention and admiration of budding athletes, wholeheartedly committed to enriching the 15-day spring camp experience. This transformative camp, a collaborative effort between BURC, ATIC and the prestigious Centre Canada in Vancouver, is set to unfold its inspiring journey from March 13 to March 28.
The 14th Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival, held at the Dalhousie Community Association on August 19-20, 2023, was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Delicious food and art products were available for sale at the stands, while beautiful songs and captivating performances entertained the audience on stage. Here are some photos capturing those moments:
