ABOUT THE SOCIETY
The Manchurian Cultural Heritage Society is an international nonprofit cultural organization based in Canada, dedicated to the preservation and contemporary expression of Manchurian heritage. The Society is committed to cultural preservation, education, and public engagement, and operates as a non-partisan, non-political cultural organization.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Manchurian heritage remains underrepresented and insufficiently sustained within contemporary cultural frameworks. As a distinct regional history and cultural tradition, it is increasingly marginalized in modern society, reflecting broader challenges shared by many traditional cultures worldwide. This has resulted in limited visibility, fragmented knowledge, and a growing gap in intergenerational cultural transmission.
In response, the Society is building a public cultural infrastructure that supports the long-term continuity of cultural knowledge. Through integrated programs in arts, education, and community engagement, the Society connects cultural preservation with contemporary practice and public participation.
By fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue, the Society aims to expand the visibility of Manchurian heritage while contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides governance oversight, strategic direction, and ensures accountability to the Society’s public mission.
While some Board members have cultural connections to the Manchurian region, the Society is not defined by ethnicity. Its governance reflects diversity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to public cultural stewardship.
The Board is responsible for approving major strategic decisions, financial planning, and providing executive oversight, ensuring that the organization operates in alignment with its public-serving mandate.
Cecilia Aisin Gioro
Chair and Artistic Director
As a founder, curator, art critic, and artist, Cecilia Aisin-Gioro is engaged in cultural and historical research focused on the preservation and contemporary expression of Manchurian heritage.
With a cultural lineage connected to the Manchurian tradition, she brings an intergenerational perspective and leads the Society’s strategy, program development, and long-term growth.
She has led cultural programs in schools and communities, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary concerns through art and narrative.
Stephen Price
Vice Chair and Education Director
A professional Canadian educator and community leader, Stephen serves as Chair of both the West Vancouver Historical Society and the Sailing Club. With a strong commitment to cultural engagement and lifelong learning, he has led numerous initiatives that promote historical awareness, public education, and inclusive dialogue. He is dedicated to advancing multicultural platforms, with a particular interest in the role of cross-cultural narratives in shaping contemporary artistic and civic expression.
Alexander Sheversky
Visual Arts Director
Originally from Chișinău, Moldova, Alexander Sheversky is an internationally recognized realist painter known for his refined technique and classical approach. A graduate of the I.E. Repin Academy of Art, he blends traditional training with contemporary insight. In addition to his studio work, he has mentored emerging artists for over two decades. He brings to the Society a deep understanding of painterly traditions and serves as a juror for the Aisin Gioro International Art Prize.
Lily X.Jin
Program Director and Treasurer
Lily Jin is of Chinese Korean heritage, with a family lineage tracing back to the Manchu Eight Banners of Northeast Asia. She immigrated to Canada with her family during high school and later pursued her studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in Information Systems. She has been actively invoved in school and community initiatives, with a longstanding focus on cultural exchange and cross-cultural dialogue. In addition to her board responsibilities, Lily
supports the Society's financial and administrative operations. She brings a multicultural perspective and a strong commitment to cultural understanding and heritage transmission.
Ali Asgari
Music Arts Director
Born into a musical family in Iran, Ali Asgari is a professional violinist, multi-instrumentalist, and certified violin instructor. As a full-time music educator, he has taught in both formal institutions and community programs, sharing his passion for performance, mentorship, and the healing power of music. His career spans Europe, Asia, and North America, where he has been actively involved in public performances and nonprofit arts initiatives. As a jury member for the Aisin Gioro International Art Prize in Sound Arts, he brings to the Society a deep commitment to inclusive arts education and the cultural transmission of music across generations.
Xuanzi Y.Cui
Cultural Director and Secretary
Xuanzi draws her cultural heritage from the Evenki people of Northeast Asia. She began her professional journey as a dancer and designer, developing an artistic sensibility that later informed her work in senior services and cross-cultural operations. She previously served as Operations Director during the opening of a renowned international luxury hotel in China, gaining experience in organizational leadership and international collaboration.
Within the Association, Xuanzi integrates cultural vision with operational execution, using her cross-cultural background to support non-profit programs and collaborative initiatives.
Leadership Team
The Leadership Team is responsible for the Society’s day-to-day operations, program development, and external partnerships.
Working under the governance and strategic direction of the Board of Directors, the team implements the organization’s mission through cultural programming, education initiatives, and institutional development.
Cecilia Aisin-Gioro
Executive Director of Operations
Cecilia Aisin-Gioro leads the Society’s overall vision, operations, and artistic direction. She oversees program development, international collaborations, and institutional strategy, integrating cultural heritage with contemporary practice
Feng Gao
Director of Cultural Exchange
Gao Feng is a sculptor and art educator who teaches at a university, with experience in organizing cultural exchange initiatives and contributing to cross —cultural collaboration across North America and Aisin.
At the Society, Gao Feng leads the coordination and advancement of international cultural exchange programs, overseeing project development, partnership engagement, and implementation. His work focuses on building sustainable international collaboration frameworks, expanding the organization’s cross-cultural networks, and facilitating meaningful exchange and public participation across diverse communities. Through these efforts, he contributes to strengthening the Society’s global presence and long-term institutional development.
Matt Bickel
Director of Youth Engagement
Matt Bickel is a Karate Canada Sandan (3rd degree) Black Belt, former Canadian National Champion, and international medalist. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he currently coaches provincial and national athletes and serves as a BC Provincial Team Coach. Known for his energetic and motivating style, he inspires children and youth to build confidence, set goals, and achieve success in martial arts and beyond. He is also deeply committed to community service, sharing his expertise to support youth development and cultural exchange. Within the Society, Matt is responsible for organizing youth engagement and international exchange programs.
Austin T.Lynch
Adult Volunteer Coordinator
Austin is an architect and designer who also brings his love of music to the Society, playing the violin along with several other instruments. As Adult Volunteer Lead, he coordinates adult volunteers while also supporting youth programs, helping to guide intergenerational teamwork within the Society’s initiatives. Beyond his work, he is an avid outdoor adventurer and is deeply committed to community service, embodying a spirit of creativity, collaboration, and care.
Cami Gliga
Director of Music Outreach
Cami Galig brings a professional background in arts programming and community engagement, with a long-standing commitment to music and cultural education. As Music Outreach Lead of the Aisin Gioro Arts & Cultural Heritage Society, she develops and coordinates music and cultural outreach programs for both youth and the wider public, fostering community participation and cross-cultural exchange through creative initiatives. She also serves as a juror for the Aisin Gioro International Art Prize, applying her expertise to support contemporary expression and the global reach of sound arts. She is a member of the jury panel for the Culture Voice Sound Arts
Cynthia Liu
Director of Operations & Community
Cynthia Liu has many years of professional experience as an Assistant Controller and Human Resources Manager, specializing in administration and organizational management. She is also a certified parenting facilitator and TESOL teacher, bringing her dedication to education and guidance into both professional and community contexts. Beyond her career, she has been actively involved in volunteer services and community initiatives, supporting education, cultural exchange, and family programs. At the Society, she assists with daily operations, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, strengthening the Society’s connection with diverse communities.
Jinin Aisin-Gioro
Student Volunteer Representative
Jinin is an active student volunteer engaged in cultural and community initiatives. She encourages her peers to participate in cultural and educational programs, contributing to youth engagement and community involvement.
Through her participation, she is developing experience in collaborative projects and exploring connections between cultural heritage and contemporary expression. She is committed to supporting inclusive community initiatives and encouraging greater youth participation in cultural activities.