Heritage Celebration

JULY 31ST - AUGUST 2ND, 2021

Heritagefest is a a collection of Alberta Based cultural groups that come together, annually, to share their history, song, dance and food with the world. They supply all the songs, dance, crafts and music.

Heritagefest is facilitated by the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association. It is overseen by its Board of Directors and managed by a small staff.

WE ARE UNESCO/CIOFF CERTIFIED

We are a member of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF). This makes the Festival an “Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset” with CIOFF’s Sponsor UNESCO and allows us worldwide recognition and marketing opportunities.

OUR MISSION

“To promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity through an annual summer festival”.

OUR VISION

“To be the primary source of education on multiculturalism through an annual summer festival and programming throughout the year."

WHY THE FESTIVAL IS SO IMPORTANT

According to a July 2020 IPSOS REED poll, "Majority (60%) See Racism as a Serious Problem in Canada Today, Up 13 points Since Last Year. Nearly a Third of Canadians (28%) Say They Have Personally Experienced Racism in the Past Year (+5%)".

The good news, according to the Canadian Psychological Association is:"Contact between individuals of different backgrounds has been shown to improve mutual acceptance. However, such contact is likely to be more effective when contact is voluntary; is among individuals of roughly equal status; and when it is supported by promoting inclusion and limiting discrimination."

We promote intercultural contact, this video below is why we do it.