About Us
Prior to 2004 there was no association unifying/integrating all the African heritage groups in Victoria and other locations on Vancouver Island. Therefore Africans and people of African descent did not have a strong community voice and capacity in the Communities of Vancouver Island. Yet, whenever any group of Africans (African Cultural Association; Kenyan, Ethiopian, Somali, Eritrean, Congo, Mozambique, Ghanaian, Liberian, Sierra Leonean, Nigerian, Rwandan, etc.) and people of African descent (Black History Awareness Society, Caribbean groups) met they expressed the need for such a unifying organization. To meet this need, in 2004 the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island (AHAVI) was formed as a non-profit organization to build a united and strong community by cooperatively organizing, and supporting events and activities to meet the needs of Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island.
People of African heritage have been in Victoria and the Gulf Islands since the 1850s. However, apart from perhaps tombstones in grave yards there is little to show their presence and concrete legacy. AHAVI is determined to change this history by establishing a comprehensive Africa Heritage Cultural Center in the Capital Regional District of Victoria by 2015. Currently, the association is seeking a short or medium term operating space to work and build community in order to achieve the long-term goal of creating an African Heritage Cultural Center.
Mission Statement
The purpose of AHAVI is to build a united and strong community by co-operatively organizing and supporting events and activities to meet the needs of Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island.
AHAVI's Objectives are to:
- Foster a sense of community among Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island
- Promote the provision of the best possible services for Africans, people of African descent, and friends of Africa on Vancouver Island.
- Promote the cultural development of its members and African Heritage awareness on Vancouver Island.
- Facilitate communication among its members and between members and other organizations and communities on Vancouver Island.
Events
Below is a preview of some of the annual events that we have.
The Africa Celebrates Dinner & Dance
This is a cultural outreach event that celebrates and showcases the cultural vitality of Africa. The main goal of this Celebration is to showcase the positive image of Africa and raise awareness of the continent of rich and varied cultures. This one-night event will feature an exhibition of the vibrancy of Africa and will include: food, costumes, dancing, a fashion show, and a live performance. The event will bring together a diverse group of people to learn, celebrate and experience the value of difference and diversity.
SIMBA Sports Activity
SIMBA Sports Activity is an active event promoting togetherness, and a chance for the community to come together for a day filled with soccer, excitement, laughter, cheering, and all other fun activities. Bring your team to get a chance to walk away with Gold or silver.
Summer BBQ
Summer BBQ is a casual, cultural gathering of sharing and celebrating African and Caribbean culture through music, dance, food, and kid's activities. This celebration brings the Victoria community together showcasing one of Victoria's amazing parks and unleashing the vibrancy of the African and Caribbean communities.
The AHAVI Holiday Party
The AHAVI Holiday Party is an opportunity for the community to wrap up the year and celebrate together in the spirit of the holidays. Grab your friend and loved ones and come join us for a merry evening as the year comes to a close.
African Eloquence
African Eloquence is a cultural outreach event that celebrates the vitality of Africa and promotes higher education among the African youth of Greater Victoria. It supports the youth of African heritage helping them realize their full potential, and also raising awareness of Africa as a continent of rich and varied cultures.
This one-night event features an exhibition of the vibrancy of Africa and includes talents, costumes, artwork, performances, and educational presentations. Eight contestants from Vancouver Island middle and high schools will present on various African countries, cultures, and issues - building confidence and critical thinking skills.
In particular, we seek youth who show leadership, community involvement, and cultural eloquence. A panel of judges evaluates contestants based on the quality of their presentations, talents, and responses to the question-and-answer segment on contemporary cultural issues.
Beyond enhancing the opportunity, empowerment, confidence, and public-speaking skills of youth, African Eloquence offers the Greater Victoria community a unique cross-cultural experience. The event brings together a diverse group of people to learn, celebrate and experience the value of difference and diversity.
The African Eloquence Committee's mandate is to:
- ♦ Promote awareness and celebration of cultural diversity
- ♦ Educate the public about African cultures
- ♦ Generate self-esteem, self-confidence, eloquence, and leadership skills in the youth of African heritage on Vancouver Island
- ♦ Create educational opportunities for Vancouver Island's African youth to access.
Gallery
Sports
TEAM
Executive Council
William Goldiet
PresidentKade Hardy
Vice PresidentVacant
Secretary - Treasurer:Elders
Angela Mueni
Div Kwanda
Contact
Please send us your inquiry using the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible! You can also send an email to info@ahavi.ca