We're celebrating heritage week in kelowna!

Throughout the week, there are activities happening to celebrate heritage, including here at the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club!

​MONDAY, FEB 17TH - 1:00pm-4:00pm
​The Heritage Week Opening Event at the City of Kelowna’s Family Day Fun event at MNP Place (4105 Gordon Drive). There will be displays, activitiies, and music by various organizations celebrating the heritage, culture and history of the valley. There will also be Family Day Fun featuring fun and games for the whole family. This is a free event! For more information on Heritage Week, please visit:  okheritagesociety.com/heritage-week or the individual participants’ websites.

12:00pm to 4:00pm 
Heritage Hobbies: Blast From the Past at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Celebrate BC Family Day and Heritage Week with hands-on stations showcasing Okanagan leisure activities and sports of the past. Don’t miss this fun and educational way to experience the history of our community’s pastimes! Admission is by donation. kelownamuseums.ca/event

TUESDAY, FEB 18TH 5:00pm-6:00pm
Sncewips Heritage Museum’s Coralee Miller with the Kelowna Tree Protectors will give a special tour of the Sncewips Museum with a focus on the significance of Okanagan trees and plants in Syilx Culture. Join a special tour of the Museum with a focus on the significance of Okanagan trees and plants in Syilx culture. Learn about their role in medicines, ceremonies, captik™t, and a variety of pastimes in community life. Adults $5, children no charge.  To register, email: [email protected]

Watch The Daily Courier for this year’s COHS Heritage Award Winners!

WEDNESDAY, FEB 19TH -  6:00pm-8:00pm
Old School: Pop Quiz Trivia Night at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Test your knowledge on classic school subjects while enjoying a drink—because this class is just for adults!  For ages 19 +   $25 per ticket  kelownamuseums.ca/event

6:00pm
Heritage Week Trivia Night at Whiski-Jack's Pins & Pints (620-525 Highway 97 South, West Kelowna). Get your team together (max 8 players per team) and come down to have some fun, learn some new things about your community's history, and maybe even win some prizes! Organised by the Westbank Museum and by the Sncewips Heritage Museum. [email protected] ; 250-768-0110

7:00pm to 9:00pm
Central Okanagan Heritage Society’s 41st Annual Heritage Awards presentation will take place at Benvoulin Heritage Church (2279 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna). Light refreshments will be available after the presentation. This event is open to all Heritage Week participants as well as the general public.  Admission by Donation. For more Information: okheritagesociety.com; [email protected]

THURSDAY, FEB 20th 7:00pm
FROM ROOTS TO RESILIENCE: Exploring the Journey of Italian Immigrants to Canada- Stories of Family, Identity and New Beginnings at the Kelowna Italian Club Hall. Join this roundtable discussion with four KCIC members who were born in Italy and later immigrated to Canada. Discover their personal stories as they delve into the resilience and courage behind their journeys. Free Admission. Registration Required: kelownaitalianclub.com/rootsresilience

SATURDAY, FEB 22nd 10:00am-11:00am
Old School: Ring the Bell Tour at the Okanagan Heritage Museum This interactive tour takes you through the fascinating evolution of education, from charming one-room schoolhouses to the modern classrooms we know today. Perfect for all ages! $15 a person kelownamuseums.ca/event

1:00pm and 2:15pm
Central Okanagan Heritage Society will be giving two 45 minute tours of the Bennett Heritage House. To attend, please pre-register, as limited spaces are available on each tour. The tours are by donation (minimum $10/person), secure your spot at [email protected]         

4:30pm- 9:00pm
Black History Cultural Celebration, hosted by Africans in Okanagan. This vibrant and inspiring annual event, honours Black history, culture, and resilience within the Okanagan community. It brings together residents from all walks of life to experience the richness of African heritage through captivating fashion showcases, soulful music, and delicious culinary delights. $25-$35  okanaganafricans.ca/events

On Going Events During the Week

The Kelowna Downtown Library will have a number of Heritage Personality Displays from Feb. 16 to the 23rd. There will be new displays on the five SS Sicamous Captains. These displays have been researched and created by members of Kelowna & District Genealogical Society. 

The Lake Country Museum & Archives published Stroll Guides for each of the four wards of Lake Country in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the crea on of the District of Lake Country. The guides are available during Heritage Week. lakecountrymuseum.com     

OCCA Chinese Heritage & History Showcase at Kelowna City Hall. In collaboration with the Chinese Freemasons, OCCA Communities Association is presenting a unique historical display, featuring treasured family ar facts that showcase the courageous journey of immigration, hard work, and cultural celebration. Explore the rich history and resilience of the Chinese community in the Okanagan until the end of March.