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Heritage Day is a colourful celebration
at PWL Peace River

September 14th, 2017

Points West Living Peace River is a multicultural hub. Sixteen different nationalities are represented among residents, families and care partners, and they all contributed recently to a very successful Heritage Day celebration.

Traditional regalia and food

“All community members – friends, family and employee care partners – were encouraged to dress in their traditional regalia,” says recreation coordinator Bernadette Harris, “Everyone was encouraged to make food from their culture to bring a taste to all who wished to try it, and to bring items or decorate a window with displays their culture.”

“The response was impressive,” says Bernadette. “In total we had 6 windows and 4 other display areas, and the amount and variety of food for people to sample was fantastic. There was fried Bannock (Metis), Tourtiere (French Canadian meat pie), Dodo and Jolof Rice (Nigerian fried plantain and red rice), and Lugaw and Maja Blanca (Philippine soup and a coconut milk pudding dessert).”

National anthems

The celebration began with the playing of each represented country’s national anthem. General Manager David Haastrup welcomed everyone and invited them to circulate and look at the windows and displays. Then lunch was served and all of the people in traditional dress went to the front and introduced themselves. They spoke about their country and explained their outfit, describing whether it is for daily wear or for special occasions.

Bigger and better next year

“Needless to say there were a lot of very happy people in our community that day,” says Bernadette. “The next day everyone was still talking about it, and we received many suggestions and ideas that will make next year’s Heritage Day bigger and better, so watch for it!”

The nations of PWL Peace River

These are the nations represented in the PWL Peace River community: Canada, China, Fiji, France, Germany, Holland, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Slovakia, United States of America, and Ukraine.

Photo: Representing Nigeria at PWL Peace River Heritage Day, is General Manager David Haastrup (Right) and his wife, Ebon.

More photos at Flickr: Heritage Day a colourful celebration at PWL Peace River

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