Hot Tubbin' For Justice

As seen on the corner of Main and Cordova on February 14th For the past few years I've made it a personal priority to learn more about indigenous and First Nations issues in our country - the history, politics, art, culture, governance systems and everything in between. It's daunting. I went to school in an era that didn't have any of this in the curriculum - we learned about European history, a little ancient history, a little Canadian (settler colonialist history) history but never much about Canada's dark past when it comes to our real history.  I've attended a number of forums and events and read a few books about residential schools and reconciliation. I also made sure to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action to see where they fit into my work and personal lives. I've also read the UNDRIP. Now we have a Ministry in government of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation! I went to a reception at the BC Cabinet and First ...

Tanya Fader (PHS), Angel Gates and the moderator from Reel Causes  My friend Dionne invited me to attend a screening of Wayne Wapeemukwa's film Luk'Luk'I at the theatre at SFU Woodward's. Organized by Reel Causes, it was a fundraiser in support of the Portland Hotel Society  (shout out to CUPE 1004 and CUPE 1936 who rep the workers). The theatre was packed by the time we got there and judging by the energy in the room, I knew we were in for an interesting evening.  Culture Saves Lives Women Spirit Drummers introduced themselves and gave acknowledgement to Tracey Morrison, a well-known DTES activist who we lost last year and before they treated us to"Strong Woman's Song," they recognized all of the sisters up at the front alongside them event if you can't see them (MMIWG). The song's history is rooted by women in the Kingston Pen. The song helped keep women strong and connect their spirits. It was the first time some of them ever per...

Last week I had the fortune of attending two great community events that highlighted the resilience and community vibe of the Downtown East Side.  Herstory in Focus: Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre is an inclusive facility that is there to assist women and children on the DTES of Vancouver. Herstory in Focus was their second annual gala event where women from the DEWC starred in their own fashion show at the Vancouver Art Gallery.  We were treated to the Wildflower Women of Turtle Island drumming in with Women's Warrior Song. Cecilia Point, from Musqueam gave the territorial acknowledgment to open the event. There was also a live auction and greetings from City of Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson.  Carol Martin, a well-known activist and worker at the DEWC emceed the fashion show. She brought a sense of fun and empowerment as she described each woman who walked down the runway. She said that the DEWC helps builds th...

This afternoon, I left my apartment with the intention of going for a walk in Kitsilano to do a little bit of Christmas shopping. As I approached the bus stop I noticed the Vancouver Police Department had blocked off the intersection at Broadway and Fir. It wasn't very clear what was going on so I walked down to get a closer look to check out the situation. The closer I got I realized that it was a protest march - and then I saw the familiar shade of fuschia poking out of the crowd - the CUPE flag! There was a float at the front along with the vibrant sounds of a dixieland band and the marchers carried signs, black coffins and banners in support of the Rainer Hotel . It was a strong image that was tasteful and and a great example of the power of respectful civil disobedience. Well organized and well planned - mad props to CUPE 1004 for organizing. Marching along Broadway - what a procession! I ran into one of the exec members of CUPE 1004 and asked wha...

Bums. Whores. Druggies. Losers. Gross. Stinky. Disgusting. Lazy. Sad. Not my problem. All words that I admit I've thought and said about the people of the Downtown Eastside. The DTES is Canada's poorest neighbourhood.  Growing up in the Lower Mainland we're all told to avoid the DTES because it's rough. Drugs, violence, mental illness, prostitution - it's all there and right out in the open. Just because you ignore it doesn't mean it will go away and in fact, the problem just keeps getting worse and worse. The government is making major cuts to social services and health care leaving our poorest and most vulnerable with nowhere to go but the street. The mainstream media paints the residents of the DTES as lazy people who just want to sponge off the system.  At the corner of Hastings and Gore sits the   First United Church ;  an organization and building that has been there for 125 years.  Last year our department made the decision that we wanted to do som...