The Društvo Kanadskih Slovencev Ottawa (the Society of Canadian-Slovenians Ottawa) was established in 2026 to rebuild a cultural presence in Ottawa after the closure of the Ottawa Slovenian Association due to declining membership and interest. The group is volunteer run and is not affiliated with the government or Embassy of Slovenia.
The group is led by a few dedicated volunteers with a desire to regrow and reinvigorate pride in our cultural connections as well as increase our social cohesion. The biggest challenge over the years has been to connect the relatively small number of Slovenians in a geographic area as large as Ottawa. Our approach is to use popular technology platforms to reach as many people and generations as possible and organize activities that are of broad interest. Our goal is to provide a place where Slovenian identity can be explored and reinforced rather than simply inherited.
Why?
For second- and third-generation members of Slovenian descent, the connection to our homeland is often more indirect than it is for first-generation ex-patriates. Language fluency may be partial, traditions may be observed only occasionally at home and everyday life is typically shaped far more by the surrounding society.
For these generations Slovenian heritage can feel abstract and reduced to stories, family names, or occasional holidays. The DKSO wants to transform that abstraction into experience by organizing and sharing info on events like traditional celebrations, music, dance, and food while also encouraging people to take up the mantle and be proud of their heritage.
Whether someone speaks the language fluently or only knows a few words, whether they grew up immersed in traditions or are just beginning to explore them, DKSO wants to provide a point of entry, a sense of legitimacy and a social connection.
Meeting others with similar backgrounds can be a powerful experience that reinforces a hybrid identity that is shared rather than isolating. Friendships formed in these settings can deepen engagement with Slovenian culture, making it something that is not only inherited but chosen and sustained through community.
For more information or to get involved you can send us an email (korenine.kso@gmail.com) or use the following contact form.
korenine 