Heritage Week

Recognizing that British Columbia is rich and diverse in heritage, culture and faith, supported with hundreds and thousands of places of worship in our communities throughout the province, Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the week of February 21st - 27th, 2005 as 'Heritage Week'.

In cooperation with the Heritage Canada Foundation, a theme is chosen for the week long celebration to establish greater awareness and appreciation for Canada's past. This year's theme is dedicated to celebrating the 'Heritage of Faith: Sacred Buildings & Spiritual Places.'

'Various heritage and spiritual groups will come together to participate in
this national and community event. History, architecture, culture and spirituality are explored within the experience of how and why we create spaces for sacred practice. From the arrival of the First Nations to present day, local history and various cultures reflect the spirituality manifested within landscape and community', comments Celeste Ganassin, Co-Chair of Kelowna's Heritage Committee and Curator of Education with the Kelowna Museum Association.

As a special preview event to 'Heritage Week', Ben Wolfe and Marvin Rust will conduct a guided walking tour of Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery and tell the tales of colourful characters and events from early pioneers and settlers on Sunday, February 20th at 1:30 pm.

The official opening celebration will take place on Monday, February 21st from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at First United Church located at 721 Bernard Avenue and will include a ceremony and presentation by members of the Okanagan Nation followed by a welcome from Mayor Walter Gray. A presentation on the history of Kelowna's spiritual and religious places by members of the Kelowna Branch Okanagan Historical Society will follow, concluding with a tour of the First United Church. Coffee and muffins are provided.

Participate with guided tours of St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral on February 22nd and 24th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, located at 608 Sutherland Avenue, or attend an open house at the Immaculate Conception Church on February 21st to 25th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, located at 839 Sutherland Avenue.

The Central Okanagan Heritage Society will present the 21st Annual Heritage Awards on February 23rd at 7:00 pm and will conduct an Old Fashion Hymn Sing on February 26th at 2:00 pm at Benvoulin Heritage Church located at 2279 Benvoulin Road. Friends and Residents of the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area will be hosting the 4th Annual Heritage Walk and Tea on February 27th. The Walk will commence at 1:30 pm on the corner of Abbott and Cadder, followed by tea from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Pandosy Street ($5.00 per person for tea).

For information and a complete listing of venues and events throughout Heritage Week in Kelowna, visit the website at www.heritagebc.ca/heritage_week.htm or contact Colleen Cornock, Co-Chair at
250.763.0433.