Battling Two Pandemics: the Virus and Racism

In most news reports, we hear the ICU’s mentioned and used as a focal point in the coverage of the pandemic, and some mention of emergency rooms. But one department, a key player and stakeholder in pandemic management, has been left out of the spotlight. We invited General Internal Medicine doctor, Dr. Jessica Liu, to give us an inside view on her role and her hospital’s role in crisis management this past year, and a glimpse of what she sees as an Asian-Canadian on the frontlines.

Read More
Asian Representation at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2021

Canada celebrated its annual most fashionable night in, at the first virtual production of the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards gala on May 19th. Nominees, Honourees, Sponsors, and Guests all tuned in from home, work, or the backyard, to toast some of the nation’s most talented creators in the fashion industry. Several Asian artists and creatives were nominated and in some cases, took home the trophy! Because it’s Asian Heritage Month, it is even more important to highlight some of these individuals and their achievements.

Read More
Vincent Chin and a turning point in the Asian American Movement

Vincent’s name and story is one that isn’t told enough: a young Chinese man beaten to death in Detroit due to anti-Japanese sentiment in 1982, just days before his wedding. The killers apparently assumed Chin was of Japanese descent and are alleged to have used racial slurs as they attacked, as the Japanese were blamed for taking up jobs in the automotive sector at the time. He was chased down and beaten to death by Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz, both who were never brought to justice for this cruel and racially-driven murder. They never spent a single day in jail. His murder and the outrage became a pivotal moment in the Asian American Movement.

Read More
#Stop Asian Hate: "Eyes Open - an Asian heritage month PSA 2021"

Sharing the work of fellow Canadians at the NCCAAAR in honour of Asian Heritage Month. A powerful video that we all need to watch. We are proud to join the National Coalition of Canadians Against Anti-Asian Racism (NCCAAAR) in calling on all #Canadians to recognize and stand up against all forms of #antiAsian racism in our communities. #FaceRace #StopAsianHate #AsianHeritageMonth

Read More
#Stop Asian Hate: Indifference to Love And Compassion

Outrage and disappointment that at this point in our history in North America, this is happening, and sadness for our elder generation that has already gone through so much more racial discrimination in their lifetimes, while trying to pave a better life for us. The central tenet of my grandparents’ and parents’ generation of immigrant Chinese was to provide for family, often making clear personal and material sacrifices with complete dedication to provide for the next generation. They deserve better, and outrage is simply not enough. What can we do that is actionable and that will make a difference long-term?

Read More
In My View: Resilience, Art and Migration (Asian Heritage Month)

In this lively one hour event, a panel of celebrated cultural leaders and award winning artists come together to discuss how they've navigated and succeeded in the world of performing arts. Moderator Jasmine Chen will be asking Writer/Director/Musician Romeo Candido, Choreographer/OAYSIS Studios Founder Ming-Bo Lam, and Artistic Leader/Theatre Artist Miriam Fernandes about their journeys in building their own platforms and amplifying the voices of their communities. They will share their insights and experiences in how resilience has enabled them to adapt, particularly during the pandemic, which has threatened the survival of the performing arts industry.

Read More
Grace Chan 陳凱琳: Time Changes Pace As a Young Mother 新手媽媽重編時間步伐

We sat down with Hong Kong-born and Vancouver-raised actress, entrepreneur and stylish mom, Grace Chan, to learn more about how this turbulent year has led her to reflect on time as a young mother of two. Grace and celebrity husband Kevin Cheng gave birth to a second son during the pandemic in 2020. Read here for Grace Chan's personal story of learning her new identity as a mother.

Read More
TIFF 2021 Asian Heritage Month Programming: Asia Unbound

In honour of Asian Heritage Month in May, TIFF will be highlighting excellence in Asian cinema. The month-long programme, Asia Unbound, focuses on youthful narratives that transcend borders, generations, memories, and identities. Films and digital events throughout the month feature well-known talent from the diaspora, emerging artists, and also renowned auteurs from the Asian continent. Through storytelling that is authentic, touching, humorous, and powerful, Asia Unbound intends to explore — and find inspiration in — the joys, fears, vulnerability, and in-betweenness that underscore Asian identity in today’s world.

Read More
Mother's Day 2021 Gift Guide

In celebration of Mother's Day right around the corner, we hand-selected a collection of gifts for the incredible mothers in your life — whether it's your own mom, the mother of your child, or a friend who has been an inspiring mom model, this is a special day to pamper and recognize them. Especially as provinces across Canada are in extended lockdowns due to the pandemic, sending a gift and seeing each other online might be what many of us are doing this year. From local brands to our brand partners and fashion houses, see which ideas are our top picks this season!

Read More