Established in 2002 as a representative cultural and social community organisation, serving the Polish diaspora and Canadian society. The organisation’s founding member and long-time president, Urszula Sulińska, who was encouraged by many in the Polish community to create the organisation, has been devoted to bringing people together, and unifying them for the betterment of the Polish community and Canadian society. The organisation promotes Polish culture, arts, language, and understanding of history within the context of multiculturalism in Canadian society and Canada’s history.
As an organisation that honours youth and elders alike by fostering powerful sense of identity and purpose, it has preserved much of the Polish community’s cultural heritage and maintained traditions through various forms of activism and community endeavours. Belweder North Shore Polish Association has been able to accomplish a great deal despite a small budget thanks to the help of many volunteers.
Over the last 20 years, Belweder North Shore Polish Association has been involved in organising cultural and community events throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Location: West Vancouver, BC
Kelowna Polish Cultural Society was created in 1981, when a dynamic group of Polish - Canadians wanted to share the Polish heritage in the region of Okanagan Valley. For 30 years the KPCS has been participating in major activities such as Canada Day, Harvest Festivals and other events connecting all Polish-Canadians living in the Kelowna area. The organization proudly supported the children's dance group 'Polish Eagles' and the Polish school in Kelowna, enabling the youngest members of the local Polish community to learn the language of their parents and grandparents.
Location: Kelowna
The Polish Canadian Women's Federation was founded by Jadwiga Dobrucka in Toronto in 1956 in order to organize women of Polish origin. By being a new immigrant herself she was able to recognize the need for helping other Polish women immigrants in a new country. The organization's purpose was to help others to preserve their Polish culture, their cultural values and making contribution to Canadian society. Two years later, October 1958, the Vancouver Branch #4 came into existence.
Its mission is to promote Polish culture, art and tradition in Canada, and be active participants in Canadian social life.
The Federation maintains Polish traditions and works with organizations including Canadian Polish Congress, Vancouver Council of Women, the Diocese of Vancouver, for the betterment of the community.
Location: Vancouver
After the end of the Second World War, a group of former Polish soldiers who had fought for peace and independence on various fronts immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. They sought to establish an organization where they could preserve the traditions and customs of the Polish Armed Forces.
On November 25, 1946, the Polish Combatants’ Association (SPK), Branch No. 3, was founded in Chilliwack.
In 1985, retired combatant Mr. Kazimierz Klimaszewski, established Branch No. 29 to serve the needs of the former soldiers in Victoria.
One of its main objectives is to promote Polish traditions among young Canadians of Polish descent, familiarize Canadian society with the contributions of Poles to Canadian culture, cooperate with Canadian veterans, and encourage the active participation of its members in Canada’s economic, social, and political life.
SPK remains a proud member of the Canadian Polish Congress, committed to preserving and defending Poland’s good name and promoting historical truth.
Locations: Vancouver, Victoria
Vancouver: Website
Victoria: Website
Polonez Dance Group was founded 1989 through the initiative of Steve and Lucy Ozdoba and choreographer Jacek Niemirski in association with Zgoda Polish Friendship Society, which is located in Vancouver. In October 2005 Polonez Polish-Canadian Society was establish and started a new chapter as an independent society. In the beginning, the group was small and largely composed of older enthusiasts, followed by their sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews. It wasn’t long before the group could perform with 8-10 couples. Over the years, the group has become the highlight of multicultural events across BC, Canada, and abroad.
Location: Port Coquitlam
The Polonez Tri-City Polish Association, founded in 1989 by Bożena Łukomska-Khan, is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Polish culture within the Tri-City area of B.C.
Through the leadership of Former presidents Antoni and Honorata Kostka, the association has organized a wide array of cultural events, including the B.C. Polish Festival in Port Coquitlam and the Polish Canadian Art Fusion Exhibition, which have become iconic celebrations of Polish history, art, and tradition. The annual festival, with its lively Polish music, folk dances, and delectable food, continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Location: Port Coquitlam
Polish immigrants began arriving in Victoria after the Second World War. Existing Polish families in the area provided as much support as they could to help them settle. In 1950, following his arrival in Victoria, Father Planeta started organizing the local Polish diaspora. The idea of having a dedicated headquarters for the community quickly took root.
Through fundraising efforts, construction of the Polish House began in September 1953. The building was completed in just eight months and was officially opened on May 24, 1954. To this day, it is affectionately known as the Polish House or Polish Hall.
The Association has a rich and colorful history, which fills its members with great pride. This year, 2024, marks the celebration of the Association's 70th anniversary.
The White Eagle Polish Association was officially registered on February 10, 1954, as a non-profit organization. Its mission has always been to preserve and promote Polish culture in Victoria. The Association aims to maintain Polish traditions, foster cultural awareness, and assist Polish immigrants in adapting to life in Canada.
Location: Victoria
Joining the Canadian Polish Congress offers numerous benefits for Polonia organizations looking to stregthen their community ties and enhance their visibility.
Membership in the Canadian Polish Congress is open to organizations that operate for the purpose of serving Polish-Canadians and have a minimum of fifteen (15) individual members.
If your organization is interested in applying for membership, contact us.
The Canadian Polish Congress BC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Polish culture, advocating for our community, and strengthening the Polish-Canadian identity in British Columbia. Our work depends on the generosity of supporters like you.
