Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina met with the BH. immigrants in Vancouver

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Biljana Gutić-Bjelica met with representatives of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Cultural Centre in Vancouver on Saturday, 12 November 2011. The same day, Ambassador Gutić-Bjelica had a meeting with the Serb community representatives of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origins.

During the meeting, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina introduced various services offered at the Embassy, realized projects, and talked about the plans for 2012.

During two hours of discussion in the Bosnian Cultural Centre, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina has responded to a series of questions of consular nature. She noted that the new website of the Embassy is very well done, as it offers updated current news, and provides regular and updated overview of the necessary steps and documentation, depending on the specific needs and consular procedures.

It was agreed that the  consular days will be held in May 2012, and that the finnancial assistance/promotion will be provided by the communities of BH immigrants in Vancouver. 

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Canada attended the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Serbian-Canadian charity "Jovan Ducic"

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Canada, H.E. Biljana Gutić-Bjelica, as the guest of honor, attended the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Canadian-Serbian Charity "Jovan Ducic" which was held on Saturday, November 05, 2011 at the Conference centre in "Le Treport" in Mississauga.

As it was stated in the invitation to the celebration, this was a night of all Herzegovinians and friends of Herzegovina, evening of traditions and customs, folklore and the fiddle. The event was attended by thousand of visitors, not only from Canada but throughout North America and Europe.

CSC "Jovan Ducic" is a humanitarian organization whose practical work on fundraising and support for the country  is successfully harmonized with cultural activities.

So far, the hospital in Trebinje received the most help as the company donated four new patient-monitors for "vital life functions", and equipment for surgery (the value of more than CAD30,000). In 2010, this society distributed over CAD35,000 in aid, which includes ten wheelchairs and other equipment for the Association of amputees in Republika Srpska. Besides helping the homeland, "Jovan Ducic"  helps the world renowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, as well as students of Serbian ethnicity at the University of Toronto.

In an interview with the President of the Management Board of "Charity" Ambassador praised the humanitarian work of the organization, underlining the importance of donations sent to the medical institutions, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Canada. She expressed the hope for future cooperation between the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Ottawa and this organization, along with other humanitarian organizations operating in Canada, with the aim of sending aid to various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Department of National Defence of Canada

A manifestation was held to mark the occasion of the Islamic History Month (IHM) at the headquarters of the National Defence on 12 October 2011. The event allowed for one more successfull promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Recognizing "the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community and the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion", the Government of Canada has declared on 25 of October 2007 that October is the month of Islamic History. Through education and dialogue, IHM creates opportunities to strengthen Canada's commitment to diversity, thus contributing to the spread of knowledge about the achievements and contributions of Muslim Canadians in various fields, such as: art, science, medicine, architecture, humanities, music and spirituality. In this way, IHM promotes understanding and respect between Muslims and other Canadians, and it is important to mention that significant contributions to this promotion comes from Canadians of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origin.

Salma Ataullahjan senator from the Parliament of Canada, RAdm Jennifer Bennett from the Ministry of Defence of Canada and Professor Houchang Hassan-Yari from the Royal Military College of Canada presented their vision of Islam as a religion of tolerance and understanding, and spoke about the postive impact  and contribution of Islam to the life of many individuals that work at the Ministry of Labour and the entire Canadian community.

Mrs. Maida Caklo, Officer of the Ministry, who is also a Canadian of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origin, inspired with her speech and computer presentation. She single-handedly prepared brochures and leaflets, and educational booth of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was lavishly decorated with exhibits and handmade costumes of the peoples of BiH, while presenting the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina . Speaking about the wealth of our multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-national country, on this occasion it was said that the BiH is an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The extraordinary presentation of our country's song was played on the accordion and sang the by Canadian caterer and musician Mr. Faik Čavalić, while Mrs. Maida Caklo and Mr. Avdo Nalić proudly walked and presented the folk costumes of Bosnian-Herzegovinian Muslims.

Senior officials of the Ministry and the senator Ataullahjan have shared words of praise for the exceptionally high quality representation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the recognition also came from a number of Canadian soldiers who served in the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Canadian officials have asked the counsellor of the Embassy of BiH in Ottawa, Mr. Mithat Pasic to convey congratulations and gratitude to the Canadians of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origins and to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina for their contribution in building a healthy Canadian society and to the development of successful cooperation between BiH and Canada.

Bebek in Ottawa

Legend  of rock and pop music, singer of "Bijelo dugme", Zeljko Bebek held a concert on 22 April 2011 at the Capital Music Hall in Ottawa. The hall was filled with fans, old and young, by those who grew up listening to this musical group and by those who were born in Canada, but who instead listened to it with their parents. Bebek started the concert with slow and romantic tones, then set the stage of "fire" with songs such as:  "Experience hundredth", "If I was a Baker", "On the back seat of my car" and many others.

Any song he sang, was also sang by the crowd in unison. It was an evening different than any other in so many ways, an evening full of enthusiasm, an evening in which many have returned to their youths and it will be certainly be remembered for a long time by all those who attended. Euphoric mood dominated the hall, and Željko with his band "Aphrodite"  was invited three times for an encore.

It was a great performance, one that makes you feel like could live to be a hundred.


Prepared by: Maida Caklo