The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), a unique non-profit organization that combines arts and social services to address the needs of immigrants and to promote the embracing of cultural diversity in our community.

ICA offers services for newcomers including settlement and integration counseling, translation and interpretation, English classes, mentoring and volunteer matching, and peer support groups. We also provide outreach and education in the community with workshops on anti-racism, multiculturalism, diversity awareness, immigration, and human rights.

ICA’s arts programs celebrate the worth and potential of a culturally diverse community through artistic expression. Founded in 1971 as an organization to produce the long-running multicultural arts festival FolkFest, ICA has evolved over the years to encompass many different strategies for the creation and support of a welcoming community for newcomers to Canada. The Luminara Community Lantern Festival takes place every summer in Beacon Hill Park and St. Ann's Academy grounds.

---

Mission Statement:

The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
is a non-profit society that:

Encourages sensitivity, appreciation and respect for individuals of all cultures in our changing community

Assists newcomers to settle in the Greater Victoria area and facilitates their inclusion and full participation in the community

Advocates for the human rights of people of all cultures

Animates cultural awareness by promoting public multicultural events within Greater Victoria

Sponsors and Funding

The BC Ministry of Attorney General, Settlement and Multiculturalism Division
The Department of Canadian Heritage
The City of Victoria
The BC Gaming Commission (Victoria Bingo Palace)

We raise funds through:
The United Way of Greater Victoria
Fees for some services, like English classes, interpretation and translation, and workshops
Admissions to events like FolkFest or concerts
Sponsorships from corporations and businesses
Foundations
Raffles
Donations from individuals who support our work

History
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria was founded in 1971 to mount the inaugural FolkFest. Several ethnic groups came together to share their cultural heritage with the community at large. Approached by Immigration Canada to aid refugees, ICA adopted a mandate to promote cultural understanding and alleviate racism, developing a broad range of services to immigrants including citizenship and ESL classes, counseling, orientation, workshops and a host family program. Today, ICA advocates for the human rights of people from all ethnocultural backgrounds and maintains FolkFest as one of its most visible means to promote cultural awareness.

Board of Directors

James Boxshall, President

Mabel Rebudan, Treasurer

Pam Grewal, Secretary

Bettina Heinz, Executive

David Aujla

Georges Murr

Kelly Newhook

Larry Olson

Muavae Va'a

Joan Verwoord

Leslie Whittaker

Staff

Administration:

Executive Director: Jean McRae

Executive Assistant: Karin Scarth

Secretary/Receptionists: Maria Cristina Shore, Lorraine Gosh

Accountant: Edgil Nelson

Accountant Assistant: Brian Burgess

Education & Community Bridging Services

Coordinator: Winnie Lee

English Language Services for Adults (ELSA):
Head Teacher: Todd Kitzler

Teachers: Jack Etkin, Frances Foster, Melanie Gerritsen,
Suja Lamminen, Paula Leahy, Judy LeBlanc, Michael Moore

Childminder Supervisor: Lori deWet

Childminders: Graciela Molina, Karen Dunahee, Leena Plank

Volunteer Facilitator: Carla Green

Host Mentoring Facilitator: Carla Green

Multicultural, Community Development & Public Education Services

Coordinator: Steven Baileys

Seniors' Group: Steven Baileys

Youth Group: Anna Escher

Settlement and Integration Services

Coordinator: HyeSoon Kim

Settlement Counsellor/Nobody's Perfect Facilitator: Ruth Miranda

Settlement Counsellor/Prenatal Classes: Lien Tran

Settlement Counsellor: Anna Escher



back to top