National congress of italian-canadians

Message from the President

Our Congress represents more than a network, it is the heartbeat of a community that, across generations, has worked tirelessly to preserve who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for.

The National Congress of Italian-Canadians (NCIC) serves as a unifying voice for districts across the country, supporting local initiatives while nurturing the cultural identity that connects us all. Our mission is simple, yet powerful: to honour our past, cherish our present, and build a strong future rooted in the values that define us, famiglia, cultura e tradizione.

Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents came to Canada with a dream. Many believed the streets would be paved in gold. Instead, they built that road themselves, brick by brick, with blistered hands and boundless courage. They faced hardship, discrimination, and uncertainty, but never lost sight of why they came: to create a better life for their families.

Through their faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, they laid the foundation that allows us to thrive today, in medicine, education, business, public service, the arts, and beyond. Across this country, the imprint of Italian-Canadians is both visible and enduring.

Yet our legacy lives not only in our achievements, but in our traditions, in the stories we share, the meals that bring us together, and the love passed from one generation to the next. It is found in the Sunday gatherings that stretch into the afternoon, the handwritten family recipes, and the voices of our elders calling us to the table. It lives in our language, our dialects, and the pride with which we carry them forward.

These are not simply traditions, they are the foundation of our identity. They remind us where we come from and guide us toward where we are going. This is the essence of the Congress: to be both guardians of our heritage and builders of our future.

Each of you plays a role in this journey. Your support enables us to strengthen our communities, uplift our youth, and ensure that our culture continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As we move forward, let us remember an enduring Italian proverb: “Chi ha avuto, ha dato.”

Those who have received, have given. Now, it is our turn to give back, to support one another, and to carry forward the legacy entrusted to us.

The National Congress of Italian-Canadians remains committed to this mission with pride in our hearts and purpose in our actions.

Silvana Tibollo
President, National Congress of Italian-Canadians