SFU talk explores the changing profile of aging families in Canada: Karen Kobayashi discusses importance of demographic shifts and diversity for public policy

In honour of her mentor and renowned sociologist Ellen Gee, professor Karen Kobayashi will deliver the 12th Annual Ellen M. Gee Memorial Lecture at her alma mater, Simon Fraser University, on the changing profile of aging families in Canada and the implications for social and health policies. In her talk, titled “The Changing Profile of…

Youth encouraged to cultivate traditional roots

Racial stereotyping, prejudice and instability destroys youth self-esteem. To foster character and cultural pride, Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) supplies a vital wellspring of nourishment and empowerment for at-risk youth-in-care primarily through the teachings and history of Aboriginal culture. The CRUW program serves 27 youth each year, ages 12 to 15 years old, at the…

How French Canadians and indigenous women saved B.C.

Jean Barman, professor emeritus at UBC’s department of educational studies, will be sharing stories from her recent book to shed light on the oft-neglected history of the French Canadians and indigenous women living and working in pre-colonial British Columbia. She will be discussing and reading excerpts from her recent book, French Canadians, Furs and Indigenous…

Turkish Ambassador sees similarities between Canada and home country

Vancouver’s claim to fame, according to Turkish Ambassador to Canada, Selcuk Unal, is that it was first – the first city to establish a Turkish Canadian Society, back in 1963. In town for Turkish Republic Day celebrations, Ambassador Unal discusses how a coincidental family fact along with tourism, a diverse palate and strong educational opportunities…

Fostering cultural awareness at Richmond’s Philosophers’ Café

An upcoming edition of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Philosophers’ Café series will offer a chance to gain new insights into a common question: “What is Canadian identity?” Led by Tony Carrigan, former district principal for learning services and international student programs for the Richmond School District, the Dec. 4 forum will encourage participants to think about…

SFU professor brings adventure-based learning to the world

SFU chemistry professor, George Agnes, has created a curriculum that give students from 125 schools worldwide the chance to interact with the biodiversity of adventure settings. His longtime interest in exploring demanding and diverse environments is fueling innovations in a youth development project that began with a conversation with physician and Order of Canada inductee,…

Moonlight masquerade beneath one sky

On Nov. 7, Beneath One Sky Community Support Society is holding a Moonlight Masquerade event in Surrey. The semi-formal event wants to raise awareness and provide funding for people living in poverty in the Lower Mainland and in the Philippines. The Moonlight Masquerade will be held in the atrium at the new Surrey City Hall…

LGBTQ forum a chance to share stories and strength

The Philippine Women Centre of Vancouver, in partnership with the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University and the Congress of Progressive Filipino Canadians, will host a conference that focuses on the struggles and victories of the Filipino LGBTQ community, captured by the stories and experiences of its members. The conference…

Il Mercato: Vancouver’s first Italian market

If you are looking for a place to purchase a diverse range of Italian food and products, look no further than Il Mercato, Vancouver’s first Italian farmer’s market. Brimming with a host of Italian themed vendors as well as other local vendors, the market will have something to tantalize your taste buds. Wendy Hainstock, coordinator…