Who we are
Harmony Cultural Village is a non-profit organization guided by a vision to showcase the global historical, cultural, artistic, and contemporary contributions of people with Indigenous, African, and Caribbean ancestry. The mission is to inspire collaboration, innovation, resource-sharing, relationship-building, and economic sustainability among artists and creatives from these backgrounds. Established with the purpose of building a multifaceted cultural heritage, tourism, and entertainment destination, the village aims to highlight the transformative journey of Black-Canadian, African, Caribbean, and American individuals from freedom to empowerment. The cultural center, at the heart of this initiative, serves as a platform to narrate the history of Black, African, and Caribbean Canadian Culture through diverse representations such as cultural cuisine, a museum showcasing historical achievements, and immersive experiences that capture the essence of Black Culture. Harmony Cultural Village adopts a village attitude, driven by the power of ethnic, social, economic, and gender harmony. The organization is dedicated to creating a safe space that promotes and elevates Black individuals globally. This space is envisioned to inspire change and empowerment in all who enter, showcasing the progress of a resilient and powerful community.
One graphic symbolizing all our people of all origins, colors and beliefs, sharing and reaching for one common goal – Cultural Harmony.
Three Leaves – Representing life’s 3 essentials that we all need and share.
Green – Earth – The ground we all walk together; which, provides food and vegetation that gives us the air we share and breathe .
Dark Blue – Water- the oceans, lakes and rivers, which provides water and food we all need and share
Light Blue – Sky -the sun, moon and stars that provides all of us light, heat and energy we all share and need to survive.
Arms – reaching out towards a common goal of harmonious existence in our community.
Base – three leaves coming together to support of our common goal of harmony.
Tagline – ‘reaching for cultural harmony together ‘- gives meaning, direction and hope for our vision of creating cultural harmony together.
Harmony Cultural Village (HCV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Black communities in Ontario, particularly in North York. Our service offerings are designed to empower, preserve culture, and foster community development. Here’s a detailed description of our service offerings, clientele, territory, history, and organizational values:
SERVICE OFFERINGS:
CULTURE HISTORY HUB AND RESOURCE CENTRE
A dynamic space that narrates the history of Black, African, and Caribbean Canadian Culture through various mediums such as music, dance, drama, and a digital museum. Aims to create awareness, highlight achievements, and empower the current generation to address racial challenges, fostering Black community empowerment.
COMMUNITY CO-CREATION SPACE
Established in 2021, this space fosters collaboration and creative problem-solving on social injustices. Hosts organizations like the Urban League Prevention Training Centre, Canadian Network for International Development, serving as a meeting point for individual Black community members and a home for various, Black-led social businesses. Strategies are developed to host events showcasing Black-led initiatives, inspiring business and community development.
TAILORED IMMIGRANT SERVICES
In response to the recent influx of refugees, HCV provides support for the integration and career growth of Black immigrants. Through tailor-made capacity development and psychosocial support, we link Black immigrants with relevant information and services, tapping into their skills to ground their careers in Canada and their home country.
CLIENTELE AND TERRITORY
Our clientele includes Black communities in North York, Ontario, Canada, with a particular focus on immigrants, refugees, and Black Canadian-born individuals.
BRIEF HISTORY
Established with the purpose of building a multifaceted cultural heritage, tourism, and entertainment destination. The organization’s inception dates back to 2015, and since then, we have been committed to creating a safe space that promotes and elevates Black individuals globally.
VALUES, MISSION, AND VISION
Our values, encapsulated in the acronym PEARL (Pride, Emotion, Attraction, Realization, Love), reflect our commitment to empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development. Our mission is to inspire collaboration, innovation, resource-sharing, relationship-building, and economic sustainability among artists and creatives from Indigenous, African, and Caribbean backgrounds. The vision of Harmony Cultural Village is to showcase the global historical, cultural, artistic, and contemporary contributions of people with Indigenous, African, and Caribbean ancestry, highlighting the transformative journey of Black individuals from freedom to empowerment. This comprehensive approach aligns with our commitment to contribute towards the vision and mission of Harmony Cultural Village.