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Intriguing Connections – Pop Up Book Gathering

 


Please join us for an Intriguing Connections: Pop-Up Book Gathering at the Wesbrook Community Centre in Wesbrook Village.

You’re invited to slow down, browse, and connect through books at a welcoming community pop-up gathering in the outdoor space at Wesbrook Community Centre. Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of English, multilingual, translated, and independent titles, the pop-up offers something for every kind of reader, from introspective nonfiction to contemporary fiction.

Come take a break, discover something unexpected, enjoy a quiet moment of reading, or share conversation with others through a love of storytelling and community connection. Participants are also invited to contribute to a collaborative sticky-note recommendation board, where community members can share favourite books, memorable reads, and literary discoveries with one another.

This initiative is funded by the Inspiring Community Grant.


Sunday, May 31, 2026, 2.00-4.00 pm at the

Wesbrook Community Centre Outdoor Space

(3335 Webber Lane)

in Wesbrook Village 

[Link]

May is Asian Heritage Month

Each year in May, Canada celebrates Asian Heritage Month to recognize the ways Canadians of Asian descent have helped shape Canadian identity today. Many Asian Canadians have made contributions that mark historical and cultural milestones in the development of the country. To read more about noteworthy Canadians of Asian heritage, see here.

Though this yearly celebration cannot right past wrongs of discrimination, we can still celebrate their rich and diverse culture and recognize their many contributions.

History of Discrimination Against People of Asian Descent in Canada

Since the 1700s, people of Asian descent have been living in and shaping what we know as Canada today. However, they were not always welcomed and celebrated. The historical discrimination of people of Asian descent and the ongoing effects in their communities is one reason we take the month of May to celebrate Asian Heritage.

Racist historical policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act were enacted to discriminate against Chinese immigrants to prevent them from coming to Canada as many white Canadians of the time were hostile and unwelcoming. These policies and attitudes have persisted through generations of Chinese Canadians, which is one reason we aim to amplify Asian Canadian voices each year in May.

During World War II, Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed from Canada’s west coast and placed in internment camps, separating many families. Though there was no evidence that Japanese Canadians posed a threat, their incarceration was framed as a way to uphold security in Canada. Many Japanese Canadians were forced to move east while others were exiled to Japan.

Communities of South Asian descent have also faced racial hostility and discrimination in Canada as their communities expanded. Restrictive immigration laws such as the Continuous Journey Act created a significant barrier for South Asian immigrants coming to Canada seeking work and community.

To find more information about significant events in Asian communities in Canada, see here.

To read more about noteworthy Canadians of Asian heritage, see here.

Community Events and Resources

The Vancouver Public Library has events and resources celebrating the histories, experiences, and achievements of Asian Canadians.

For more VPL Asian Heritage Month events, see here.

The Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society will be hosting the 30th annual ExplorASIAN Fesitval in various locations around Vancouver throughout May.

The LiterASIAN Writers Festival will be taking place in Vancouver on June 27th and June 28th. This festival celebrates Asian Canadian literature by bringing together emerging and established writers. This year’s theme is “Re-Generation”.

The Vancouver Art Gallery will be hosting a number of talks, tours, and workshops this May that highlight the influence of Asian art and cultural expression.

UBC Events and Resources

On Tuesday, May 5th from 10am-4:30pm, the Department of Asian Studies will be hosting a screening of the documentary film “Like the Dryer’s Hand” by Cheng Tsun-shing, a film chronicling the life of UBC’s Professor Yeh Chiaying, who taught pre-modern Chinese literature at UBC.

On Thursday, May 21st from 6:30-8:00pm, Shaahin Pishbin will present the lecture “Iranians before Iran: Identity and the Safavid Diaspora in Mughal India” at UBC Robson Square.

UBC’s Asian Library provides support for scholars, students, and community members who wish to learn about Asian heritage. They also host various events, talks, and displays throughout the year.

UBC Library also provides an Asian Canadian Studies Research Guide highlighting key resources for research and learning.

UBC Library Materials 

UBC Library has a wide selection of books by Asian Canadian authors such as:

Adams, J. D. (2022). Chinese Victoria: A long and difficult journey. Discover the Past. [Available at UBC Library]

Boudel Tan, E. (2025). The tiger and the cosmonaut. Viking, an imprint of Penguin Canada. [Available at UBC Library]

Lau, E. (2025). Parade of storms. Anvil Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Phan, R. (2025). Restaurant kid: A memoir of family and belonging (First Pegasus Books cloth ed.). Pegasus Books. [Available at UBC Library]

Wong, L. (2011). Dim sum stories: A Chinatown childhood. Chinese Canadian Historical Society of British Columbia & Initiative for Student Teaching and Research in Chinese Canadian Studies, University of British Columbia. [Available at UBC Library]

Web Sources Consulted

Asian Library. (n.d.). History and development. Retrieved April 29, 2026, from https://asian.library.ubc.ca/history-and-development/

Government of Canada. (2021, April 29). Significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month/important-events.html

Applications Open for the 2026 UBC Library Writer-in-Residence

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day

In 2007, the United Nations designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to not only raise awareness, but to promote acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion of autistic individuals as well as recognizing the positive contributions they have made to the world.

Recently, there has been an increased movement to understand and advocate for neurodivergent communities. When neurodiversity is embraced, the possibility for more creative, resilient, diverse, and innovative communities expands. When we can understand differences in others better, we can help reduce the stigmatization and discrimination that so often comes along with diverging from the societal “norm.” Raising awareness can also help neurodivergent individuals who have not yet been diagnosed understand their symptoms and needs. When neurodivergent individuals struggle with social skills and communication, it can be difficult to conform to expectations held by organizations that hold neurotypical standards. This can impact access to medical care, social supports, education, employment, and housing. Increasing our awareness and understanding can help autistic individuals get the accommodations they require and deserve.

What Exactly is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions that looks different on everyone and occur regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity. It can include challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Each individual requires different kinds of support and accommodations which can change and develop over time.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a guide developed by the American Psychiatric Association that classifies and diagnoses conditions related to mental health. In 2013, they published their most recent edition that redefined autism as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and encompasses previously separate conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder.

To learn more about the copious amounts of peer-reviewed scientific research that has proven vaccines do not cause Autism, click here.

Resources in Canada

The Autism Alliance of Canada is an organization that was formed in response to the growing need for guidance in the development and implementation of a national strategy to create systemic change for Autistic people in Canada and their loved ones. Their work focuses on developing policy changes to improve lives and address barriers.

Autism Canada is an organization that delivers programs and provides educational resources for those in the Autism community.

Autism Information Services British Columbia is an organization of autism support specialists that help support and inform families with children who have recently been diagnosed with autism.

The BC Autism Support Network helps families and individuals with autism connect with resources as well as with each other.

UBC Resources

UBC’s Centre for Accessibility provides students with academic accommodations to help remove barriers and improve access to education.

UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility similarly provides resources and accommodations for UBC staff and faculty that have access needs that will make their work more manageable.

Community Events

The Autism Alliance of Canada will be hosting the annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit from April 14-16, 2026 in Ottawa and virtually via livestream. This event brings together people in the Autism community to foster collaboration, inform policy, and strengthen their collective voice.

The United Nations will be hosting a virtual event on April 2nd from 9am-3:40pm EDT with the theme “Autism and Humanity — Every Life Has Value.” Speakers will include autism advocates and experts.

UBC Library

To read more, consider these materials available from the UBC Library:

Donvan, J., & Zucker, C. (2016). In a different key: The story of autism. Crown Publishers.

Grandin, T. (1996). Thinking in pictures: And other reports from my life with autism (1st Vintage Books ed.). Vintage Books.

Higashida, N., Yoshida, K., & Mitchell, D. (2013). The reason I jump: The inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with autism (First ed.). Random House.

Web Sources Consulted

Autism Canada. (n.d.). What is Autism? Autism Canada. Retrieved March 26, 2026, from https://www.autismcanada.org/history-of-autism
Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism Speaks. Retrieved March 26, 2026, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
Autism Speaks. (2026). World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day
United Nations. (2026). World Autism Awareness Day. United Nations. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

A Conversation with Dana-Lyn Mackenzie

EDI Scholars-in-Residence Event — “Tea and Learn: Meaningful Reconciliation” with Dana-Lyn Mackenzie

March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Content warning: This post discusses and describes the Canadian Residential School System and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Please take care when reading.

What is the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination?

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is recognized each year on March 21st to call attention to the ongoing injustices and discrimination faced each day by Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, and religious minority communities. The purpose of this day is to recognize that while we have come a long way, the work to end discrimination is nowhere near complete. This day marks the start of a week dedicated to standing in solidarity with those struggling against racism and racial discrimination.

History of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st marks the day that police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a group of peaceful protestors protesting apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. These laws required Black citizens of South Africa to carry a document similar to a passport to segregate the population as well as track and monitor their movements. If a person did not have the correct permissions to be in a certain area, they were arrested. Though the apartheid system has since been dismantled, this tragic event sparked the need for a time designated to recognizing and fighting racial discrimination. In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly used the day of this event to mark the beginning of a week dedicated to recognizing and standing in solidarity with those struggling against racial discrimination, known as the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Racial Discrimination in Canada

Canada’s colonial past has shaped the discrimination and marginalization present in this country, which continues to remain a significant and dangerous problem. Higher poverty rates, poor quality healthcare, poor or lack of housing, lack of access to quality education, and higher rates of incarceration are all ways that discrimination impacts racialized communities in Canada. While many racist laws and practices have been eliminated, systemic racism continues to normalize these disproportionate impacts and reinforces biases towards racialized groups.

In Canada, Indigenous communities face intergenerational impacts of colonialism. Between the 1800s and 1996, Indian Residential Schools were opened and run by the Government of Canada and various religious organizations to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children to Canadian society. This resulted in cultural erasure and the death of thousands of the children who were taken from their families and forced to attend. Other historical policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act discriminated against Chinese Canadians by forcing Chinese immigrants to pay a tax in order to immigrate to Canada, then completely banning Chinese immigration. Chinese immigrants also faced discrimination through segregation policies that disallowed them to swim in the same pools or sit in the same area of the theater as white Canadians. These policies separated families and had lasting intergenerational impacts on Chinese Canadians.

UBC Resources

The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC addresses the impacts of Residential Schools and provides a space where survivors, their families, and other Indigenous community members can access their records and engage with academic collaborators around issues of information work.

UBC’s Equity and Inclusion Office has introduced the Strategic Equity & Anti-Racism (StEAR) Framework to help guide the university’s roadmap to change. The framework sets out a number of objectives and strategic actions to be implemented over the next few years to guide strategic, curricular, compositional, and interactional change. The StEAR framework also provides a Governance Model to support implementation and accountability.

In 2020, UBC began the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan, taking a leading role in the advancement of Indigenous people’s human rights. This plan consists of a set of 43 actions the university will take based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and has been created in collaboration with community groups and Indigenous partners.

 

UBC Library

Dere, W. G. W. (2019). Being Chinese in Canada: The struggle for identity, redress and belonging (1st ed.). Douglas & McIntyre. [Available at UBC Library]

DiAngelo, R. (2018). White fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism (1st ed.). Beacon Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Elliott, A., & Xwi7xwa Collection. (2019). A mind spread out on the ground. Doubleday Canada. [Available at UBC Library]

Methot, S. (2019). Legacy: Trauma, story and indigenous healing. ECW Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Morrison, T. (2017). The origin of others (1st ed.). Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674982628 [Available at UBC Library]

 

Web Sources Consulted:

Government of Canada. (2021, March 22). International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/federal-anti-racism-secretariat/international-day-elimination-racial-discrimination.html
McRae, M. (2017, May 31). The Chinese head tax and the Chinese exclusion act. Canadian Museum for Human Rights. https://humanrights.ca/story/chinese-head-tax-and-chinese-exclusion-act
United Nations. (2025). International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. United Nations. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day

February 26th is Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is a day to recognize and raise awareness of bullying, a major problem in schools, workplaces, and online. It began in 2007 in Nova Scotia, when a group of teenagers organized a protest to wear pink in solidarity with a boy who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The initiative has grown each year and is now recognized across the globe.

What is Bullying? Why is it so important to talk about?

While bullying is prevalent in younger age groups, it doesn’t always stop when you reach adulthood. Bullying continues to be a major problem in schools, online, workplaces, and at home, and can cause lasting mental health impacts such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Bullying often starts with a power imbalance, and takes place when someone with power acts aggressively towards the person being victimized. In addition to the mental health impacts associated with bullying, physical violence and trauma are also common occurrences. The four types of bullying are: physical bullying, verbal bullying, social/relational bullying, and cyberbullying.

Bullying can also turn into harassment when it is based on discrimination. This occurs when someone is bullied based on characteristics such as race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, mental or physical disability, etc.

What Does Bullying Look Like in the Workplace?

You may think that bullying only happens to school-age children. However, bullying can be common in workplaces and often doesn’t gain as much attention as bullying in schools. Workplace bullying can have severe long-term impacts on self-esteem, physical health, cognitive function, and emotional health (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007). Because adult bullying is somewhat different than bullying in school-age children, there are a few key defining features that set it apart. Adult workplace bullying has four key components: intensity, repetition, duration, and power disparity (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007). Based on these components, bullying is defined as “at least two negative acts, weekly or more often, for six or more months in situations where targets find it difficult to defend against and stop abuse” (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007).

UBC Resources

UBC’s VPFO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee is hosting their 9th annual Pink Shirt Day virtually and in-person on Wednesday, February 25th from 10:30-11:30am at the Jack Poole Hall in the Alumni Centre. This year’s theme is “Kindness Comes Full Circle” to remind us that small acts of care can be just as meaningful as big ones. There will also be activities later in the day as well as on Saturday, February 28th. Click here for more details on the times and locations of each event.

UBC offers Confidential Counselling Services and Extended Health Benefits to help you address your specific needs. In-person, telephone, or online appointments are available to suit your needs.

The UBC Bookstore will be selling Pink Shirt Day T-Shirts with $3.00 from every pink shirt sale donated to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. The Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund supports people and families who continue to be impacted by Residential Schools and intergenerational trauma.

UBC Library Materials

Professional Resources on Bullying:

Jacobson, R. B. (2013;2012;). Rethinking school bullying: Dominance, identity and school culture (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203069646 [Available at UBC Library]

Lutgen-Sandvik, P., Tracy, S. J., & Alberts, J. K. (2007). Burned by bullying in the american workplace: Prevalence, perception, degree and impact. Journal of Management Studies, 44(6), 837-862. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2007.00715.x [Available at UBC Library]

Swartz, L., & Canadian Children’s Book Centre Collection. (2013). Bully-go-round: A handbook of literacy and arts strategies for promoting bully awareness in the classroom. Pembroke. [Available at UBC Library]

Anti-Bullying Picture Books for Children:

Gray Smith, M., Neidhardt, N., Walters, M. (., & Xwi7xwa Collection. (2020). When we are kind: Nihá’ádaahwiinít’ı̨́́įgo. Orca Book Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]

Kerascoët. (2018). I walk with vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness (First ed.). Schwartz & Wade Books. [Available at UBC Library]

Neal, K. J. (2017;2015;). Words and your heart (First US ed.). Feiwel and Friends. [Available at UBC Library]

 

Sources Consulted

CKNW Kids’ Fund. (2024). What is bullying? Pink Shirt Day. https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/what-is-bullying
Lutgen-Sandvik, P., Tracy, S. J., & Alberts, J. K. (2007). Burned by bullying in the american workplace: Prevalence, perception, degree and impact. Journal of Management Studies, 44(6), 837-862. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2007.00715.x

EDI Scholars-in-Residence Event — “Tea and Learn: Meaningful Reconciliation” with Dana-Lyn Mackenzie