Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council is a non-profit organization established in 1969, organized by 100 % dedicated volunteers, representing over 20 ethnic communities and 45 Non profit organizations. We have received a special "Outstanding Business Achievement Award - Not for Profit sector" from the Hamilton Chamber of the Commerce in 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Our vision is to celebrate the cultural diversity of ethnic groups, and to promote folk arts and heritage through our programs and special events such as "It's Your Festival". Our festival voted as one of the best festival in Hamilton by the Hamilton Spectators Readers' choice as well as became the top 50 festivals in Ontario attracting 250,000 spectators annually. During 40 years of festival we have attracted over 6.5 million visitors. With collaboration from all levels of government, corporations, media, schools and Art communities, we will continuously create the exciting and interesting programs, which all Canadians can enjoy.

Our organization is not only recognized as the pioneer of implementing the various Arts, Heritage and cultural programs in Hamilton, but also became an educator for young students. Creativity of outreach educational programs and effectiveness of sound financial, cultural, and social reputation is our key to success in achieving our objectives. We conduct monthly Board of Directors meetings and record the minutes; our sub committees meet often to discuss the programs and objectives.

Our Board of Directors, which encompasses diverse ethnic groups, as well as other not-for-profit and profit Organizations in Hamilton, hold senior positions in this assemble. The Board has the distinct ability of wearing many hats. Our volunteers have vast knowledge in Arts, different cultures as well as the skills of organizing special events through their past experiences. Since 1969, we have had sound records of our financial stability. We have gained the highest reputation for implementing our successful programs and events through numerous media coverage and special awards.

Many of our Boards' members have received the Ontario Volunteers award, and our past President, Vera Papadopoulos, obtained the Lifetime Achievement award from the Tourism Hamilton in 2000 and Lloyd Turner, Program Director received the Lifetime Achievement award in 2006. Hoojung Jones, the past President and the Executive Director of f H.F.A.H.C. received the "Heritage Award" and "V.I.P" Award from the Mayor of the city of Hamilton, the distinctive merit medal from the National Korea Veteran Association of Canada as well as an award from the Veterans Affairs. Lloyd Turner; the Program director also received the "Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award" and "John C. Holland Community Service Award". Beatirce Mclean, the past 2nd Vice president received the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal.

Our programs are designed to promote rich cultural heritage, as well as outreach and educate the general public and students, while celebrating Canada Day at "It's Your Festival". "It's Your Festival" - One of The Oldest and the Biggest Canada Day Festival in Canada (since 1969) and the oldest diverse cultural festival in Hamilton, has attracted over 6 million spectators during 40 years organized by 100% volunteers attracted averaging 250,000 per year.

Top Headliners, music, and folkloric dance and diverse ethnic food pavilion are a way of expressing our Multicultural pride. 150 Handmade Arts and Crafts, 45 Non-Profit organizations display, local and national artist, Midway, Wagon ride, Children' and the biggest free Canada Day birthday Cake are great way to celebrate Canada Day with whole family. (Free Admission)

During the past 40 years, we have attracted over 6.5 million people from the Hamilton area and Internationally through many different venues and events. Our programs are designed to benefit all segments of demographic makeup, regardless of age, gender, race or religion. Thus, educating the general public through Arts, Culture, Heritage and our festival. (All admissions are free of charge.)

We have built strong strategic alliances with Arts communities such as Art Hamilton through membership and collaborative efforts in numerous events. The Hamilton Urban Theatre and Intuitive World Wide are also our partners in Art society. The networking opportunities between local and international artists are the integral part of our success by our festival.

"It's Your Festival" has been one of the Hamilton's biggest festivals and the only the diverse cultural festival over 40 years". We have contributed significantly in Arts communities in Hamilton, and committed to enhance quality of Artistic presentation, by offering free admission to the general public.

Our success is measured by numerous channels such as media coverage, numbers of attendance, letters of Appreciation, surveys, evaluation form, e-mail correspondence, interviews and most of all, the awards for the programs and its creative merits.