KCIC's LNFI COMMITTEE recognized WITH AWARD FROM Heritage BC

LNFI Co-Chairs Gord Hotchkiss and Don Rampone with their Heritage BC Recognition Awards

Two LNFI Legacy Projects have been recognized by Heritage BC for excellence in Education, Communications and Awareness. The La Nostra Famiglia Italiana Museum Exhibit and the documentary The Casorsos: La Prima Famiglia have received a Recognition Award for 2024.

Heritage BC recognized the importance of the two projects in creating awareness and highlighting the contribution of the Italian community to Kelowna and the Centra Okanagan:

"The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club's Legacy Project combines an exhibit and documentary to highlight Italian immigrant families' arrival and impact in Kelowna . The documentary follows the journey of the first Italian family in the Okanagan, while the Kelowna Museum exhibit showcases artifacts and articles from the Casorso family and others. The exhibit, utilizing multimedia elements like video, audio recordings, and physical artifacts, offers insight into the challenges and successes of Italian immigrants integrating into Kelowna society. By blending various media and firsthand accounts, the Legacy Project vividly portrays the Italian immigrant experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage and contributions. Together they beautifully underscore the significance of the initial Italian families in Kelowna, fulfilling its objectives."

This marks the 3rd award picked up by the Legacy Project. Earlier this year The Casorso documentary was one of two special heritage projects honoured as outstanding by the Central Okanagan Heritage Society and last year Don and Gord won the Heritage BC Award for outstanding impact volunteers. 

"We're honoured to be recognized by Heritage BC. These two projects have really gained exposure beyond Kelowna, signifying that the Italian experience is an integral part of the building of Canada as a strong, unified yet diverse nation," said LNFI co-chairs Don and Gord.

Don Rampone was able to attend the award ceremony in Nelson, BC and accepted the awards on behalf of the LNFI Committee. 

Don Rampone at the Heritage BC Award Ceremony, together with Susan Diane Campbell, from the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society, who won this years Outstanding Impact Volunteer Award - photo: Heritage BC