Observances

UFV Walk-out in support of Afghan women

by
Group photo of several dozen people, many holding signs in support of the women of Afghanistan. They are lined up to pose for a photo.

To mark two years since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, CHASI and members of the Afghan community staged a university walk-out. The focus was on supporting Afghan women, who have been banned from attending high school since September 2021 and university since December 2022. Afghan activist Sahar Maqsoodi joined the event, sharing the realities of … Read more

Examining two years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan

by
Two Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan In the month of August CHASI will be highlighting the current impact of the Taliban regime on people living in Afghanistan, with a focus on the ongoing resistance and resilience shown by the Afghan people.

Throughout August 2023 and beyond, CHASI highlighted the current situation in Afghanistan. August 8, 2023 August 10, 2023: Announcing a UFV walk-out in support of the women of Afghanistan Afghan women have been banned from attending high school since September 2021 and university since December 2022. This event will demonstrate UFV’s support for women during … Read more

Pride 2023 at CHASI

by
Photo of CHASI team members speaking at a table with a rainbow tablecloth.

Pride is always time of celebration and action at CHASI, and 2023 was no different! Here is just some what our team did to mark the occasion. Dr. Martha Dow joins GW Graham Secondary’s Pride Celebration CHASI director Dr. Martha Dow was privileged to be able to speak at GW Graham Secondary’s Pride celebration to … Read more

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia 2023

by
Illustration of two figures, one light blue, the other pink, kissing in front of a rainbow. Behind them is a rainbow and flowers. Their bodies are marked up by scars. In the upper corners, grey faces look down at them, their eyes not visible, and shout, represented by red lightning bolts coming down. The figures and the rainbow take up the majority of the image, overpowering the negativity.

Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This year, we’re extremely cognizant of this day’s importance. When a Pride flag is destroyed, we must plant a new one. When hate causes harm, we must name it. When negativity draws a crowd, we must gather in positivity. To our queer family, … Read more

Sikh Heritage Month 2023

by
Illustration of langar, where three figures are serving food and tea to three others who are seated on the floor. The people all look happy, are a variety of ages and races, and wear a mix of traditional Sikh clothing and Western clothes.

April is Sikh Heritage Month, and CHASI is observing the occasion every Tuesday! Part 1: First, we’re highlighting and acknowledging the incredible charitable work our local Sikh community performs. “Pillows for evacuees in Abbotsford, pizza for dozens of truck drivers stuck in Kamloops, homemade meals choppered in to hundreds who have been sleeping in their … Read more

Marking Transgender Day of Visibility 2023

by
Illustration of a hand mirror reflect the words "Transgender Day of Visibility" and an image of the transgender flag.

Today is the Transgender Day of Visibility, and the CHASI team wants to take this opportunity reiterate our love and support for the trans community and our trans friends and colleagues. We also want to take this opportunity to share resources for both trans people and allies. Trans Rights BC offers an extensive “Know Your … Read more

CHASI marks International Women’s Day 2023

by
Illustration of five women of varying races, ages, and body types, each holding their hand up forming an American Sign Language letter, spelling the word "women."

Today is International Women’s Day! Our artist, Sharon Strauss, marked the occasion with this beautiful illustration. CHASI takes pride in being a women-led and directed centre at UFV. We hope everyone can take some time today to celebrate women! Here are some ideas: Something to read: Check out this article which includes interviews with members … Read more