The Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex
Preserving Yoruba culture and promoting unity of Yoruba People in Canada Windsor-Essex
About Us
We are a community of individuals bound by a shared heritage and a deep appreciation for the rich traditions, values, and customs of the Yoruba people. Our members are Nigerian Yoruba’s including Yoruba’s from across the globe who have made Windsor-Essex their home, and we are committed to preserving our unique cultural legacy while also integrating into Canadian society. Our organization serves as a hub for cultural exchange, social support, and educational initiatives aimed at ensuring that Yoruba culture continues to thrive for generations to come.
Established in December 2021 and incorporated in January 2023, the Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex began as a close-knit group of friends called Windsor Connect. This group, mainly consisting of individuals of Yoruba origin, united under a common goal: to promote the rich culture and heritage of the Yoruba people in Windsor-Essex, Ontario, Canada.
About Us
We are a community of individuals bound by a shared heritage and a deep appreciation for the rich traditions, values, and customs of the Yoruba people. Our members are Nigerian Yoruba’s including Yoruba’s from across the globe who have made Windsor-Essex their home, and we are committed to preserving our unique cultural legacy while also integrating into Canadian society. Our organization serves as a hub for cultural exchange, social support, and educational initiatives aimed at ensuring that Yoruba culture continues to thrive for generations to come.
OUR SERVICES
At the Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex, we offer a variety of services aimed at supporting the needs of our community members and fostering unity within the broader multicultural society. Our programs are designed to empower individuals, promote cultural pride, and build a strong, connected community.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership in Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex
We warmly welcome all indigenes of Yorubaland residing in the Windsor-Essex area to join the Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex. Regardless of your country of origin, if you are of Yoruba descent and share a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, we invite you to become a part of our vibrant community.
Our organization is dedicated to fostering unity, cultural pride, and community development among Yoruba people in Windsor-Essex, while also engaging with the broader multicultural society of Canada. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of cultural, educational, and social programs designed to celebrate our heritage, empower individuals, and build strong, lasting connections within the community.
General Membership Information
For more information on how to become a member or any inquiries about the membership process, please feel free to reach out to us via email at: [email protected] We are here to guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you may have.
Monthly Dues
To help support our initiatives and sustain the various services and programs we offer to the community, members are required to contribute monthly dues. The dues structure is as follows:
Executive: $20 , Board of Director: $20 , Advisory Board: $20 , Founding members: $20 , General Members: $10 , Students: $5’
These contributions are essential to maintaining our efforts in cultural education, community support, and outreach programs.
For convenient payment of your annual dues, you can send your payment via email transfer to:
[email protected]
By becoming a member of the Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex, you not only gain access to valuable resources and support but also join a dedicated community committed to celebrating and preserving Yoruba heritage for future generations. We look forward to welcoming you!
YORUBA CLASSES
Yoruba Language Classes at Yoruba Heritage Community Organisation of Windsor-Essex
At the Yoruba Heritage Community Organisation of Windsor-Essex, we are committed to preserving and promoting the Yoruba language for future generations. As part of this commitment, we offer free Y oruba language classes to elementary and high school students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12. These classes are open to all Ontario residents, regardless of their heritage, with a particular focus on children and youth in the Windsor-Essex area.
Who Can Join?
Our Yoruba language program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming. Whether you are of Yoruba descent or simply interested in learning this rich and vibrant language, we encourage children from all backgrounds to participate. The classes cater to a wide range of learning levels, from those with no prior knowledge of Yoruba to those seeking to improve their fluency.
Class Schedule
Classes are held every Saturday, providing a regular opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Yoruba language in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Our experienced teachers are passionate about helping students not only learn the language but also understand and appreciate Yoruba culture and traditions.
Why Learn Yoruba?
Yoruba is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, with a rich history and cultural significance. By offering these classes, we aim to:
- Preserve cultural heritage: For children of Yoruba descent, learning the language helps them stay connected to their roots and pass on the traditions of their ancestors.
- Promote multicultural understanding: For children of other backgrounds, learning Yoruba provides insight into a new culture and fosters appreciation for the diversity of languages and customs in Canada.
- Enhance cognitive and social skills: Learning a new language is known to boost cognitive development and improve social interaction, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
How to Enroll
If you are interested in enrolling your child in our Yoruba language classes or would like more information, please contact us at [email protected]. We are happy to provide details on the program and answer any questions you may have.
By participating in these language classes, your child will not only gain valuable linguistic skills but will also become part of a vibrant community that celebrates Yoruba culture. We look forward to welcoming your family to our Yoruba language program!
*Classes are free of charge, but donations to support the program are always welcome to help us continue offering this valuable service to the community.
LEADERSHIP
As Yoruba people, we take immense pride in purposeful leadership, which is deeply rooted in the culture, norms, and values that define our heritage. Our leadership, which extends from Yoruba communities in Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, highlights the international presence of Yoruba people, affirming our strong, interconnected ties across borders. Moreover, the leadership of our organization reflects the rich diversity of our culture, as it includes individuals from various age groups, honoring the Yoruba tradition of inclusivity, respect for elders, and the involvement of all generations in community building.
THE YORUBAS
The Yorubas are said to be descended from Oduduwa and can be traced back to Ile-Ife, according to historical accounts. Oranmiyan, a well-known Yoruba ruler who is recognized for founding the Oyo Kingdom in 1170, was the son of Oduduwa. Eweka, the son of Oranmiyan, eventually moved to Benin and rose to become the first Oba of the Benin Empire.
With sizable Yoruba populations in surrounding West African nations including the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone, the Yoruba people’s impact goes beyond Nigeria. The Yorubas represent one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and speak a language rich in numerous dialects, including Egba, Ekiti, Ibadan, Ijebu, Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Oyo, Saki, among others.
The Yoruba people are widely recognized for their rich cultural practices and customs, which have extended throughout the African diaspora to places like South America and the Caribbean. Yorubas have formed diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. Yoruba Heritage Community, a Windsor, Ontario-based organization, is one such group that works to conserve and promote Yoruba culture internationally.
THE YORUBAS
The Yorubas are said to be descended from Oduduwa and can be traced back to Ile-Ife, according to historical accounts. Oranmiyan, a well-known Yoruba ruler who is recognized for founding the Oyo Kingdom in 1170, was the son of Oduduwa. Eweka, the son of Oranmiyan, eventually moved to Benin and rose to become the first Oba of the Benin Empire.
With sizable Yoruba populations in surrounding West African nations including the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone, the Yoruba people’s impact goes beyond Nigeria. The Yorubas represent one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and speak a language rich in numerous dialects, including Egba, Ekiti, Ibadan, Ijebu, Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Oyo, Saki, among others.
Executive Team
Meet the dedicated leaders who drive our mission forward
Olufemi Olusanya (President)
OUR GALLERY
Welcome to our gallery, where we showcase the vibrant culture and community of the Yoruba Heritage Community Organization of Windsor-Essex. Browse through our photos to experience the richness of Yoruba heritage and the diversity of our community.
Yoruba class
Yoruba Class Gallery: Here, we showcase the excitement and engagement of our students as they learn the rich and vibrant Yoruba language. At the Yoruba Heritage Community Organisation of Windsor-Essex, we are committed to preserving and promoting the Yoruba language for future generations. As part of this commitment, we offer free Yoruba language classes to elementary and high school students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12. These classes are open to all Ontario residents, regardless of their heritage, with a particular focus on children and youth in the Windsor-Essex area.
