The Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA) is bringing Filipino Heritage Month to life in a meaningful and community-driven way-- by placing the spotlight on the elders whose lived experiences preserve and pass on cultural traditions.
The organization’s signature event will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cochrane Historic Ranche Site, and will revolve around the theme: “Weaving Generations Through Our Colourful Heritage.”
“We won’t know anything about our heritage without the seniors’ knowledge,” said Mila Prout, FCACA president. “This year’s theme emphasizes how crucial our elders are in preserving and sharing Filipino traditions.”
The idea was sparked by Prout’s recent trip to Ilocos Sur, Philippines, as part of the Winter Escapade Tourism Program. She recalled seeing a woman painting a bilao-- a traditional woven tray historically used to clean rice grains-- now reimagined as a decorative art piece.
“Kids today may not even know what it was originally for,” Prout explained. “That really drove home the importance of elders in teaching cultural context.”
Inspired by that experience, FCACA hosted a Bilao Dot Painting Series at the Cochrane Public Library last month, blending art and heritage education. While children painted on bilao-inspired canvases, they also learned about the tray’s original purpose and cultural significance.
This year’s celebration aligns with Cochrane’s broader efforts to be a more inclusive and age-friendly community-- a priority that Prout embodies both as FCACA President and as a board member of Seniors on the Bow.
“I think Filipino seniors are typically shy, but I’m working hard to encourage their involvement,” said Prout. “Even if just two or three say ‘yes,’ that’s a start. It builds connection.”
The June 7 event will feature:
- Traditional music and dance
- Cultural food
- Guest speakers, including local MP Blake Richards
- A celebration of elder contributions to Filipino culture
“Someone once said to me, ‘I love your community because you don’t work in silos-- you collaborate.’ That’s something I take a lot of pride in,” Prout added.
The event is free and open to the public-- a true celebration of community, culture, and the wisdom of generations past.
