The North American Kazakh Association (NAKA), founded earlier this year in Washington State, held its first-ever Kazakhstan Independence Day Celebration on December 8, 2024, at Ella Baker Elementary School in Redmond. The event showcased a lively blend of cultures, local leaders, and Kazakh traditions, reflecting NAKA’s mission to preserve and promote Kazakh heritage while fostering unity and inclusivity.

Established in 2024 by four friends—Arsen Tugan, Ainur Nurbayeva, Liza Primzharova, and Kerem Onat—NAKA’s goal is to strengthen ties within the Kazakh community and build understanding between the Kazakh diaspora and the wider North American society. Through cultural events and initiatives, the association creates a platform to celebrate and share Kazakh customs, bridging cultural divides.

Kazakhstan’s Independence Day, officially observed on December 16, commemorates the nation’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Redmond celebration brought this significant milestone to the Pacific Northwest. Among the distinguished guests was King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who read a proclamation from King County Executive Dow Constantine that affirmed, “We are part of this community, and you are part of our family.” Gabit Seidulla, the First Secretary of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, also addressed attendees, stressing the importance of Kazakhstan’s independence and the role of cultural unity.

The event featured traditional performances, including a dance by the local Turkmen community, who showcased the Küştdepdi dance, as well as a Tatar dance presentation. The Kazakh community’s musical heritage was celebrated with a performance by Yerzhassyn, who played traditional Kazakh songs on the dombra, a two-stringed lute integral to Kazakh music.

Guests enjoyed a variety of Central Asian dishes, including Kazakh manty (steamed dumplings) and Uzbek plov (pilaf). Volunteers from the community dedicated their time to preparing and serving the meals, ensuring that everyone experienced the warmth of Kazakh hospitality.

Kerem Onat, one of the event organizers, also read proclamations from Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and a congratulatory letter from Vugar Gurbanov, the Consulate General of Azerbaijan, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the community.

Though the event was led by Tugan, Nurbayeva, Primzharova, and Onat, its success was made possible by the hard work of numerous volunteers who contributed to various tasks, from event logistics to food preparation. Their efforts underscored the strong, cooperative nature of the Kazakh community in the Pacific Northwest.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, has a rich cultural heritage, including nomadic traditions, the Silk Road, and diverse ethnic influences. Although the Kazakh diaspora in the United States is relatively small, it is steadily growing, with families and individuals committed to preserving their traditions while adjusting to life in North America. Events like NAKA’s Independence Day Celebration provide an opportunity to celebrate these traditions and share them with a wider audience.

The North American Kazakh Association looks forward to continuing its mission by organizing future events that strengthen community bonds and foster cultural pride.