The Regional Director for Communities stressed in Toronto, Canada, the importance of folk dance groups in the promotion and dissemination of the Azores' cultural identity in host countries.

 "In addition to being a source of pride to the Azores and the Azorean people, the work carried out by Azorean folklore groups, particularly by the Pérolas do Atlântico Folklore Group, has effectively raised the dignity of our islands and our people," said Paulo Teves. The government official spoke during the anniversary of the Pérolas do Atlântico Folklore Group that took place at the House of the Azores of Ontario. The event was attended by 350 people.

 In his speech, the Regional Director praised the responsibility of youngsters of Azorean-descent, who "took the commitment of paying tribute to all Azorean emigrants that have been living in Canada since 1953. The government official stressed that the "active participation of youngsters will recognise the efforts undertaken by the generations that preceded them in order to preserve and promote 'Azoreanity'."

 The Regional Director emphasised the need to disseminate, once again, the current reality of the Azores and their potentialities, thus contributing to "the development of our islands and the dissemination of our Region in the world."

 Paulo Teves also challenged youngsters to know the land of origin of their parents and grandparents and to take an active role in defending the interests of Azorean emigrants and their descendants. He also urged them to take part in the challenges and aspirations of the Azores.

 "The active participation of our youth in various community initiatives will be an asset to the preservation and dissemination of the cultural heritage and values, being also an effective means to encourage and promote the relations between both sides of the Atlantic," stressed Paulo Teves.

 The Pérolas do Atlântico group is composed by 45 members, mostly of whom are youngsters of Azorean descent. Its mission is to preserve and disseminate Azorean traditions and typical dances as well as to stimulate the interest and pride of young Luso-Canadians in their cultural roots.

 Inspired by the folklore and the traditions of the nine islands of the archipelago, this group released an album that acknowledges the importance and value of its work.

 During his visit to Canada, Paulo Teves will meet today with the board of the House of the Azores of Winnipeg. He will then travel to Alberta, where he has several scheduled meetings with several institutions linked to the Portuguese communities in the cities Calgary and Edmonton.