In a vibrant celebration of cultural preservation, Richmond is set to host its first major Cambodian heritage event this weekend, spearheaded by local siblings determined to keep their ancestral traditions alive in British Columbia’s diverse landscape. The “Cambodian Cultural Heritage Celebration,” organized by Chanroatha and Chanputhyka Kong, will transform the Richmond Cultural Centre into a living showcase of Khmer arts, cuisine, and traditional performances on Saturday.
“We grew up watching our cultural identity slowly fade away among younger Cambodian-Canadians,” explains Chanroatha Kong, who founded the non-profit Khmer Cultural Heritage Society of BC with his sister in 2021. “This event isn’t just about showcasing beautiful dances or delicious food—it’s about creating a bridge between generations.”
The Kong siblings represent a growing movement of second-generation Cambodian-Canadians working to preserve cultural heritage that nearly vanished during the Khmer Rouge genocide of the 1970s. When their parents fled Cambodia as refugees, they carried with them not just trauma but also the responsibility of maintaining centuries-old traditions in a new homeland.
Richmond’s Cambodian community, though smaller than some other Asian populations in the region, has grown steadily over the past three decades. According to recent census data, approximately 3,200 residents of Cambodian descent now call the Greater Vancouver area home, with a significant concentration in Richmond.
The day-long celebration will feature traditional Apsara dancers in elaborate golden headdresses and silk costumes, musical performances on traditional instruments like the roneat (xylophone) and chapei (long-necked lute), and culinary demonstrations highlighting the complex flavors of authentic Cambodian cuisine.
“Many people confuse Cambodian food with Thai or Vietnamese cooking,” notes Chanputhyka Kong, who will lead a demonstration on preparing nom banh chok, a beloved rice noodle dish. “Our cuisine has its own distinct identity with unique combinations of herbs, fermented fish paste, and kroeung spice pastes that tell the story of our agricultural heritage.”
The event has received support from both the City of Richmond’s cultural grants program and private sponsors within the community. Elder Cambodian-Canadians have volunteered to share their knowledge, including 72-year-old Sokha Meas, who will display her traditional silk-weaving techniques.
“When I came to Canada in 1984, I thought these traditions might die with my generation,” Meas shared during a pre-event workshop. “Seeing young people learn these crafts brings tears to my eyes.”
Beyond entertainment, the celebration includes educational components designed to contextualize Cambodian culture within Canada’s multicultural landscape. A special exhibition will display historical artifacts, photographs, and educational materials about Cambodia’s ancient Angkorian civilization and the challenges of cultural preservation following the Khmer Rouge period.
For the Kong siblings, the event represents more than a single day of celebration—it’s the foundation of ongoing community-building efforts that include language classes, cultural workshops, and intergenerational mentorship programs.
“Many of us grew up disconnected from our heritage because our parents were focused on survival and integration,” reflects Chanroatha. “Now we’re in a position to reclaim and celebrate these traditions without shame or fear.”
The response from Richmond’s broader community has been enthusiastic, with tickets for cultural workshops selling out within days of announcement. Local business leaders have also recognized the economic potential of cultural tourism, with several Richmond restaurants featuring special Cambodian-inspired menus throughout the week.
As preparations enter their final days, the question remains: Can cultural heritage events like this effectively preserve traditions in an increasingly digital and globalized world? For the Kong siblings and their growing community of supporters, the answer lies not just in displaying culture as a museum piece, but in creating living connections that allow ancient traditions to evolve and thrive in contemporary Canadian society.
