Author Archives: Neena

Why We Can’t Forget Hogan’s Alley

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Fifty years ago, the construction of the Georgia Viaduct in Vancouver displaced a thriving cultural community, Hogan’s alley.

The freeway now stands where hundreds of Black families lived and worked. It was a safe place for Black Canadians at the time, where they wouldn’t be in fear of racism and violence. Notably, Nora Hendrix, the grandmother of rock legend Jimi Hendrix, lived a few blocks from Hogan’s Alley.

Since the displacement, the area is being rapidly gentrified, and until recently, there were no cultural amenities or commemorations in the historical area. Colonialism is all about silencing the oppressed, “the past is the past” has been a cop-out for years.

In fact, most Vancouverites had no idea Vancouver once was home to a thriving Black community.

In order to survive, Black Canadians and other immigrants have stayed silent for years to avoid violence and further displacement. This invisibility has worked in favour of the government for years.

In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement grew immensely, striking up massive protests and growing momentum worldwide for change and equality. The movement held space for conversations surrounding injustices facing Black people. The United States isn’t the only country where Black people fear their lives.

Recently, several initiatives have been made to restore and pay tribute to Vancouver’s first concentrated Black community.

Nora Hendrix Place is a temporary modular housing development run by the Hogans Alley Society and the Portland Hotel Society. The 52-unit space provides housing for low-income individuals, prioritizing those with Black heritage.

A Black Cultural Centre is in the works. Approved by the City of Vancouver, the Cultural Centre will be a hub for the Black community. Education resources, food, art, music and dance that empower Black Canadian heritage are all examples of programming that promote community building.

This week, Strathcona elementary school students are urging the school board to rename the school after famous Black Olympian Barbara Howard. Howard is believed to be the first Black woman to represent Canada in an international competition. She’s not only celebrated for her athletic achievements, but Howard also taught at Strathcona after retiring as an athlete. According to the grade 7 students, Lord Strathcona, a European Colonialist, doesn’t represent the school’s diversity.

Petition to Rename Lord Strathcona Elementary

As we progress in society, we are working towards amplifying the voices of Black and Indigenous people, who’ve previously been silenced. We are not going to let the rich history of Hogan’s Alley be forgotten.

Vancouver’s culture isn’t yoga pants and skiing.

Vancouver’s culture is Indigenous history, Black lives, Asian lives, and the resilience of immigrants that have worked to death in order for their families to survive.

Vancouver Skate Culture

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Skateboarding has gone from being labelled a “slacker” pastime to an Olympic sport as of 2020. As a west coast city, Vancouver continues to play an important role in expanding skate culture into the mainstream. In fact, Vancouver is home to some of Canada’s oldest skateparks and skate shops.

Skateboard culture all began in California back in the ’50s, just down the coast. When waves were flat, surfers began “sidewalk surfing.” The sport was considered very taboo but somehow gained a cult-like following.

(@VSBCoalition/Twitter)

In Vancouver, we are home to some of Canada’s oldest skateparks and skate shops. Often compared to California, B.C. is known for our laid-back vibes and West Coast spirit. With the mountains (full of snowboarders) and the ocean (for the surfers) framing our city, local thrill-seekers, were ready to try out the pavement.

Notably, Vancouver is quite liberal and has welcomed skaters by providing open public spaces like the downtown art gallery plaza, where skaters can socialize and skate without fear of authorities. Making Vancouver a global attraction for skateboard tourists and a home to many professional skaters.

In April 2003, the Vancouver city council passed a motion that city bylaws be amended to permit the use of skateboards and in-line skates on city streets. The bylaw also eliminated police authority to seize and detain skateboards, which was previously possible if skaters were caught trespassing.

In comparison to Toronto,

Traffic and Parking prohibits the use of skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and similar devices on the roadway on streets where there are sidewalks, except for the purpose of crossing the road. (City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950)

Now, Vancouver is looking to you for direction in developing Vancouver’s skate culture. “Vancouver CitySkate” is a long-term plan for creating and expanding skateboard facilities across Vancouver. City of Vancouver has posted a survey for the public, so that locals can map out where they want parks/spaces and have the facilities truly reflect Vancouver’s skate community.

The 2021 Olympics will be a huge step for skateboard culture. The previously stereotyped and judged sport will finally be legitimized, putting Vancouver on the map as a hub for competitions and events.

We should all be excited for the years to come, as one of the parents, or maybe aunt’s, of skateboard culture.

Returning to Stadiums

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As Canada continues to vaccinate the general population, we’re coming seemingly closer and closer to the end of this mess. Over 50% of Canada’s eligible population have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

With the good news, sports fans are on the edge of their seats to return to stadiums.

“As soon as there is a chance to play at home, we are ready to go home and ready to party,” said Axel Schuster, CEO and sporting director for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Hope and optimism have been challenging to maintain over the past year, but don’t give up. Last week, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed the possibility of fans returning to sporting events.

(kristinelonsford / Pixabay)

Sports like hockey are more difficult because they’re indoors, so we should see a later return in the fall. However, football, soccer, and baseball stadiums allow for fresh air flow, making them a far safer option, so by mid-late summer, you could see a BC Lions game live from BC Place.

Vancouver is also still hoping to host the Canada Sevens Rugby tournament this fall.

The BC Lions have pitched a return-to-play proposal for this summer which includes, a capacity of roughly 4,500 fans. The open roof feature at BC Place makes for a safe environment to enjoy your favourite sport and bring back the fan culture our local teams have been missing.

Do you remember the first sports game you watched on TV amidst the pandemic? It was jarring to hear no cheers and screams, to not see tears shed and smiling faces. Crowds are a huge part of any sport. A full house of cheering fans can be what pushes your team to a win.

Fans create the atmosphere of what sports are. Not to mention how many leagues rely on their dedicated fans to stay afloat. 60% of the CFL’s revenue comes from fans at the gate. Another year of empty stadiums could be the breaking point.

We’re all excited for a return to normalcy. Whatever that will mean? As long as that return includes seeing a Whitecaps game, many Vancouverites will be happy. A return to the stadium is important for fans and players. Let’s work together so that we can cheer together.

 

Reviewing the Highs and Lows of Vancouver Fashion

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As a self-proclaimed fashion expert, I’ve always had an opinion on Vancouver’s fashion culture. A 2011 article by Canada MSN Travel ranked Vancouver the third worst-dressed city in the world.

We’ve got a broad range, from the athleisure cults to Birkenstocks to power suits. We’ve got it all. And with that, there is good and bad.

Next time you’re on a city stroll, look around at the outfits people have put together. Take note of the colours, styles and textures your fellow Vancouverites have come up with. And I’m not talking about high fashion here. I’m talking about your neighbour Linda or some guy walking his dog on the sea wall. Clothing is a way to tell a story about yourself without saying anything. Everything you wear is intentional, whether you believe it or not.

With my humble and usually correct opinion, I will be reviewing and analyzing some Vancouver fashion staples and trends.

Vancouver is the birthplace of Lululemon, one of, if not the most successful athleisure brands in the world. This is why the athleisure style is so (in my opinion) over-saturated here on the coast. Yes, guys, I know it’s comfortable and practical! But that’s where it ends. Leggings and track pants aren’t a look. Sure, wear them while you’re working out, but I’m sad to inform you, you’re not pulling a ‘look’ together. It just is what it is, bland and not very flattering. Add to that, way too expensive, oh my god.

On average, Vancouver has 192.4 rainfall days a year. We all got to have a sturdy raincoat, and with that comes, believe it or not, raincoat culture. There are more affordable options like MEC. But many Vancouverites splurge and stunt some Arcteryx or Patagonia. And hey, if you’re going to spend 400 dollars on a rain jacket, why wouldn’t you wear it all year? If you were to pull Vancouverites off the street and guess the weather based on their outfits, you would be thrown for a loop. Raincoats are worn year long as a subtle flex of wealth and practicality. I think it can look a little silly when the sun is out, and the prices are insane, but it seems like a good investment as a raincity resident, and I’m kind of here for it.

Vancouver isn’t only for rich people who can throw their money away on leggings and luxury raincoats (I mean, it kinda is). The other notable side to Vancouver is our West Coast, Commercial Drive East Vancouver Hippy realness. That in itself can mean many things, but I mean, it is a lot of things. Birkenstocks are a must, and I know they get a bad rap. Often criticized as “Jesus sandals,” the chunky sandals are a little ugly, but they somehow have stuck around for years, so there’s an undeniable beauty to the infamous footwear. I’ll also lump canvas totes and linen flowy pants with the sandals, as they are all shapeless, almost anti-fashion pieces. I think I’m biased as the child of two East Van hippies, but this style gets a yes from me. It’s reasonably affordable, effortless, and it also just gives off good chill vibes, unlike athleisure, which gives evil sci-fi vibes.

With all this being said, wear whatever the heck you want. I’m a hypocrite, and I’ve probably worn all of the above but let me have my moment. Whether you like athleisure or not, your style is your style, and it’s a tool to express yourself, so have fun with it!

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” —Yves Saint Laurent

Asian Heritage Month and Addressing Anti-Asian Hate

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May is Asian Heritage Month, and it’s a time to celebrate and commemorate the influence Asian Canadians have had on Canada and the United States’ culture, history and achievements. 

This year, Vancouver has plenty in store to celebrate the arts and our cultural diversity. Vancouver is heavily influenced by Asian culture. According to StatCan, 43% of the Vancouver community is somewhat linked to Asia in terms of heritage. And a lot of it we take for granted! 

During May, it’s important to educate yourself on the impact, and history Asian-Canadians have in Canada. Not everywhere in Canada has such a diverse and rich culture. 

Immigration is an important part of our country’s identity and success. Over half of Canada’s total immigrants come from the Asia Pacific. But growing ethnic diversity isn’t a straightforward tale with a happy ending. Although Canada has welcomed many immigrants, the fight doesn’t stop there for most. 

Settling in a new country isn’t easy. With language barriers and new social norms, the transition can be challenging. Many Asian Canadians tell their stories of adjusting and being met with racism and ignorance. 

Ignorance means, lack of knowledge or information. Most prejudices and biases are rooted in a lack of understanding and education. This is another reason why Asian Heritage Month is so important. It’s important that the younger generations grow up in a norm of learning about other cultures and appreciating the unique beauty in each and every heritage. 

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino, Vancouver was recently named the city with the highest number of anti-Asian hate crimes in North America in 2020. 

During the pandemic, we’ve seen spikes in anti-Asian hate crimes. Which again roots back to ignorance, lack of education, knowledge, whatever you want to call it. The blame on Asian people for a worldwide pandemic can be debunked in seconds if you take the time to educate yourself. It’s important to keep these conversations going and implement education and appreciation of other cultures into our day-to-day, outside of May.

Canada can continue to move in the right direction, as we welcome more immigrants and celebrate other cultures, because as Canadians, we are nice and polite, remember?! 

Let’s stop Asian hate.

How to Stay Active this Summer

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The Lower Mainland has been treated to some sweet weather over the past couple of weeks, excluding the biweekly torrential downpour and terrifying thunderstorm a couple of nights ago… Anyways! The sun has been out! 

And as Vancouverites, once there is a glimmer of sun, we flock to the beaches and pray the sun lasts another day. My mental health is very dependent on the weather, so I really don’t know why I live in Vancouver! But if you relate at all, you’ll know that, when it’s sunny, you seize the day! Carpe Diem or whatever!

Catching a tan is a staple! But, as cliche, as it is, staying active, does wonders for your mental and physical health, which I think many of us lack, coming out of a Vancouver winter/spring.

Today I’m going to run through a few sports and physical activities to keep you…

A) sane

and 

B) ripped, fit and hot

Starting off, you’ve definitely seen this one around, and for good reason! Spikeball! Spikeball bros are a staple to Vancouver beaches and parks. It’s a killer workout and brings on everyone’s competitive edge. Inspired by Volleyball, the game consists of a small trampoline-like circular net and a small bouncing ball. The game can be played with 2 – 6 players, so it’s super flexible. It’s a great idea to have a Spikeball set in your car this summer. Everyone will love and worship you. Trust me.

(Spikeball/Unsplash)

As I said, a tan is nice, but if you’re like me, you get bored and restless after an hour or two. And a dip in the ocean can be fun… but you know what’s better? Stand-up paddleboarding! It’s not only amazing for your core. Your quadriceps, shoulders, arms, and knees are all working together to propel you forward. But if you don’t want to push yourself, it can also be a leisurely activity that may include falling in the water more than once. Jericho, Deep Cove, Kitsilano, False Creek and English Bay all have paddleboard rental kiosks, some providing lessons if you’re a beginner. You can kill a whole day on one of these things, definitely worth the hype!

Lastly, probably the most “Vancouver” activity yet, biking! Biking is the preferred method of transportation for many Vancouverites. With bike lanes all across the city, you can get pretty much anywhere via bicycle. And your staying (or getting) fit in the process. There’s the classic sea wall route to explore with your pals, or you can be practical and bike to work or school if you don’t have the time and leisure. Biking is pretty self-explanatory. As long as you have a bike or one of those Mobi accounts, you’re good to go! Oh, and don’t forget a helmet!

This summer, it’s more important than ever to stay active for your mind, body, and soul! So I dare you to grab your bike or a Spikeball set or head on over to a beach and rent a paddleboard. Or even do a 3 in 1! 

Stay healthy and enjoy some summer sports Vancouver has to offer!

Honourable mentions,

  • Hiking 
  • Stairs at Wreck Beach
  • Aimless, lonely walks in the evening when you have no one to hang out with, and you’re trying to distract your mind from thinking about the looming future 
  • Kayaking

Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia now a Hall of Famer!

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Toronto Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia will be the first-ever fan named in the Basketball Hall of Fame!

If you’re a Raptors fan, you’re probably familiar with the man, the myth, the legend, and now Hall of Famer, Nav Bhatia, aka @superfan_nav.

Back in 1995, when the Raptors had their first game, Bhatia bought a ticket on a whim, and since then hasn’t missed a single home game! His dedication to the team is recognized globally. In 2019, Bhatia was gifted the championship ring by the raptors, which compliments his new Hall of Fame ring quite well!

His turban, championship ring, and superfan jersey gifted to him by the team in 1988 are now placed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The display is very distinctive to Bhatia’s legacy,

On his Twitter, @superfan_nav, he describes it as,

“The name Superfan Nav Bhatia will be immortalized. There is now a turban and the first fan honoured within the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. I am overcome with emotions today.”

Brampton, Ontario and all of Canada are cheering from the sidelines for Bhatia.
Over the past 25 years, he has purchased roughly 3,000 tickets to home games, gifting them to members of the GTA Sikh community. Many of those tickets have gone to children and families who could never afford a courtside ticket.

Bhatia came to Canada in 1984. As an immigrant, he faced many hardships, one being racism. Bhatia thinks it important for his community to celebrate their culture and encourage diversity and resilience in Canada and on the courtside. Every year, the superfan buys tickets for members of his community for the Sikh New Year, Vaisakh.

In 2018, he rightfully received a Royal Bank of Canada Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award, an honour given to those who contribute to the Canadian economy and Canadian society and Canada overall.

Nav Bhatia is bringing the world together through basketball, and he has all of Canada’s support!

Restoring Canoes and the History of False Creek

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Vancouver’s False Creek inlet is full of life. On any given day, you’ll see kayakers, yachts, motorboats, and aqua busses. It’s a bustling water world! I mean, no wonder! It’s gorgeous! You’re perfectly nestled between the towering Downtown architecture and quaint West End neighbourhoods. 

I don’t know about you, but when I think of False Creek and Olympic Village, I get a yuppy vibe with expensive coffee shops, yoga studios and massive breweries. But, like most places in Vancouver, the area is rich with history and culture, far before the white man’s footprint. 

“Archeological evidence and oral traditions record the First Nations use of the False Creek area for over 3000 years (Cheryl Chan, “Expo 86: When Vancouver Wooed the World-30 Photos, 30 Years Later,” Vancouver Sun, May 14,  2016, http://vancouversun.com/local-news/expo-86-when-vancouver) 

Before colonization, the inlet was home to the Coast Salish peoples. The Indigenous peoples treated the land and sea with eternal respect, but with their displacement and assimilation, False Creek was westernized. At first, as a polluting industrial site, and following Expo 86, a tourist hub.

(@false_creek/twitter)

As of more recently, the False Creek community has taken initiatives to reflect the history and culture of the Coast Salish peoples.

Concord Pacific has launched Canoe Cultures, a canoe carving and building program at the downtown Concord Community Park. The program works with Indigenous youth to educate and build strong leaders in their communities. 

The hands-on work includes building and restoring canoes and later racing them in the inlet. Canoe racing was banned years ago by settlers. Cultural bans like this were used to assimilate the Indigenous people and stop them from passing down their cultural traditions. 

Concord Pacific Canoe Cultures is led by Lead Carver Mike Billy Sr., a seventh-generation Squamish Nation canoe carver. The program provides the space and resources for Indigenous youth to learn and work with their elders and peers. 

The False Creek area is a community for Indigenous peoples. It’s time to restore the culture and history that colonizers worked to suppress. 

The Return of the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival Is Music to Our Ears!

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This year the TD Vancouver International Jazz festival is returning in the summer to bring us 52 free streamed concerts and workshops for its 35th Anniversary from June 25 to July 4, and yes, I said free! Last year, due to the pandemic, the highly anticipated festival was cancelled, and with Vancouver continuing to be in a quasi-lockdown, no one expected the exciting news! 

(Coastal Jazz/Facebook)

The line-up of the free program is bursting with talent like Dawn Pemberton, Krystle Dos Santos, Bonnie Northgraves Quartet, Eli Davidovici, and much much more.

Vancouver is rich in culture and history, and the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society works to

 “establish Vancouver as a centre for the creation and exchange of sounds and ideas between the local, national, and international music communities.”  (Coastal Jazz and Blues Society)

 

Obviously, nothing beats an in-person live jazz performance. Still, the virtually based festival events can provide jazz listeners from all over a soulful experience of four free daily concerts streamed out of Vancouver, from Granville Island and Railtown.

No matter where you are, at work, studying or dancing alone around your kitchen, you can enjoy Vancouver’s jazz and music scene! And check out what puts Vancouver on the map!

The festival anticipates, and we all certainly hope, that guidelines set down by the Provincial Health Office should relax by mid-summer. In that case, the jazz festival plans to have limited capacity in-person events, in restaurants, outdoors and other venues.

Each year Coastal Jazz provides free workshops, this year they will be streamed from Tom Lee Music Hall at 3:30 pm on Zoom. With lessons, from acclaimed pianist Roisin Adam, guitarist Ayla Tesler-Mabe and more!

All of these resources and culture are at your fingertips! And I’ll say it again, for free! There’s no reason to pass up these opportunities this summer.

Here you can stream the performances live. Next to each video on this playlist is when it’ll be streaming live, so mark off your calendar!

Let’s get jazzy, groovy and funky this summer!

 

Let’s Bring Back Drive-In Theatres!

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It’s hard to plan for weekends these days… This year, I think I’ve sat on every park bench within a 10 km radius. Vancouver parks are becoming the new nightclubs!

Maybe that’s your cup of tea, or should I say can of beer… As for me, I’m sick of my butt freezing as the sun sets, and I’m sick of looking into a black void while talking to a friend! 

Well, after rediscovering the Twilight Drive-In, my butt is perfectly warm in my Mazda 5, and instead of a black void, I’m looking into the eyes of Brad Pitt… kinda? 

(Twilight Drive-In/Facebook)

The Twilight Drive-In is the last drive-in theatre left in Metro Vancouver. Located in Langley, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver. 

The experience of a drive-in movie is unlike anything else… It’s nostalgic, super fun, unique and perfectly suited for a pandemic! Seeing any film on the big screen adds a certain magic, and due to Covid-19 restrictions, indoor movie theatres just haven’t been an option. But, the Twilight Drive-In is keeping that magic alive!

Prior to the pandemic, drive-in movies were being labelled as a dying medium. They were all the rage in the 50’s and 60’s, I mean who can forget John Travolta being stranded at a drive-in in Grease? Whyyy oh why? So what happened? 

In 1933, Richard Hollingshead opened the first drive-in theatre. He created the vehicle seating and outdoor atmosphere as a solution for people who couldn’t fit comfortably in smaller movie theatre seats. The idea was sparked by him trying to accommodate his own mother! 

But as time has gone by, since then, normal indoor movie theatres have improved their seating, their prices, and most of all, the convenience. No matter where you are in the Lower Mainland, there’s probably a movie theatre within 5 km of you! You can go rain or shine, and probably get some errands done in the same mall the Cineplex is in! 

But a lot has changed in the past year…

Drive-in’s in essence, are all about that socially distanced privacy that your car provides. So what better time than now to pack up some cozies with your best friend, family member or partner, and head to Langley to watch a movie under the stars!

Twilight Drive-In Vancouver’s only drive-in movie theatre

Check out what’s showing this week and be sure to prepurchase your tickets online! As we head into the summer, they’re becoming a hot commodity!