Pontos is a historic region located along the southern coast of the Black Sea, in what is now northeastern Turkey. For over 3,000 years, it was home to a vibrant and resilient Greek population known as the Pontian Greeks. With deep roots in Hellenic, Byzantine, and local traditions, Pontian Greeks developed a distinct cultural identity—expressed through their unique dialect, music, dances, religious traditions, cuisine, and strong sense of community. Despite centuries of foreign occupation, particularly under Ottoman rule, the Pontian people maintained their language, customs, and Orthodox Christian faith.
In the early 20th century, the Pontian Greek population faced one of the darkest chapters in its history. During the period of the Greek Genocide (1913–1923), hundreds of thousands of Pontian Greeks were murdered, forcibly deported, or displaced from their ancestral homeland as part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing. Survivors were scattered around the world, many resettling in Greece, while others eventually made their way to North America, carrying with them the memory of their homeland and the pain of exile.
Through cultural festivals, educational symposiums, language preservation, youth engagement, and public commemorations, our Federation ensures that the history of Pontos is never forgotten. It supports local societies and organizations across North America, providing resources and a common platform for community building and cultural education. The Federation also works to engage younger generations, helping them connect with their roots and fostering a sense of pride in their Pontian identity.
By preserving the flame of Pontian identity, the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada honors the struggles of our ancestors and ensures that their story, culture, and spirit live on in the hearts of future generations.
In the United States and Canada, the descendants of these survivors have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote their heritage. The Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada was established in 1980 to unite Pontian organizations across North America, and to serve as a central body for the preservation of Pontian history, culture, and identity. The Federation plays a critical role in educating the broader public about the history of Pontos and the atrocities committed during the Greek Genocide—an often overlooked part of modern history.