Author Archives: Akisha Chahal

DOXA Film Festival is back in-person for 2022

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Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival is back in-person this year! 

Vancouver’s very own DOXA Documentary Film Festival is starting next week. DOXA is a festival presented by The Documentary Media Society, a Vancouver-based non-profit, charitable society devoted to presenting independent and innovative documentaries to Vancouver audiences. 

What screams Vancouver hipster culture more than a documentary film festival? 

Last year, patrons could either buy tickets to view the documentaries from home or drive in and enjoy the films in their car.

DOXA 2022 will be taking place as a hybrid event and showcases nearly 80 films along with Q&As and industry events. 

When: May 5th to 15th, 2022

Where: various in-person locations in Vancouver OR online

This year’s opening film is Fire of Love, following the lives and careers of volcanologists and lovers, Katia and Maurice Krafft. The film documents their world travels, from paddling through lakes of acid to venturing into unstable, volcanic areas. The documentary features archival footage shot by the lovers themselves to tell a story of love and obsession, dedication and passion.

The closing film this year is Doug and the Slugs and Me, telling the story of legendary Vancouver musician, Doug Bennet. The documentary follows Bennet’s life, from his early years to his career, fame, family, and addiction. The director, Teresa Alfeld, utilizes her unique perspective as a childhood best friend of Bennet’s daughter in this film. 

To watch the films in person, you can buy tickets to whichever films you are wanting to go see. If you wanna view the films from the comfort of your own home, purchase a single ticket or all-access pass. 

Some films viewed at the festival haven’t been seen by Consumer Protection BC. Such films can only be viewed with a Documentary Media Society membership AND a ticket to the film. 

The film’s description in the DOXA program disclaims whether or not a membership is needed to view the film. To purchase a membership, you must be at least 18 years old. Memberships are only $2 though and can be purchased online and in person.

Multi-sensory indigenous history and culture exhibit at Vancouver museum

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The Vancouver Maritime Museum has a wonderful permanent exhibit but also has beautiful temporary exhibits. Their current temporary exhibit is giving a platform for indigenous artists and culture. 

Canoe Cultures :: Ho’-ku-melh War Canoes and the Gifts They Carry Forward showcases indigenous culture but from a unique perspective. The artist of the exhibit uses the war canoe to explore climate change, food security, displacement, and ongoing colonialism. 

Also featured in the exhibit is Canoe Culture, a local indigenous organization dedicated to the preservation of the art of the canoe and the advancement of indigenous arts. 

Canoes are more than just a method of transportation for indigenous people. Canoes are an integral part of their culture. Indigenous people used to race their war canoes as a sport before they were banned from doing so by the Canadian government. 

The exhibit honors the long history of canoe culture on the West Coast and celebrates the resilience of indigenous communities. The exhibit was curated by indigenous artist Roxanne Charles and features work from 22 indigenous artists. The word Ho’-ku-melh is a Chinook Jargon term meaning “to gather”.

The section of the museum with the exhibit has been transformed into a multi-sensory experience. You enter the exhibit under a cedar archway into a series of vibrant, colourful rooms. The work of the Canoe Cultures program brings the scent of cedar shavings. 

Although the exhibit is appealing to all your senses, it does not gloss over the hardships of indigenous communities. Canoe Cultures :: Ho’-ku explores the challenges indigenous cultures face, from residential schools to the impacts of climate change through art and information.

One of the most beautiful pieces, in my opinion, is the weaving by Caitlin Aleck titled “Creator, take us home” in which the artist interprets the events surrounding the remains at residential schools and how the children can now travel back to their Creator in canoes.

Pieces in the exhibit range from murals to a jacket decorated with adornments to photographs to poems to a 70-year-old racing canoe. 

The exhibit is open until July 3rd, 2022

CityFest is back!

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Many of our beloved celebrations are finally returning this year after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID. Joining this list is CityFest! This year marks the 19th annual North Vancouver’s CityFest, a free youth festival that takes place during BC’s Youth Week. This year’s festival is taking place on Saturday, May 7th at North Vancouver Shipyards. 

CityFest was started in 2002 when the City of North Vancouver threw a party to celebrate the opening of a new skate park. The event consisted of a barbecue and a small skateboard competition. Since then, CityFest has expanded to include food stalls, longboard and skateboard competitions, and hundreds of performers and competitors showcasing their talents in dance, music, drama, fashion, and film. 

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The festival’s motto is “For youth, by youth” as the event is run by youth volunteers who meet throughout the year to plan and execute the festivities. This year you can look forward to food trucks, live music, skate contests, and a youth art exhibit featuring work from artists ranged 10 to 24. Over 400 local youth performers will be showing off their talents in various art categories.

Never skated before? Don’t feel intimidated! CityFest is offering free skateboard lessons so you can learn and practice with help!

CityFest is still searching for art created by local youth artists (ages 10-24) to display at the festival. If you’re interested in applying, check out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNXvk8Jn5yea1tpv0XaiEs54U7Le_qcuC0tf5bz4nvd_wvg/viewform

The application deadline has been extended to April 29th at midnight! They are accepting various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. 

They are also looking for youth volunteers (ages 10-24) to assist at the festival. You can contact Volunteer Director bitagholamian@gmail.com if you’re interested. 

http://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1KtR6Pkre/

For the most up-to-date information regarding CityFest, check out their Instagram @nvcityfest. 

Mayday mayday!

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The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and my allergies are going insane. Oh, the joys of spring weather. Ancient Europeans used to celebrate the start of summer with a festival called May Day. Many European cultures still celebrate the festival, marking the prime of spring and the coming of summer. 

Europeans brought their May Day celebrations to Canada and many cities adopted the holiday but have since stopped. Although its a mostly forgotten tradition, some cities in the lower mainland still celebrate the old holiday. 

I grew up in Port Coquitlam where we take May Day very seriously. The event turns into a week-long celebration with activities for children every day. The week starts with an opening ceremony where you get introduced to the May Day Royal Court (PoCo elementary school students picked to carry out May Day traditions). Other local elementary school students perform maypole dances. They dance around a large pole with ribbons, weaving them into designs while dancing.

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Between the opening ceremonies and the parade at the end of the week, the City of PoCo hosts various family-friendly events. This year, Poco is hosting a Tiny Art Show displaying the works of young PoCo residents. Artist can pick up a tiny art kit at the Terry Fox Library and return it by the end of the month to be featured in the show! 

The City is also hosting two art exhibit opening receptions. At The Outlet Gallery, you can find the works of Riverside Secondary students as well as a reconciliation mural created by students and local indigenous artist Kurtis Johnson. The City Hall Gallery will be hosting an exhibit by PoCo artist and Emily Carr Student, Kaiden Alford. Their paintings share their story of coming out as a queer nonbinary person. There is also going to be an outdoor choir performance in Leigh Square. 

Then comes the day we’ve all been waiting for, the May Day Parade! But before the parade, the PoCo Scouts host a pancake breakfast at The Outlet from 8 am to 11 am. Bring your friends and family down for a reasonably-priced breakfast, the proceeds go to the 4th PoCo Scouts troop. 

The parade starts at 11 that morning and is filled with floats, marching bands, and the May Day Royal Court. After the parade, head to Leigh Square for the after-party. Watch live local entertainment, featuring a performance by Dr. Strangelove. The Party in the Square event hosts many kid-oriented activities. The big kids and parents can grab a drink and a bite to eat at the food trucks and drink garden. After lunch, stroll through the May Days Market and browse local and artisanal shops. 

The Vancouver Sun Run finally returned this weekend

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Nearly 20,000 runners hit the streets Sunday for Vancouver’s Sun Run. The marathon returned this year after a two-year hiatus but as a hybrid version. Runners could participate virtually from the 15th to the 24th or in-person on the 24th, allowing people who are still hesitant about big crowds the ability to participate. 20,000 people chose to do the 10k marathon in person while 3,000 partook virtually. 

Vancouver Sun Run 2022

roaming-the-planet / Flickr

Vancouver Olympian Lucas Bruchet was the first to finish the race, in 28 minutes and 29 seconds. Lucas competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lucas nearly beat his personal best on Sunday for a 10-kilometer race, by just 12 seconds. 

Surrey Paralympian Nathan Dewitt finished the 10k wheelchair race in 33 minutes and 59 seconds. Nathan competed in the 2012 London Paralympics and finished in 8th place. Nathan is also a BCIT alumnus! BCIT has such a diverse and interesting range of alumni. 

I am in awe of these athletes. I can’t even run for half an hour straight in general, let alone run 10 kilometers in that time. I also congratulate and praise all the participants of the Vancouver Sun Run! So many different people participate every year and it’s a quite positive and encouraging environment! It’s not only Olympians competing; people walk the marathon with their babies in strollers.

I’ve never participated in the Sun Run and I don’t think I ever would but my dad trained for it a few years back! He didn’t end up participating but he still got the shirt and he wears it to the gym all the time. I think he wants people to be impressed that he ran a 10k but he never actually did it . . . That seems kinda like fraud. 

I may consider joining the mini 2.5k run next year but that’s a strong maybe. Perhaps if my dad actually does the 10k next year, I’ll do the mini-run.

Inspiring stories of the Canadian Invictus Games team

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As the 2022 Invictus Games came to a close last Friday, Prince Harry congratulated and commended all the competitors. Speaking at the closing ceremonies, he commented on the resilience and determination of the competitors. 

“This is a blueprint of what the wider world needs today – the power of resilience, the power of healing, and the power of recovery.” 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Team Canada was among the 17 nations competing. Our team was comprised of 16 veterans and 12 serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces who sustained a physical or mental injury while serving Canada; Over a third of the Canadian competitors were from BC. Many of those who join the Invictus Games are looking for a way to find their passion again and serve their country once more. 

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“The Invictus Games afford a special opportunity to our ill and injured serving members and Veterans to demonstrate their incredible tenacity and the results of their efforts throughout their recovery journey. They will undoubtedly inspire thousands more to take their first courageous steps forward on their own road to recovery … ”

General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff 

These competitors show qualities of leadership: perseverance, dedication, motivation, and inspiration. Reading the stories of the Canadian competitors truly inspired me. 

Retired Intelligence Officer, Major Nick Holyome, lives in Comox with his family. He says his wife and two children are his inspiration, they supported him as he made the hard transition to civilian life. Training for the Invictus Games revitalized Nick’s passion for sports. Nick partook in cycling, indoor rowing, and sitting volleyball at this year’s Games. 

Major Patrick Levis is a Victoria resident. Patrick enjoyed representing his unit in regional and national sports competitions. He credits many life skills he learned to sports such as discipline, determination, devotion, and concentration. However, Patrick was left with a mobility disability after extensive surgery and could no longer practice many of the sports he once loved which left him feeling hopeless. To remain active, he turned to adaptive sports. Patrick says participating in the Invictus Games rekindled a sense of purpose and pride inside himself. He participated in wheelchair racing, hand rowing, and wheelchair basketball. 

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Marcy Lynn Dumonceaux is also a resident of Victoria. Marcy suffers from PTSD caused by sexual trauma in the military. She uses the Invictus Games to encourage herself and others to show that injuries do not define you. Marcy also wants to show it is still possible to represent Canada on different platforms. This year, she competed in swimming, rowing, and sitting volleyball. 

These competitors are just a few of the resilient British Columbians who represented Canada during the competition. Team Canada will compete again next year in the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf. The 2025 Invictus Games are going to take place in Vancouver and I will surely be there, cheering on the competitors! 

If you want to read the stories of the other competitors, you can find them here: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/invictus-games-2020/biographies.html

Take a tour through the Richmond Night Market with me

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Vancouver culture is heavily influenced by East Asian Culture: sushi, bubble tea, and the world-renowned Richmond Night Market. I love the Night Market because, for me, the opening of the Night Market signifies the beginning of summer. 

As a kid, I used to beg my mom to take me to the Richmond Night Market because all my friends would go and tell me how fun it was. Every year, my mom said no. Probably for the greater good because it would have been a nightmare to take me there as a child. 

I finally got my sister to take me to the Night Market for the first time last year and I was overwhelmed, to say the least. Bright, flashing lights mixed with loud music and more people than I had seen in the last year and a half. At first, I thought, who would enjoy this? It just feels like an anxiety attack bound to happen, not to mention extreme sensory overload. But as I ventured further through the stands, I understood why everyone raved about the market every year. 

Richmond Night Market 2019

gotovan / Flickr

When I first entered, there was a stage with a singer performing. I didn’t stay to listen for long but there was a seating area if you did want to stay. 

I love love love shopping so the Night Market was like heaven to me. There were so many things to buy but sadly not enough money in my bank account to buy everything. Every stall I passed had something I wanted, whether it be socks, a stuffie, or a bag. There was a vendor for nearly anything you could want. They had phone accessories, trinkets, gadgets, and clothes. 

As I left the stalls of shops, I entered an even more magnificent place: the food area. It’s no wonder the Night Market is known around the world for its food. Rows, on rows, on rows of food stalls with everything from cotton candy to boba to takoyaki. There were also fusion food stalls selling sushi tacos and Japanese-style poutine. You can also find BBQ shrimp, sushi, ramen, and rolled ice cream! I just found out about the rolled ice cream today; I don’t know if they had it last year but I’m seeking out the ice cream this year. The Night Market was busy but we found seating pretty easily.

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Make sure you have some energy conserved before going to the Night Market. I was exhausted by the end of the night after walking around for hours. I was thankful I made my sister drive so I could sleep on the way home. I hope I can convince her to drive me again this year. 

The Richmond Night Market should be on your summer bucket list this year if you’re a foodie or if you like shopping. The Night Market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings starting this Friday, April 29th until October 10th.

 

Events to check out in Vancouver April and May 2022

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Now that COVID-related restrictions have lessened, I want to make up for the time I spent inside the last two years and I surely can’t be the only person who feels that way. I found some pretty fun events happening in and around Vancouver in the next few weeks that I think you should check out. 

  1. Alegria by Cirque Du Soleil

DSC00430 - Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA

archer10 / Flickr

Cirque Du Soleil is back in Vancouver with Alegria.

Alegria is a classic Cirque Du Soleil show that has been reimagined for a new generation. The show tells the story of a kingdom that has lost its king and the struggle for power between the old order and the new movement. Cirque Du Soleil utilizes memorable acrobatic performances, soundtrack, and costumes to convey the story. 

My mom and I have wanted to go to a Cirque Du Soleil show for YEARS and I am finally taking her this year for Mothers Day. 

Cirque Du Soleil is in town until June 5th at Concord Pacific Place. 

 

     2. The Real Wild West by FlyOver Canada

 

FlyOver Canada’s newest show takes you over the real wild west.  

Fly over the wild west in America and see iconic locations such as Lake Tahoe, Zion National Park, the Las Vegas Strip, and the Grand Canyon. Glide over prairies, soar through mountains, dip into valleys, and fly through urban areas without leaving downtown Vancouver. 

I have gone to a FlyOver Canada show nearly every year since it opened in 2013 and the shows never disappoint. I truly forget I’m sitting in Canada Place whenever I attend a show. 

This experience is on now till June 26th

 

     3. HMS Pinafore by Vancouver Opera 

Vancouver Opera will wrap up the 2021-2022 season with HMS Pinafore. 

HMS Pinafore is a comedic tale of forbidden love across classes and the mischief that takes place along the way. The show pokes fun at social hierarchies and is filled with absurd characters. Writer and comedian JD Derbyshire collaborated with director Brenna Corner to adapt the operetta for a modern audience. 

I wouldn’t classify myself as an opera fan but this show seems to promise a fun, laughter-filled evening. 

Opening night is April 30th but you can also catch a show on May 5th, 7th, and 8th. 

 

     4. Hamilton: An American Musical

Hamilton The Musical

photographingtravis / Flickr

         The world-famous Broadway musical, Hamilton, is making its way to Vancouver at the end of May. Hamilton tells the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Playwright, Lin-Manuel Miranda, combined traditional-style show tunes with hip-hop, r&b, pop, and soul to create the unique, unforgettable soundtrack.

Opening night is May 24th and shows run nearly every day until June 19th at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

 

How to enjoy art on a student budget

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As an art lover, I am beyond ecstatic when my friends ask if we can go to an art exhibit. Unfortunately, we’re all college students who don’t have enough pocket money to buy a ticket for an art exhibit whenever we want. And although some galleries like Vancouver Art Gallery have admission by donation some days, it’s usually during the week when I have class and mountains of homework. But fear not, for I have found some inexpensive local art galleries. 

Art GalleryMysticcountry / Flickr 

First is the Burnaby Art Gallery, located not too far from BCIT’s Burnaby campus. Burnaby Art Gallery permanently showcases over 6000 works of art by local and international artists. They also have exhibits throughout the year. The current exhibits showcase art done by Burnaby students and are set to open on April 28th. Admission is free but donations are accepted

Langley Centennial Museum in Fort Langley is split into two galleries. One displays a historical collection of Indigenous tools and art and as well shows what life was like for the European and Asian settlers when they came to Langley. The second gallery is a temporary exhibit that displays art, history, or science with a local or international focus. This is a fun way to spend time in Fort Langley instead of just shopping. 

If you are looking for more contemporary art, you should head to Catriona Jeffries Gallery in Vancouver. The gallery focuses on conceptual art practices that have emerged from the West Coast and have gained international fame. Admission to the internationally renowned gallery is surprisingly free. 

This last museum is a bit of a drive which counter-acts the inexpensive part but displays the unique culture and history of Vancouverites’ favourite weekend getaway. The Whistler Museum documents the natural and human history of mountain life. The museum shows the history of Whistler, from its pioneer days to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Admission is by donation but you do have to drive a couple of hours to get up there. 

I’m so happy to have found ways to enjoy local and international art without breaking the bank. 

Invictus Games coming to Vancouver with a new look

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Exciting news for British Columbians: The first Hybrid-Winter Invictus Games are to be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2025. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made the announcement at the closing ceremonies for the 2022 Games in The Netherlands.

The Games will be held in partnership with the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waltuth nations. 

We will be the second Canadian city to host the Invictus Games; the first was Toronto in 2017. But instead of having to live up to their legacy, Vancouver will set its own! 

Vancouver and Whistler were also the hosts for the first Paralympic Winter Games held in Canada. That was as well the second time the Paralympics were held in Canada. Toronto hosted the 1976 Summer Paralympics. 

The Invictus Games is an international sports event for wounded, injured, and sick service people and veterans. The Games use the power of sports to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation while generating a wider understanding and respect for all those who serve their country. Prince Harry founded the competition in 2013 while the first Games were hosted the following year in London. 

The competition will feature both winter sports and sports from previous Invictus Games. 500 athletes from over 20 nations will compete in numerous sports over the eight-day competition, including alpine skiing, nordic skiing, wheelchair curling, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and more. 

I am excited to go support the athletes in Vancouver. Prince Harry was inspired to bring adaptive sports competitions to an international level after opening the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado. The Invictus Games website sats Prince Harry saw how the power of sports could aid injured and ill competitors physically, psychologically, and socially. It’ll be quite an inspiring event to attend. Not only are you giving these competitors a platform to share their stories and struggles, but you get to witness their tenacity in person.