Champions of Change: The Broadbent Institute’s 2024 Awards

Each year, in partnership with the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, and Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow, the Broadbent Institute has the honour of awarding the Jack Layton Progress Prize and Charles Taylor Prize for Excellence in Policy Research at the annual Progress Summit. This year’s shortlist of Layton and Taylor Prize nominees represented an inspiring…

The Chinese Canadian History Society of B.C. celebrates 20 years of bridging the gaps in Canada’s history

The Chinese Canadian Historical Society of British Columbia (CCHSBC) celebrated its 20-year legacy last weekend. Since first being established in 2004, the society has aimed to be a national leader in research, preservation and education about the experiences of Chinese-Canadian immigrants. To that end, the non-profit organization has led numerous field trips, published several books…

Collaboration for inclusion: How the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria reaches thousands yearly in the capital region

“It takes a village to raise a child.” This adage has been appropriated countless times and in countless contexts to communicate the value of community-mobilizing efforts. Despite the cliché it has become, organizations such as Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) aim to prove its veracity. Each year, the not-for-profit organization pursues its mission to…

New friends, old ties: Building a Sri Lankan community in B.C.

A huge influx over the last five years, in a younger generation of immigrants moving into Canada – most as students –has created a need for a support outreach system. May is Asian Heritage Month, and Renuka Amaradasa, president of the Sri Lankan Friendship Association of BC (SLFABC), reports that the organization has quickly become…

Responsible and democratic storytelling for World Press Freedom Day

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…

When it comes to mental health support, community is key

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…

Creating community for Canadian immigrants amidst growing climate concerns

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…

B.C. non-profit network could help with labour shortage in charitable sector

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…

Nurturing community and revitalizing heritage

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…

Digital repatriation of Tse’k’wa archive democratizes 50 years of archaeological and cultural knowledge

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…

Nearly one in five sports participants experience or witness unfair treatment or discrimination, according to new Stats Canada survey

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…

Intergenerational cultural sharing, with a side of gnocchi

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…