Inclusion at the top: AMSSA’s community work pushes back against the status quo

March 21 is the UN-designated International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. For Katie Crocker, CEO at the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA), the work to make Vancouver’s institutions, particularly its workplaces, more inclusive requires inviting diversity to the table not just as guests, but as leaders. “Our systems,…

Laughter beyond provincial borders Celebrating Canada’s diverse francophonie through comedy

“A very visceral community experience of laughing together…just a communal human experience of sharing the witnessing of stories,” says Franco-Manitoban comedian Micheline Marchildon about her hopes for what the audience will take away from her set. Bringing hilarity, fun and culture, Marchildon, along with two other French-speaking comedians, Korine Côté and Mona de Grenoble, will…

New ways to love and live: Vancouver International Dance Festival explores the complicated, innermost self on stage

The 24th annual Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) provides opportunities for dancers to dig deep into themes that spring from their personal experiences through the years, melding technical prowess with social commentary. Aside from dance performances, the festival also features sculpture, photography exhibits and life-drawing sessions. Artists Tony Chong and Jennifer McLeish-Lewis number among the…

The rich history, isolated present and hopeful future of Vancouver’s Black community

Every February, people across Canada and the U.S. celebrate Black History Month to honour and uplift the legacies of Black communities. This year, advocacy groups, like Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) and University of British Columbia’s Black Student Union (BSU), are not only highlighting Black voices, but also Vancouver’s history of anti-Black racism. Hogan’s Alley, from…

PuSh festival’s performances of caregiving

Vancouver’s PuSh Festival will showcase 17 works exploring connections between art festivals and social change from Jan. 18 to Feb. 4. Three works engage with caregiving – directed at loved ones, natural resources, and capitalist labour. LORENZO, a heartfelt portrayal of end-of-life care is at the Annex from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 for its…

2023 Year End Review: Bots, food and cultural festivals

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, The Source Newspaper takes great pride in reflecting upon the myriad narratives that we have told this year. The Source has always been a platform for stories that celebrate diversity and showcase the unique voices, experiences and contributions of individuals and groups from various backgrounds, fostering a…

Disability advocacy: the power of lived experiences

There still remains a continued need to better understand the struggles of those with disabilities, and to build inclusive societies that dignify their experiences. On Dec. 3, the UN’s annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) returns with the theme of sustainable development. “You can learn a lot about what other people need by…

Beauty, innovation, and fun at the Eastside Culture Crawl

From chainsaw sculpting to mural colouring, Vancouver’s celebrated Eastside Culture Crawl returns Nov. 16–19, featuring art making events and over 500 artists, including Sandeep Johal, Roman KOKO Kuzmichev, and Serena Chu, in its staple open studio walk. Johal fondly remembers the celebratory atmosphere of last year’s Crawl – her first as an artist – inside…

Laughter, dancing and conversations at the Vancouver Writers Fest

From Oct. 16 to 22, writers, students and book lovers will gather at Granville Island for the Vancouver Writers Fest. With over 80 events highlighting more than 125 authors, the 36th rendition of this popular literary festival will feature the classic conversations with authors and masterclasses, as well as a lyrics-inspired dance party and spoken…

Showcasing Canadian Talent at VIFF 2023

The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) returns on Sept. 28 to Oct. 8 with more than 140 films from around the world, live performances, and talks with industry experts. Amongst VIFF’s celebration of international cinema is the BC Spotlight series, featuring local talent, scenery, and stories. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Sherren Lee, Float is a…