Food security is as challenging as ever for students at UBC

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…

A new UBC study investigates how social robots might improve the quality of life at Canadian long-term care homes

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…

Chinatown-based non-profit organization integrates seniors into society

There are often many barriers that prevent seniors from living their best lives. Health complications are one part of the picture, but loneliness, advocating for one’s needs, and a lack of agency are challenges as well. For immigrant seniors who might face a language barrier, that can make all of those things even trickier to…

Langara College, AFOA Canada & BC Celebrate their first cohort of Indigenous graduates in financial management

The graduation of an inaugural Indigenous cohort with a Financial Management certificate paves the way for a new generation of Indigenous financial leaders. Last month, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College, AFOA Canada and AFOA BC announced the graduation of their first cohort of Indigenous students with an AFOA Indigenous Financial Management Certificate. “The program has always…

A welcoming invitation for Truth and Reconciliation Day

For upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, the Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society sends out an open and inclusive invitation to all for hope, healing, celebration of culture, tradition and storytelling. Held at John Hendry Park, Trout Lake from 1 pm, the event will commence with a land acknowledgment and opening remarks with a…

Many people have biased perceptions of EDI leaders: study

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 Cultural Programming at Britannia – Building a safe, comfortable place, cultivating Identity, belonging and respect for all

As we move forward to a new season, the Fall 2023 Program Guide is out for the Britannia Community Services Centre in the Grandview-Woodland area of Vancouver. The centre is a space aiming to promote values of fostering identity and belonging, diversity, social justice, reconciliation and sustainability for residents of its locale and the larger…

Microplastic pollution: Plants could be the answer

Could plants be the answer to the looming threat of microplastic pollution? Scientists at UBC’s BioProducts Institute found that if you add tannins – natural plant compounds that make your mouth pucker if you bite into an unripe fruit – to a layer of wood dust, you can create a filter that traps virtually all…

Wellstream: Safe strategies for youth and teens

Although population data studies indicate the prevalence of mental health and substance use among youth and teens has been relatively stable over the past years, there has been a worrying increase in the harms related to substance use. In the face of these challenges, Wellstream: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental…

Truth and Reconciliation is not a single outcome but a generations-long journey

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…