The Regional Director for Communities highlighted in Canada the "courage" of the Azoreans who rebuilt their lives in another country, contributing to the progress of the societies where they live.
 
"We can never be oblivious to the way the Azoreans learned how to make this space, so different from our islands, their new home," said Paulo Teves. He spoke Sunday at the closing of 17th Cultural Week of the Azores of Winnipeg and the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of this Diaspora institution. The government official stressed the active participation of Azorean emigrants in the progress of this province and the country, "without losing the identity of the islands where they were born."
 
"This Cultural Week demonstrates the dynamics of our community residing here, the diversity of manifestations and the deepening of the intergenerational relationship as an assurance that the work developed so far will be continued," highlighted the Regional Director. Nevertheless, he mentioned the "importance" of raising the interest of "younger generations who, for the most part, were born here, through inclusive initiatives with them and for them."
 
In his speech, Paulo Teves pointed out that, in 1992, the founders of this House of the Azores "felt the need to bring together the great Azorean family living in this province in a space where they could ease their homesickness" by promoting festivities that were traditionally held in the archipelago, namely the Feast of the Holy Spirit.
 
For the Regional Director, it is now important "to seek new ways of promoting the Azores in the host society", thus strengthening the relation between the regions where Azorean communities reside and the Azores in different areas.
 
At the closing session, attended by 250 people, the Regional Director emphasised that the House of the Azores "has taken on a more comprehensive role in its action over the years, taking into consideration the dynamics of the community it serves." According to him, "it demonstrates how carefully these organisations have adapted to current needs and challenges."
 
Paulo Teves mentioned the goals of establishing "a permanent dialogue with all organisations, emigrants and their descendants, monitoring community dynamics and strengthening relations between communities and the Region." They are fundamental to the Azorean Government in promoting a Diaspora that is increasingly integrated in host societies, but also with an active role in the development of the Azores."
 
The Cultural Week of the House of the Azores in Winnipeg involved the participation of artists from Canada, USA and the Azores. The programmes featured music, folklore dance and theatre shows as well as the opening of the "Álamo de Oliveira Library"; the latter was attended by this Azorean writer.