“A city is not alive without its people. Where there are people, there are stories and art. Where there are stories and art, there are opportunities to learn from each other, and expand our knowledge and experiences.” (AB LitFest website)
The Edmonton Chinese Writing Club (ECWC) marked a significant milestone with the launch of its year-long project, Edmonton Heritage Stories: A Collection of Stories on Crossings, Courage, and Community. Funded by the Edmonton Heritage Council, the project celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Edmonton’s immigrant communities, featuring stories from China, Germany, Japan, Nepal, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine.
A major highlight of this initiative was the ECWC’s invitation to AB LitFest 2025 on October 19, where some authors shared readings from the collection. The event initiated and organized by Mila Bonco-Philipzig, the book chief editor and hosted by Ryan Lacanilao, a participating author, featured diverse performances and stories from local authors, including Roxanne Reimer (with Emry – Beijing Opera), Paul Fujishige, Carley Okamura (Japanese Drums), Ying (Cathy) Shi (with the Chinese Seniors Band), and more.
The project, running through May, 2024 to May, 2025, aims to foster understanding and connection by sharing stories of migration, identity, and community-building. ECWC President Ying Shi expressed pride in the recognition, noting that the club’s participation in AB LitFest is a turning point in its growth and impact on Edmonton’s multicultural literary scene.
