BC Qazaq Community
Description
About BC Qazaq Community
The BC Qazaq Community is a dedicated non-profit organization that unites Kazakhstanis and people of Kazakh heritage living in British Columbia, Canada. Our core mission is to preserve cultural heritage, support newcomers, and build an inclusive network for the regional diaspora.
History & Roots
The story began in 2003 when a few Kazakh families, including the current President and Founder, arrived in Vancouver, BC. What started as informal gatherings to mark shared roots evolved significantly over time. In March 2016, through the initiative and organization of Dinara, Samal, Dina, and Maulen, the first official Nauryz celebration for Kazakh immigrants in the Greater Vancouver Area was held. Today, Nauryz has become a hallmark annual event bringing the entire community together.
Key Mission & Objectives
- Cultural Preservation: Celebrating and safeguarding Central Asian traditions, language, and heritage through public gatherings, cultural workshops, and celebrations.
- Newcomer Support: Providing essential guidance and hub resources for individuals and families adapting to life in BC, covering key topics from housing to employment.
- Community Engagement: Fostering a supportive ecosystem through professional networking, mentorship, and social initiatives.
- Intergenerational Connection: Connecting youth and older generations to pass down wisdom and preserve community identity across time.
We express our deepest gratitude as our work takes place on the unceded and ancestral territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.