In a society that values extroverts and ambitious go-getters, it is difficult for more reserved immigrants to succeed. In addition to being an immigrant, also being marginalized by being disabled or a part of the LGBTQ+ community can lead to even more obstacles compounded on top of the challenges immigrants already face. Alex Sangha, founder…

Musicians from the four corners of the world are bringing their unique rhythms to various Vancouver music festivals this summer. Three visiting musicians share their personal history. With a diverse range of musical styles, Wil Campa, Faris Amine and Cécile Doo-Kingué will each bring a multitude of stories, connecting with their audience through their love…

Whether it is through producing, improv, television or film, Rick Tae and Veena Sood have found a means of expressing themselves through the arts. For Tae, acting has been a means of finding identity, while producing has helped him to express that identity. As for Veena, inheriting her parents’ exploratory approach to life has guided…

Women are largely underrepresented in the film industry, particularly as writers, producers, and directors. Three independent local female filmmakers are carrying out all three roles, driven by determination and a story to tell. They all share a Filipino background, a portfolio of giving a platform to minority issues, and a passion for documentaries. To be…

To most, feng shui sounds like a great idea, but difficult to learn. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement to create balance in a living space, no matter its size. Amidst chaotic city life, taking time to make life outside of work appealing to the senses can seem a little unattainable without…

As International Women’s Day is being celebrated, and there have been many advances made for women’s rights in the past decade, there is still a lot of work to be done, say three influential women leaders. Fariba Pacheleh, Jaswant Johal and Maggie Ip came to Canada looking for a better life and to experience more…

Pushing outside the usual boundaries to find true creativity inspires Kim Sato and the street dance collective, Project Soul, as they showcase excerpts from Into the Tao at the 16th annual Vancouver International Dance Festival. The dance festival takes place Feb. 28–Mar. 19 at various venues. Project Soul aims to inspire as many souls as…

For some, strong family ties help navigate multi-ethnic cultural identities through thick and thin. As David Ng of Love Intersections, a multicultural film project that talks about language, love and diverse communities, and local poet Renée Saklikar explain, family is at the heart of their stories about unique upbringings and the change they’d like to…

Our lifestyle gives us a sense of belonging; it gives us our identity which is vital for our well-being and happiness. When newcomers arrive in Canada, they have to rebuild their friendships and connections to help them feel welcome. Queenie Choo is the chief executive officer at S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a multi-service agency assisting immigrants and Canadians.…

The 68th UN General Assembly recently coined 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP) with the goal of increasing public awareness regarding food security and nutrition. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this project was created to promote global production and make better use of crop rotations, as…

This year was a prolific year for creativity, invention and innovation. From escape room games and 3D printers to youth initiatives and philanthropic endeavours, artists, inventors and entrepreneurs, newcomers and native Vancouverites alike, have capitalized on the remarkable opportunities available. In turn, they have given back to the community they now call home. Many of…