Recently appointed honorary consul for Kazakhstan in B.C., Darren Klinck, says that in addition to assisting Kazakh citizens and strengthening economic ties between Kazakhstan and B.C., part of his role is highlighting the rich culture of Kazakhstan and promoting cultural ties between the nations. Only the third of its kind in Canada, Kazakhstan opened the Honorary Consulate in Vancouver just this past January.

Even though he is not Kazakh, Klinck who is also president of Arras Minerals Corporation, has maintained close connections with the country and was appointed as honorary consul through the recommendation of the former Kazakhstan Ambassador to Canada, Akylbek Kamaldinov.

“Our company is focused on exploring critical minerals in Kazakhstan…I got to know Ambassador Kamaldinov very well, and [the Embassy] had been very supportive of our company,” says Klinck, noting his goal of finding future opportunities to engage with the culture.

Similarities and synergies

Klinck says there are many similarities between Canada and Kazakhstan, including their small populations, economic drivers and cold winters. He also points to the long history of Kazakh international students in Canada which contributes to beneficial synergies between the nations. The Consulate seeks to promote these connections on various levels.

“[The Consulate] has helped with meetings between B.C. government officials and the Ottawa Embassy, as well as promoting trade at the governmental level, investment in cultural opportunities and from a cultural perspective,” Klinck adds. “I think it’s something that is evolving.”

Klinck also points to his experience at the 2024 Turkic Festival in North Vancouver, where the B.C. Qazaq Community, an organization focused on promoting Central Asian culture, participated alongside other countries.

“I had an opportunity to attend that and represent the Kazakh government and spend some time with the Consul General of Turkey,” he says. “I think it’s kind of a mix of business and trade, cultural government ties and just trying to help wherever possible.”

In addition to aiding Kazakh nationals get in touch with the Embassy, providing help in emergencies and promoting economic ties between B.C. and Kazakhstan, Klinck looks forward to engaging more with the Kazakh community and their culture.

“It’s a very rich and engaging and welcoming culture, and I’m sure that in the future years there will be more culture and engagement opportunities to experience and learn more about the Kazakh culture,” he adds.

Uniting the community

Ajara Kauken, a member of the organizing committee for the B.C. Qazaq Community, first came to Vancouver in 2009 as an international student. Having lived in B.C. for 16 years, she shares her knowledge and experience with international students from all over the world.

“I’ve been working with students from different countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and along the way, I started helping students from other countries as well,” Kauken says.

She cites homesickness and culture shock as common challenges that international students and newcomers face coming into Canada. In addition, she feels that the biggest challenge that the Kazakh community in Vancouver faces is distance.

“Not many people can handle the long flight and tickets might be expensive, so there is no opportunity to travel back home to reconnect with family,” she explains.

She hopes for the Kazakh community in Vancouver to be united, and for their members to feel welcome and safe. Currently with around 900 members, the community has been steadily growing over the last 15 years. As of this past November, they are also registered as an official non-profit organization. The community is currently working on their official website and preparing to organize larger events for next year.

“We can help and support all the people from Kazakhstan who live in British Columbia, doing various events…so that everyone can attend and find a group according to their interests,” she adds. “Our main goal is to help and to combine because it’s very important to feel connected with the community.”

For more information, visit: www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ottawa?lang=en or www.bcqazaq.org