Photo courtesy of YWCA Metro Vancouve

Helping youth deconstruct media

The YWCA wants high school students to have a more critical eye towards media. The organization is hosting its fourth annual conference called YOUth, Deconstructing the world around you, an interactive conference for high school students to discuss critical issues in the media that impact their lives. Organizers expect about 70 youths to attend the…

Cultural actors in an evolving landscape

It’s no secret that Vancouver is an ethnically diverse city, attracting nationalities from around the world. Arts and culture has always been a way to explore and address interpersonal relationships. In Vancouver, these conversations have a rich multicultural tone. Every year people find common ground and every year cultures become more integrated in Greater Vancouver’s…

From local to global – the world in words

With over 100 authors in 88 events, the Vancouver Writers Fest, occurring from Oct. 17 to 23, has something for every reader. And there is no shortage of local writers. Critically acclaimed B.C. authors Genevieve von Petzinger, Anosh Irani and Fred Wah take readers on intimate journeys to overlooked places, from as far as the…

Cats and rats walk the red carpet at VIFF

In many parts of the world, cats and rats are seen as natural enemies: one is the hunter, the other the prey. But at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival, running from Sept. 29 to Oct. 14, cats and rats will set aside the hostilities and share the cinematic spotlight together.  Kedi and Rat Film,…

Yoga embraces historic and cultural divides

As diet and exercise become increasingly prominent in Canadians’ lives, many Vancouverites have turned to yoga to supplement their fitness regimen. It is now the second most popular leisure activity in the country. More than just a physical activity, yoga is also one of the most diverse spiritual traditions in the world, influencing numerous faiths…

Cross-cultural language learning

Most language learners today are no strangers to phrasebooks, immersion programs, or Rosetta Stone, but how about using First Nations language learning apps, or watching ultrasound imagery to speak Cantonese, or adopting an Arabic conversation partner? In today’s globalized world where the value of multilingualism is increasingly palpable, technology advisor Costa Dedegikas, linguist Heather Bliss…

Picnics, european style

Eating outdoors has long been a pleasure for many people, with some of the earliest picnics occurring in the Middle Ages and the word coming from the French term “pique-nique,” first used in the 17th century. Today picnics are common, with people all around the world using them as a way to eat and relax outdoors.…

Obstacles and barriers still hinder inclusion

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…

Summer music to seduce ears and souls

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…

Discovery and expression of identity through acting

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…

Comic art festival provides networking opportunities for fans and artists

At this year’s Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF), people young and old, comic lovers, or simply the curious, can meet professional comic artists at the Roundhouse Community Centre May 21 and 22. VanCAF’s goal is to build a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere that encourages exhibitors to feel exhilarated and appreciated. The Source talked with two…

Earth Day: A Native narrative

The wisdom and creativity of Coast Salish Peoples will be at the heart of this year’s Earth Day celebrations. Supported by the City of Vancouver, the Kwi Awt Stelmexw and the Tsleil-Waututh Nations are celebrating the 46th annual Earth Day with a multimedia indigenous celebration of youth, the city and the planet. The theme is…

Women filmmakers with a Filipino angle

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…