·
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…
Breakthroughs happen when people push the boundaries of what’s allowed. This December, Vancouver-based artist and organizer Koh will be one of this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media arts. Despite being winning various awards and holding many official titles over the years, Germaine Koh’s work has a distinctly grassroots, D.I.Y.,…
Zee Zee Theatre offers an intimate story-telling experience in its latest project Queer Asian Stories Collection. On Nov. 18, 19, 25 and 26 in the Vancouver Public Library, participants will be given the opportunity to ‘check out’ a human book for a personal, 20-minute conversation about their life, beliefs and struggles. The project will run…
As the rising cost of food continues to affect Canadian residents, university students—like those attending UBC—are some of the hardest hit, having to navigate substantial demands on both time and money. Amid both rising usage of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) food bank at the school and inflation driving up food prices across the country…
For those that manage to persevere against the odds, it can be enough of a reward to affirm oneself in the face of adversity. However, it’s also nice to be recognized every once in a while, and a story of perseverance can often demonstrate to others a greater perspective on what’s possible. Since 2017, the…
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, as Canada’s long-term care homes became hotspots for the pandemic-inducing virus, the physical and mental well-being of Canada’s elderly demographic was thrust into the spotlight. And as lockdown mandates led to feelings of social isolation, Canada’s already-struggling seniors were some of the hardest hit with feelings of intense loneliness. For…
For the past decade, companies across North America have paid more attention to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This has prompted many organizations to create a leadership role fully dedicated to advancing EDI – so much so that between 2015 and 2020, the job title “head of diversity” increased 107 percent on LinkedIn. By…
Indigenous peoples have experienced a long history of injustice and mistrust because of colonial legislation and policies in Canada. The Canadian state’s relationships with Indigenous Peoples have never been based on recognition of Indigenous Nations as sovereign, equal partners. Legislative and policy agendas enacted by the federal government, and other levels of government, have systematically…
In order to mark National Indigenous History Month in June, eight inspiring young Indigenous leaders from across Canada have been invited to meet with the Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples. The youth have been selected for Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023, which spotlights young Indigenous people aged 18 to 35 who are making a…
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and those who are committed to their well-being. Last November, The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Governor General appointed Dr. Margo Greenwood as an independent senator to fill a…
Asian Heritage Month was officially designated in 2002, after the Honourable Vivienne Poy – the first Chinese-Canadian senator – introduced a motion in the Senate to create the commemorative month and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. As Canada marks Asian Heritage Month in 2023, eight senators share their reflections on what this…
Turning the corner into March and the promise of spring, with the flowers coming up, warmer temperatures and more hours of daylight, another holiday approaches. March 21 is the Afghan New Year, or Nowruz, a holiday celebrated in countries across the Middle East and all the way to India. The holiday has a theme of…
The theme for Black History Month 2023 is a reminder that Black people have valuable stories to share. These stories are an integral part of our history. Many stories go unheard or unnoticed, so this theme feels especially important to highlight the stories of Black people in Canada. At every single Black History Month event…
