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May 3 is the UN-recognized World Press Freedom Day, and Saranaz Barforoush thinks it’s time for a re-set. As a journalist and assistant professor of teaching at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) School of Journalism, Writing, and Media, Barforoush holds a unique perspective on what’s at stake for the future of journalism. In her…
As the country approaches Canadian Mental Health Week – taking place from May 6 to 12 –residents, governments and organizations are taking the opportunity to highlight the many challenges Canadians face when addressing mental health. To that end, one Vancouver-based organization is aiming to make a difference, bringing the conversation, and support, for South Asian…
For 25 years, Green Club BC has aimed to educate its members on both B.C.’s environmental and sociohistorical landscapes. Since its founding, the club has sought to inspire environmental activism and a sense of belonging for Canadian immigrants. With the recent passing of the club’s founder, Dr. Joseph Lin, Green Club volunteer Manal Ma says…
Non-profits say they’re struggling to keep quality volunteers and staff due to high burnout – a problem that’s getting worse with inadequate funding for competitive benefits and wages. In an industry report conducted by Vantage Point, approximately 230 survey respondents say they’re spending more time or money on staff recruitment and retention. As the charitable…
Embracing the spirit of community and sustainability, the Community Education on Environment & Development (CEED) Centre Society is a non-profit and neighborhood house fostering connections and sparking positive change. It was also recently recognized by the Maple Ridge Heritage Awards for their efforts. The CEED Centre Society won the 2024 Stewardship of a Community Cultural…
Tse’k’wa, or “rock house” in Dane-zaa/Beaver language, is a cave that has been home to the Dane-zaa ancestors for more than 12,500 years. Archaeological excavations at Tse’k’wa were undertaken by SFU in 1974, 1983, 1990, and 1991. Fifty years of archaeological knowledge and scholarship from one of British Columbia’s most significant cultural and archaeological sites…
While conversations continue to arise about discrimination in sports, new data from Stats Canada suggests that discrimination in sports, particularly along the lines of race and sexuality, is still a substantial issue. These discriminatory behaviours can take many forms and act as a barrier to participation in sports for racialized people, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and…
In the last century, plenty has changed about cultural attitudes towards Italians in Canada. While they no longer face widespread discrimination, Italian-Canadians once faced intense levels of prejudice. So as Italian culture becomes more accepted in the country over time, what role does an Italian cultural club have in 2024? For Gordon Hotchkiss, co-chair of…
Helen Wong has found a way to blend community advocacy with greater environmental understanding. The environmental science student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) brought in over 20 volunteers to aid her undergraduate thesis project, which looks to learn more about the impact and extent of microplastics on Vancouver’s coasts. After winning a $1500 Ocean Actions…
What does it mean to be a woman leader today? That is one of the questions that DIVERSEcity Community Resources will explore at the Women’s Leadership Forum organized in partnership with local women’s advancement charity Minerva BC. For the second year in a row, the now sold-out event will gather “emerging and established” women leaders…
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 annually, and every year people dress up in green and come together to join in this celebration associated with music, dancing and food. But for the Irish community in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, the celebration is much more than a mere party. It is tradition. “[It was]…
For over 50 years, the Vancouver Finlandia Club (VFC) has been an important point of cultural connection for the Finnish community in the Lower Mainland. Based out of the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby, the VFC hosts year-round activities to bring the community together and celebrate Finland and Scandinavian culture. They also offer Finnish language…
The third and final piece in a series about art and disability in Metro Vancouver. Artist Deidre Blackmore opened a studio 23 years ago with the hope of giving artists with disabilities an opportunity to pursue their passion. Now operating out of a ground-floor studio in New Westminster, the PotteryWorks program, supported by the B.C.-based…
