Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers at the Museum of Anthropology

Comments 14 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC and The Americas Research Network (ARENET) present the world premiere of Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers / Soñadores + creadores del cambio. The exhibition will showcase for the first time in Canada the rich traditions of 33 Xicanx artists, whose art practices draw on their Mexican-American heritage and generations of activism that began as part of El Movimiento, the Chicano civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s in the U.S.

Mexican-American Art and Activism at the MOA's Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers
La Güera, Ana Hernández. Private collection. Photo courtesy of the artist

A celebration of the many Xicanx artists who have and continue to combine art and activism in the vital, ongoing fight for social justice for all. 

Xicanx is jointly curated by Greta de León, Executive Director of The Americas Research Network, and Jill Baird, Curator of Education at MOA.

Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers

  • When: May 12, 2022–January 1, 2023
  • Where: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available online

Win Passes

Win Passes to the Museum of Anthropology

“Xicanx” – the neutral grammatical gender of Chicano/a – is a term that transcends borders and gender to represent the lived, multigenerational experiences of Xicanx people’s personal, social and political activism. Largely identifying as Mexican American, Xicanx artists encompass many diverse backgrounds, including Mestizo/a (mixed ancestry with an Indigenous background), feminist, queer, non-binary, immigrant, and more.

Working across all artistic mediums, Xicanx artists began their activism through art in the 1960s and 70s, rooted in the wider U.S. civil rights movement, and remain essential to the movement towards social justice today, speaking to issues of borders and immigration, racism and hate crimes, identity and belonging.

Xicanx features artworks by 33 Mexican American artists from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, New York and Texas, most exhibiting in Canada for the first time. The exhibition is centered around five themes: neighbourhoods, identity, borderlands, home, and activism. The works span from 1970 to 2022, and encompass predominantly paintings and prints, but also sculptural works, multimedia, and a newly commissioned, site-specific altar installation with a spoken-word video component celebrating “Rasquachismo,” a term coined by eminent Chicano scholar Tomás Ybarra Frausto.

Each theme will be accompanied by quotes from Xicanx writers, scholars or artists, thereby centering the voices of the community as the authors of their own story. Representing an expansive collection of Xicanx works, diverse in form, aesthetic, and theme, the curatorial variety showcases an inherent strength in the movement’s diversity of thought, influence, and practice, while inclusive of their shared intercultural and intersectional identities.

The exhibition is accompanied by Xicanx Digital, an online platform with artists’ contributions and essays on Xicanx film, food, music and murals.

Related: Museum of Anthropology

7th Annual WNORTH Conference

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 2022 WNORTH Conference, a leadership conference for women, is returning this year with inspirational hybrid programming with panels and workshops.

From an opening reception to high-level training and networking opportunities surrounding this year’s theme of The New Leadership Playbook for an Inclusive Economy, you can engage with visionary speakers and industry experts for a powerful event that will profoundly change your perspective on the future of leadership.

WNORTH - Photo Submitted
WNORTH – Photo Submitted

7th Annual WNORTH Conference

  • When: April 27-29, 2022
  • Where: Live from Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, and online/virtual
  • Tickets: In person ticket sales have ended but you can still get a virtual conference pass

Confirmed speakers include Shannon Platz, Global Vice President, Platform Solutions at SAP (live); Dr. Chitra Anand, Author of “The Greenhouse Approach” (live); Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta (virtual); Emily Chang, CEO, China at McCann Worldgroup (virtual); Amy Nelson, Founder of The Riveter (virtual); Dr. Roselle M. Gonsalves, Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at ATB Financial (in-person); Jenn Harper, CEO and Founder of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics (virtual); Ashley Freeborn, Founder of Smash + Tess (virtual); Jane Stoller, Founder of Organized Jane and Author (in-person); and Hitha Palepu, Author of “We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris” (live).

In-person components will take place at Nita Lake Lodge, 500 feet from the base of Whistler Mountain and the Creekside Gondola, with virtual portions streaming on Bizzabo to attendees around the globe on Thursday, April 28th.

“After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, I am thrilled to be able to bring back our annual conference in a safe, hybrid setting. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors SAP, ATB Financial, Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, and Nita Lake Lodge,” says Heather Odendaal, Founder of WNORTH.

“Our mission at WNORTH has always been to uplift and push organizations to work toward leadership models that are inclusive, transparent, urgent, and boldly collaborative. Now more than ever, women at all career levels need adequate support from their organizations and leaders, as well as the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, which is why I felt it was imperative to bring the conference back in 2022.”

All WNORTH Conference attendees, speakers, and staff must comply with the Provincial Health Orders of British Columbia. Proof of full vaccination and indoor mask wearing is required. WNORTH also requires proof of a negative antigen or PCR test carried out within the last 72 hours. At this time, the event venue will operate at 50% capacity.

Related: 2017 conference recap by Jen Murtagh

8 Places for Brunch Downtown Vancouver

Add a Comment by Haley

Vancouver’s culinary scene is never short of plentiful options, and that naturally includes an insta-worthy weekend brunch. Here is my curated list of the top 8 restaurants to add to your lineup:

8 Places for Brunch Downtown Vancouver

Brunch at Palete Kitchen. Photo by: rishiedecity.
  • Palete Kitchen
    • What: Palete Kitchen is best known for being a hot spot all day long. They are open nearly all day for brunch, in addition to their to-go coffee shop. Reservations can be easily booked on their website.
    • Where: 848 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1C8.
    • When: Weekdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Weekends and Holidays, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  • OEB Breakfast Co.
    • What: OEB is a community favorite spot, with over 1,500 Google reviews. They offer an extensive menu, complete with many gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options (and ten different breakfast poutine options).
    • Where: They have four Vancouver area locations you can view on their website.
    • When: Most locations are open 7:00 am – 3:00 pm daily.
  • Heirloom
    • What: They are most known for their vegan buttermilk pancakes. The dish comes with sweet date butter, walnuts and a bourbon apple compote. Heirloom also has an infamous juice bar.
    • Where: 2861 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J4.
    • When: Weekdays, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Weekends, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Jam Cafe
    • What: Jam Cafe immediately caught my eye with a stack of Nutella pancakes. They are also well known for their cinnamon bun pancakes with cream cheese icing. Perfect for a sweet tooth.
    • Where: 556 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3 or 2153 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7.
    • When: Open 7 days a week from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm daily, including most Holidays.
  • Fufu Pancake Cafe
    • What: Fufu’s Pancake Cafe offers authentic Japanese style soufflé pancakes. Their Earl Grey Creme Brûlée Soufflé is the current feature.
    • Where: 1266 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G6.
    • When: Sunday – Thursday (closed Mondays) 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Weekends, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
  • Honey Salt
    • What: Honey Salt is a light and airy spot, perfect for an afternoon with friends. This is a location that has options for everyone – everything from smoothies to the classic chicken and waffles.
    • Where:  39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7.
    • When: Weekday breakfasts, 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Weekend brunch, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm.
  • Forage
    • What: Forage has a farm-to-table style, complete with heartier options and a delicious cocktail menu (and NA options).
    • Where: 300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C.
    • When: Weekday breakfasts, 7:00 am – 11:00 am. Weekend brunch, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm.
  • Twisted Fork
    • What: Twisted Fork Bistro is another community favorite, located in Gastown. Their Eggs Benny is an always great choice.
    • Where: 213 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2.
    • When: Brunch is everyday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

For more things to do around Vancouver, check out Miss604’s weekend event list. And, as always, leave a comment if you have any must try brunch recommendations.

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day in Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The other day I grabbed a cup of coffee and decided to walk from Downtown to Chinatown, or as I like to call it: The Paper Hound to Massy Books route. With Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (“CIBD”) on the way – it’s always on the last Saturday in April – I wanted to highlight these shops and others in our community who are very worthy of your support.

These indie bookstores are deeply passionate about their work, they prioritize customer service, and they provide unmatched value for the book-buying public.

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day 2022 Box

Independent Bookstore Day in Vancouver

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (April 30, 2022) is the annual day when readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, and other industry supporters come together to celebrate indie bookstores across Canada. By joining the celebration, you are advocating for independent businesses, supporting a flourishing bookselling community, and investing in Canadian culture.

Independent booksellers are an integral part of Canadian culture. Indie bookstores are pillars of the communities in which they reside. Their staff are actively involved in the neighbourhood and provide an inclusive space where people can connect over shared interests and engage in important discourse. Local booksellers also play a vital role in the Canadian literary ecosystem. They are conduits of discovery, championing Canadian creators at all career stages and introducing Canadian readers to a diverse range of voices – including writers who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, and LGBTQ2S+ – from across Canada’s rich cultural landscape.

Participating Locations in Vancouver

Local shops across Canada are planning celebratory activities for the big day including customer giveaways, discounts, exclusive products, author events, and more. In Vancouver, look for special offerings from:

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day Vancouver 2022
  1. Banyen Books
  2. Pulpfiction Books West
  3. Kidsbooks
  4. Upstart & Crow
  5. Hager Books Ltd
  6. Book Warehouse (Broadway)
  7. Book Warehouse (Main)
  8. Pulpfiction Books on Main
  9. The Paper Hound
  10. Massy Books
  11. Pulpfiction Books East
  12. Iron Dog Books

Visit as many of the stores listed here as you can for chances to win awesome gift certificates, bookish accessories and other great literary items. Each bookstore is running their own draw and there are many prizes to be won from the stores, and publishers such as Raincoast Books, Ampersand Inc., Harper Collins, Canadian Manda Group, and Penguin Random House.

You can also enter to win the Canada-wide CIBD contest online here.

CIBD is an opportunity to raise awareness about everything that indies have to offer. Follow on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter for info about the campaign.

Related: Book archive

Summer at Burnaby Village Museum

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Burnaby Village Museum Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

It’s a favourite, free, local attraction filled with history, family fun, and learning in a beautiful setting! Now, get ready for summer at Burnaby Village Museum with new activities along with your favourite things to see and do as this 10 acre open air museum celebrates its 50th anniversary.

50th Burnaby Village Museum Summer

Summer at Burnaby Village Museum

  • When: May 7 to September 5, 2022
    • 11:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday, including statutory holidays
  • Where: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby)
  • Admission: FREE! Ride the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel for $2.65

This May marks 50 years since the Burnaby Village Museum (“BVM”) opened to the public for its first full year in 1972. They will celebrate the momentous occasion with new exhibits, entertainment and activities, offering visitors an immersive experience of the 1920s village comprising heritage and recreated buildings.

Burnaby Village Museum Summer 2
Photo submitted

What’s New at Burnaby Village Museum

  • We are 50: Explore the Unexpected: This new exhibit will showcase objects rarely seen by the public before.
  • Kids Conservation Lab: Go behind-the-scenes and learn what it takes to be a museum conservator in this interactive exhibit.
  • Anniversary arches: Life-sized arch installations will showcase the museum’s evolving role in the community through the eyes of local artists. To be unveiled late May 2022.
  • Scavenger hunt & giveaways: Pickup your scavenger hunt at the gates and explore conservation projects of all sizes throughout the museum. Special 50th anniversary giveaways available at both gates for opening weekend (May 7 & 8).
  • View through time: Learn the history of the museum’s buildings through photographs and anniversary banners.
  • Explore the carousel gallery and discover the history behind this 100+ year old treasure of the fairgrounds.
  • Museum memory book craft: Design your own keepsake memory book of your visit to the museum.
  • Community day: Join BVM on May 23 for their big anniversary celebration with live music, activities and speeches beginning at 2:00pm.
  • Walking tours: Beginning May 24, you can register and participate in a guided walking tour of the museum. Tours will take place every Tuesday and Saturday at 2:00pm.
Burnaby Village Museum Summer Collage
Photos submitted

“We’re very excited about our anniversary celebrations and hope that Burnaby residents and visitors from all over will celebrate with us,” said Deborah Tuyttens, the museum’s Cultural Heritage Manager. “It’s a great time to look back at the village’s history, but it’s also a great time to look forward,” she said.

The museum has also created a coffee table book titled, Our Stories at 50: Fifty Years at the Burnaby Village Museum to mark this special occasion. Enjoy learning more about the museum in this beautiful anniversary book, available for purchase at the carousel gift shop.

Follow Burnaby Village Museum on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for more info.

Miss604 is a proud media partner of this event.