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…

How B.C.’s largest school district supports newcomer families

Earlier this summer, The Source released an article in honour of World Refugee Day highlighting the extensive challenges refugee claimants face to be recognized and settle in Canada ranging from housing to employment. Whether accompanied by guardians or on their own, refugee children and youth face unique challenges to their integration. The UN Refugee Agency…

Wild foods and plant preservation

According to Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm (CSFS), increasing human population growth and global food demand, is causing major challenges to global food systems. These challenges are compounded by climate change, and the global degradation of arable land. Locally, the loss of agricultural land to development, the cost of land, and an…

Reviving connection through summer music festivals

With Early Music Vancouver’s (EMV) Summer Festival, Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival, and the Surrey Fusion Festival among others, the summer is looking rather musical. From explorations of past times to celebrations of multiculturalism, these three music festivals offer more than just captivating tunes – they also welcome new ways for fostering the sounds of…

Dressed for History and more at the MOV

The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) was founded by the Art, Historical, and Scientific Association of Vancouver (AHSA), which was formed on April 17, 1894 with the objective of cultivating “a taste for the beauties and refinements in life.” Originally, the building was planned to only house a museum, but a generous gift by the lumber…

AI, ChatGPT… friends or foes?

It all happened so suddenly. OpenAI, arguably the world’s most famous artificial intelligence laboratory, received 1.9 billion site visits this month alone, putting it in the top 30 most frequented sites on the World Wide Web. Students, office workers and intellectuals flocked to the website instantly, forfeiting original thoughts for compilations of letters and words…

Race, culture, and human rights advocacy: a personal commitment

On May 21, private corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations around the world will celebrate the United Nations’ (UN) World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day celebrates the world’s diverse cultures in order to facilitate stronger and more peaceful intercultural exchange. These goals are well-suited for Vancouver, a city that still…

Amplifying the language of inclusion

A well-known staple of Vancouver’s literary festivals, LiterAsian returns for its eleventh season from May 4–27. This year’s festival examines how literature contributes to the cultural and social understanding of inclusivity. With the theme, “finding our voices and sharing our stories,” LiterAsian 2023 will take discussions of Asian Canadian representation in literature off the pages…