News & Updates
Fraser Volunteer Association Leads Cultural Exchange Trip to Barkerville's Eighth Indigenous Cultural Festival
Aug 19, 2023
Barkerville, British Columbia, August 19 - The Fraser Volunteer Association (FVA), a vibrant non-profit organization based in Vancouver, orchestrated a successful visit to the Eighth Annual Indigenous Cultural Festival held in Barkerville, BC. A delegation of 23 volunteers traveled to the quaint town to immerse themselves in the local Indigenous culture and enjoy performances of traditional dances.
Vickie Zhang, President of FVA, who has called Burnaby her home for over two decades, shared her enthusiasm about the journey. "This is my fourth visit to Barkerville and the Cariboo region. We have 23 people with us on this trip, hailing from various families and sectors—business, public, and private. We also have six students from the Greater Vancouver area. We are here to observe, listen, and learn about the Indigenous people. I am thankful for this enriching opportunity."
Nestled in the Fraser River Valley, Barkerville is a small town in British Columbia known for its rich Indigenous programming. The town hosts the Indigenous Cultural Festival annually, serving as a focal point for celebrating local Indigenous traditions.
Established in 2021, FVA aims to foster a spirit of volunteerism while actively involving new immigrants in community initiatives. "We believe in the power of collaboration and recognize the importance of inclusivity in building stronger, more harmonious communities," said a spokesperson from FVA. The organization arranges events like this to broaden understanding of Indigenous culture, promote cross-cultural exchange, and encourage individuals to contribute their skills and resources to support a range of community activities and initiatives.
FVA is committed to making a lasting positive impact on the communities it serves. It strives to cultivate a culture of altruism among its members by providing diverse opportunities to contribute their time and expertise. "Our focus is on fostering cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect among different communities. We are particularly keen on educating the Chinese-Canadian community to better understand and support Indigenous people," added the spokesperson.
Previously, on September 30, 2022, FVA hosted "Above the Rainbow," an event marking the National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. The event reaffirmed the organization's commitment to reconciliation and respect for the experiences of Indigenous people.
The Eighth Indigenous Cultural Festival in Barkerville came to a fulfilling conclusion, leaving the 23 volunteers from Vancouver with memorable experiences. Participants expressed that not only did the event deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, but it also gave them a broader perspective on Indigenous aspirations. They hope for more opportunities to engage in such enriching experiences in the future.
For more information about the Fraser Volunteer Association, please visit our website or contact us at info@fraservolunteer.ca.