We are now really "North American:" the Vancouver Basque Club just joined NABO bringing to fruition the vision of our founders that sought to bring together Basques throughout North America to work together for shared goals.

It is always gratifying to have new members joining up with our NABO federation because it shows that new communities are forming institutions to gather Basques & their friends together.  Furthermore, it also shows that there is an ongoing willingness on the part of Basque organizations to work together to promote Basque culture.  But our newest member brings a whole new dynamic.  ONGI ETORRI to the Vancouver Basque Club!

This year NABO marks its 35th anniversary, and better late than never, we have finally realized the vision of the founders who choose the name "North American" because they sought to join together Basques not just in the United States but throughout North America.  This will require some adjustments on our part, some of which we initiated a while ago (e.g, our previous website address was "nabo.us;" article titles like an earlier Astero Coexistence: Being Basque & American  we'll be writing from now on as "Being Basque, Canadian & American").  It's not a problem, because it's worth it for growing our community.

NABO--or for that matter most of our club members--works primarily because of the contributions of dedicated individuals who work to see things through, and that has been the case with our newest member--Vancouver.  Since our initial discussions years ago about the possibility of more contacts between NABO and the Vancouver club ( Ipar Amerikako Euskal Elkarteak ), ELENA SOMMER (pictured right) remained committed to the process from start to finish.  She made the trip down to  join us at our 2008 NABO Convention in Chino at which time NABO welcomed its newest member!  (Photo EuskalKultura.com)

NABO started a couple of years ago exploring the possibility of greater contacts with the two Basque clubs in Canada (Vancouver & Montreal) and the Basque club of Mexico City (Ipar Amerikako Euskal Elkarteak). it came to be when Vancouver's Elena Sommer traveled to join us at our 2008 NABO Convention in Chino.  To her and our new Basque friends in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada we extend a cordial greeting, and thanks for joining together with us.

Our federation of Basque organizations was founded in 1973, and it took the name of "North American" with the hope of embracing Basque communities throughout North America that sought to work together on some joint ventures to keep Basque tradition alive.  Better late than never, we have realized that now with the coming of the Basque club from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

ONGI ETORRI-Welcome to the Vancouver Basque Club.  And so we sing ...

O Canada!
Our home and native land!  True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada mp3 (download to listen)

Website of the Vancouver Basque Club