The Croatian Heritage Society (CHS)’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Croatian culture in Calgary, as an active not-for-profit organization that is completely volunteer led and driven. CHS was established in 1986, but is part of a much longer tradition of Croatian folklore in Calgary, AB:
1962 – First Croatian folklore group founded in Calgary by Ivo Samija
1974 – Velebit, Calgary’s main Croatian folklore group, is established
1979 – Calgary hosts the Western Canadian-Croatian Folklore Festival for the very first time
1981 – Kardinal Stepinac is created for mature folklore dancers
1984 – Traditional string orchestra Hrvatske Zlatne Žice (Croatian Golden Strings) founded by Richard Filipović
1986 – CHS is established as an entity to govern all folklore ensembles in Calgary; and Velebit changes its name to Vila Velebita
1988 – Vila Velebita performs at the opening ceremonies of the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary
1991 – Croatia declares its independence from Yugoslavia
1992 – Croatia is internationally recognized as a sovereign nation and state
1994 – CHS goes on it’s very first folklore tour of a free & independent Croatia, and also performs for Croatians in Bosnia & Herzegovina
1997 & 2000- CHS performs again on folklore tours of Croatia
2019 – CHS plans another tour of Croatia, which was canceled due to COVID-19; all programming moved online
2022 – Following 3 years of virtual programming, CHS is refreshed with new members and a revitalized presence in the local and international community
2024 – Hrvatske Zlatne Žice celebrates its 50th anniversary & CHS participates for the very first time with a pavilion and performances at Calgary’s GlobalFest
2026 – CHS looks forward to marking its 40 year anniversary & planning a celebratory folklore tour of Croatia!
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Director
Director
Director