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Cultural Threads

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Cultural Threads

Introduction:

The Cultural Threads project is an intergenerational initiative that brings immigrant elders and Canadian-born youth together to reconnect with ancestral heritage and celebrate the traditions that continue to shape our lives. Many stories, skills, and memories are carried within our elders, and this project creates opportunities to share them with younger generations in meaningful ways.

Through conversations, storytelling, recipes, and crafts, Cultural Threads builds spaces where culture can be passed on, remembered, and reimagined. These exchanges not only preserve traditions but also create bridges across generations, helping participants strengthen their sense of identity while fostering belonging within the wider community.

This Project is funded by Government of Alberta.


For any questions,

Contact

For further information , Contact: riddhi@aniw.org

Cultural Threads Exhibition & Reception – May 16–17

We’re excited to invite you to Cultural Threads, a vibrant exhibition showcasing participant-created artworks that explore stories of childhood, family traditions, folk art, and culinary heritage passed down through generations.

Join us for a special Reception and Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 16 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Alcove Beltline. Alongside the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a warm and engaging gathering to celebrate our volunteers, with drop-in art activities and opportunities to connect with the community.

We would love to have you join us in celebrating culture, creativity, and community.

Date: 16 May 2026, Saturday

Time: 12 – 4 pm MST

Location: Alcove Beltline 1040 8 St SW, Calgary

Project Background

Cultural Threads brings together elders and Canadian-born youth
through a series of intergenerational workshops such as traditional crafts,
storytelling, and recipe sharing activities. The project aims to create a
welcoming space where generations connect, elders share
memories of the past, and youth discover and celebrate their cultural roots.

  • Eligibility
    • Youth
    • Elders
  • Supporting Organisations
    • Generations Calgary
    • FOCUS on Seniors
    • Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta
    • Philippines Consulate General Calgary
    • Hawak Hamay Art Collective
    • Salingpusa
    • Trellis Society
    • Alcove Arts Centre
    • C Space

Have a look at our past workshops activities below.

Gallery

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Testimonials

I made new connections through arts and crafts. This provided a creative outlet and encouraged social interaction. Art creating these interactions made the session very educational and enjoyable.

Zeitun Sachedina (Storytelling Workshop)

It is amazing way of introducing the session through video and how imagination could make life better. Great Work! Keep doing it! I look forward to future sessions.

Murali (Storytelling Workshop)

The learning game was the most enjoyable part of the workshop. It was a great team activity and resulted in a good collaboration.

Rubaiya (Storytelling Workshop)

I really enjoyed the art session as I haven’t drawn for a longtime. It transported me back to my childhood days.

Parviz (Storytelling Workshop)

I enjoyed the camaraderie and the activity itself. There was a sense of fulfillment that
comes from this experience.

  Josephine Suaverdez (Tote Workshop)

I enjoyed making art, chatting, laughing and connecting. Thank you so much for these
moments and connections.

Chezca Yog-a (Tote Workshop)

I enjoyed the fact that I was able to have the ability to paint whatever I wanted. Overall, I
had an excellent experience and might recommend this program to my friends.

Shea (Tote Workshop)

I enjoyed being able to share experience and art with a community which I normally
wouldn’t have the chance to.

Coleman (Recipe Trading card workshop)

I enjoyed sharing own recipes and catching up with fellow Filipinos and other individuals.
Just continue having more workshops. 🙂
Belinda Eamilao (Recipe Trading card workshop)

I really enjoyed the art making and getting to know more about the artist and her work. I
thinks it’s a wonderful initiative, a lovely way to bring intergenerational connection through
food. Please have more workshops.

Ligaya Domingo (Recipe Trading card workshop)

The best part was the interaction between facilitators and attendants. Thea is very
encouraging especially for me who is an arts challenged! Keep up the good work

collaborating between artists and other groups.

Mike Antonio (Recipe Trading card workshop)

It was a good opportunity to be creative and explore Filipino culture and food with a
community. I really more time with these workshops. This was so fun, thankyou for
organizing! Hoping for more events like this!

Bea Esguerra (Recipe Trading card workshop)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these workshops free?

Yes! All workshops are completely free to attend.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Participants gather at the scheduled location, so please arrive on time. The facilitator will
introduce the activity, and everyone will take part in hands-on art-making, sharing stories,
and collaborative experiences

How often do these workshops happen?

Workshops take place at least once a month from August 2025 to January 2026.

Is the workshop content repeated?

No. Each workshop is uniquely designed for different focus groups, combining art,
storytelling, and food for a collaborative experience.

What is the maximum number of participants for a session?

Typically, sessions accommodate up to 20 participants, but we can sometimes welcome
more.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Each session is led by a designated artist facilitator, with support from the ANIW team
throughout the workshop.

Do participants under 18 need a parent or guardian?

Yes. We recommend that minors attend with a parent or guardian who can also participate
in the workshop.

Is food provided during the workshops?

Yes! Light refreshments are always available for participants.

Can participants take their artworks home?

Not immediately. The artworks will be part of an exhibition. After the show, we will arrange
pick-up times for participants to collect their creations.

Will photographs be taken during the workshops?

Yes, photographs may be taken. All participants will be asked to provide photo consent at the start of the session.

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Ivonne Toledo (Director at large)

International trained Lawer, graduated in Mexico with two bachelors, one in English Language and other in Laws.

Settled in Canada six years ago, faced all the vicissitudes of the immigrants. Now part of an immigration legal team, I want to contribute with team of the board of directors here in ANIW trying to help immigrant women to find their way in this country

Ramona Fernando

Ramona Fernando moved to Edmonton from Sri Lanka in 2000. I am a financial strategist by profession graduated from NAIT in 2016 with a degree in Accounting. I have worked in the banking, hospitality, event planning, accounting, taxation and non-for-profit sectors. Currently I am working at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights as the Office and Financial Manager. My passion is serving the community, mentoring and coaching youth, adults and seniors. I spent my spare time with family cooking, reading, singing, gardening and learning new challenges in life and community.

Dr. Elham Rahmani

As a dual-immigrant woman, wife, and mother, I am passionate about empowering immigrant women across Alberta through inclusion, connection, and community engagement. With a Ph.D. and over 10 years of experience in research, data analysis, and project development, I bring strong skills in strategic planning and community outreach.

My involvement in building the Iranian community in Lethbridge and organizing cultural initiatives has helped create supportive spaces for immigrant women and families. As a volunteer board member with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, I am committed to promoting equality, representation, and empowerment for immigrant women throughout Alberta.

Tracey Campbell

Tracey Campbell is an experienced career practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in career development, employment counseling, and public policy. As a former Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Alberta, she has contributed to initiatives that support workforce development, diversity, and inclusion. Tracey is deeply passionate about empowering women and newcomers to reach their full potential through meaningful career pathways and community engagement. She looks forward to connecting with individuals and agencies to share knowledge, provide guidance, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen employment opportunities and social wellbeing.

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Dr. Sandra Dixon

Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Life Coach, and Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her research focuses on spirituality, race, gender, immigration, and social justice, with special attention to racial trauma and anti-Black racism. She actively serves on several community and professional boards, including the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to equity and inclusion, Dr. Dixon has received multiple awards for her teaching, community service, and advocacy in promoting social justice.

Heidy Panameno (Secretary)

Heidy is an award-winning director, producer, and Emily Carr Institute graduate recognized for her community-building vision and creative leadership. Founder of Panameno Productions, she empowers emerging leaders in arts and culture, fostering collaboration and meaningful, educational media. Her work bridges Indigenous and multicultural communities to preserve storytelling and history. A published author and respected mentor, Heidy has inspired youth through film programs across school boards. Her lifelong mission is to use visual media to build safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Her achievements are featured in the Women’s Art Museum of Canada.

Hina Thaker (Treasurer)
Hina comes from a legal practice background of regulatory, privacy, labour and employment and human rights law. She has experience in both the private and public sectors as well as not-for-profit organizations. Her previous roles include in-house counsel at he Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, the Calgary Police Service and an Associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. Hina has been practicing for 20 years and has gained board experience as a corporate secretary, and director throughout her career. She served on the ANIW board for several years in the past and has returned to the board again in 2025. 
Abby Aiyeleye

Abby Aiyeleye is a certified project manager and business analyst with over twelve years of international experience. Holding a Business Administration degree from the University of Greenwich, she is dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups through volunteer work. As a member of the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton and ANIW, Abby is passionate about helping immigrant women thrive in Alberta and Canada. She encourages women to pursue ambitious careers and businesses while maintaining strong family values.

Dr. Maria Louisa Torres (President)

A mathematician born and raised in Mexico City.  I immigrated to Canada for further studies and a professional life in academia. I am involved with the Latin American Literary Association, Calgary Mexican Association and the Calgary Police Services. Other interests included working for the El Salvador Solidarity of McMaster’s University and the Hamilton Police Services. I am currently the president. I am passionate about the work that ANIW does to empower immigrant women.