We live, work, and volunteer in the traditional territory of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱sáneć Nations. To the Lekwungen Peoples, who are our leaders, neighbors, we share good wishes from the Indo-Canadian Community of Victoria that has been thriving here for over 100 years now.
India Canada Cultural Association is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Victoria is a picturesque, vibrant community at the foot of Vancouver Island. Some of the first Indians who immigrated to Canada in late nineteenth and early twentieth century landed on this beautiful island and prospered.
As the Indian community increased in numbers and started feeling at home, they organized themselves in social and cultural network. Thus, this great Association came into existence in early 1960’s and has been flourishing since then and has contributed immensely to the growth of the members as well as to the welfare of community at large. We have come a long way and the Association is more than 50 years young.
The India Canada Cultural Association (ICCA) is a registered, non profit society mandated to celebrate and raise awareness about the power, diversity and color of India’s rich culture – to create a stronger and more cohesive Victoria community.
The ICCA is driven by community and volunteers and it has been contributing to Victoria for more than 5 decades. In that time it has raised more than $500,000 for various charities and humanitarian efforts ranging from international earthquake relief programs to local programs like the children’s hospital and the Tour de Rock cops for cancer.
Its primary icon event is the annual VICTORIA INDIA MELA. This INDIA MELA (festival) is part of ICCA’s contribution to its local community. A MELA means a gathering or a fair that incorporates arts, culture, music, food, sports and other celebratory elements. It is a way of life in India and its an opportunity to share the richness of the Indian culture, create community partnerships and demonstrate a healthy way of life.
President’s Note:
“I am honored to be part of this association. I have a team of a good mix of new and old board members. We are going through revitalization and modernization process and while doing so – Dare we forget what our pioneers have achieved! This is a prestigious organization and we will put in every effort to take it to the next level. My vision is to promote our culture through youth involvement. I will challenge every South Asian parent to encourage their children to come to join hands with us. Volunteering is satisfying, provides a sense of purpose, increases self-confidence, combats depression, counteracts the effects of stress & anxiety and much more. Together we can make a difference!”
Jas Dhaliwal
“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that ultimately do.”
India Canada Cultural Association – Victoria | Victoria BC | Facebook