ABOUT US
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ISSAMBA CENTRE is the house of the African Art & Cultural CCC Inc.
Under the 3C Act. The African Art & Cultural CCC Inc. was founded under VAACCS on October 19, 2012, by Pulchérie Mboussi. Pulchérie was born in Cameroon, in the beautiful continent of Africa. Since she immigrated to Canada in the mid-1980s, she has earned a strong reputation as a community leader and advocate promoting and celebrating Africa and the Caribbean's rich and diverse culture.
Pulchérie's lifelong commitment as an Ambassador of African and Caribbean culture continued when she moved to Victoria BC in 2010.
Our Black-Led, Black-Serving, Black-Oriented incorporation is an art and cultural organization whose primary mandate is to advance awareness and understanding of the richness and diversity of African cultures and traditions through the promotion of a broad range of cultural, educational, and artistic activities, events, and programs. Since 2017, we have advocated for the International Decade for People of African Descent.
In 2020, our AACCCS-ISSAMBA CENTRE was mandated by the government of British Columbia to act as the Community Convener for people of African Descent living in British Columbia, in addressing the rise in hate and racism in our province through the BC Resilience Project.
our goals
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To support projects that increase the scope and impact of action that promote the development of Black Communities in British Columbia.
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To maintain a community hub for people of African Descent
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To encourage people of African Descent and the public to work together
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Bridging Black Canadians & the African Diaspora in celebration of the UN International Decade
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Promoting the community’s identity and its interests,
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Support projects that increase the scope and impact of action that promote the development of Black Communities in British Columbia
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Informing members about existing resources so as to facilitate their social, cultural, political and economic integration in the Greater Victoria area, BC, and Canadian societies
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Organizing activities to mark significant events in the national life of African and all People of African Descent community of the Greater Victoria area.
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Promoting & preserving our Cultural Heritage of the African Continent
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Promote community development and cultural heritage
how we got
here
Since our inception, we have organized the following events with resounding success:
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La Calebasse du Nomade - Monthly Community Dinners & Summer Food Truck
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African & Caribbean Spirit Nights
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African Cultural Week & AfriCa Fest (Victoria, Québec and Surrey)
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Culture Days Celebration
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Round Table Discussions focused on cultural minorities' challenges and opportunities in Victoria and BC
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Black History Month Community Recognition Awards & Closing Gala
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ISSAMBA SHOWCASE: ISSAMBA, which means ‘’Come Together’’ in the Béti dialect of Cameroon, is a wonderfully expressive, engaging, and diverse group of world-renowned African-born musicians and dancers. ISSAMBA’s energetic and interactive performances invariably capture the imagination of its audiences, transporting them to the earthy and evocative world of African rhythm and dance.
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We are proud to run the first and only African Cultural Centre and a Hub for people of African Descent on Vancouver Island (BC)
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Virtual Conversation
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our
mission
To advance awareness and understanding of the richness and diversity of African culture and traditions through the promotion of a broad range of cultural, educational and artistic activities, events and programs. To Preserve and Promote Cultural Heritage
That members of the African and Caribbean are and integral and valued part of Canada’s diverse cultural fabric – a community that can prosper and contribute to Canadian society while promoting and preserving their rich culture, history and traditions
our
vision
meet the
team
Claire Steihl
Co - Founder - PR International
Pulchérie Mboussi
Founder/ Executive Director
meet the
team
Pulchérie Mboussi
Founder/ Executive Director
Jean Marie Touré
Coordinateur des activités Québec, Québec
Claire Steihl
PR International
Melvin "Cobb" Carbonel
Office Manager
Sophie Mbamba
Membre de support
Administrative Officer
Victoria McLay