BC Multiculturalism Grant 2019- 3 Desi Organizations you need to check out!
Every year, BC and other provinces in Canada would have grants for organizations that are supporting Multiculturalism in Canada. BC announced their winners a week ago and here’s 3 Recipients that stood out for us as they are deeply connected to South Asians living in Canada.
1.) Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society (Vancouver)
A non-profit society for LGBTQ South Asians and their friends, families and allies. – Sher Vancouver hopes to reduce the alienation, depression and suicidal ideation of people dealing with sexuality, gender and coming-out issues. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of ethnicity, religous belief or sexuality.
Awarded for: Official Screening and Discussion of My Name Was January: Double film screening and discussion of My Name Was January. When a trans sister, January Marie Lapuz, is brutally murdered in her own home in New Westminster, BC, a community reacts and her friends and other trans women of colour come to share and voice their issues, concerns, and challenges
2.) Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (Surrey)
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit society and has been serving the community since 1987. PICS provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services. Our services assist new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women and youth.
PICS has several offices in Surrey and Vancouver. PICS is constantly looking for ways to increase services and bring them to convenient locations for the benefit of our clients.
Awarded for: 2019 World Refugee Day in Surrey, B.C.: World Refugee Day will bring together community members and stakeholders in Surrey, B.C. Through presentations, discussions, and other intercultural activities, the event will raise awareness of the situation of refugees and celebrate the contributions of former refugees who now call Surrey home.
3.) Royal Academy of Bhangra Society (Surrey)
First Canadian Non-For-Profit to offer formal Punjabi Folk Dance education with a syllabus consisting of three grade levels. Founded In 2012, a group of dedicated arts and bhangra enthusiasts came together to create a professional bhangra organization that would not only raise the platform of Punjabi Folk Arts through quality programming and events, but collaborate with the wider community to create awareness and opportunities for fusion, exploration and connection.
The Academy successfully uses the art form of bhangra as a creative outlet to promote skills, discipline, physical fitness, and provide team building and leadership initiatives for youth. The Academy offers training in Punjabi Folk Dances such as Bhangra, Jhummar, Dhamal and Malwai Giddha, Sammi, Luddi and Kikli along with traditional Punjabi Folk Instruments.
Awarded for: ‘Punjab da Folk’ is an exploration of identity, culture and history of the Punjabi people from India and Pakistan, who at one time coexisted and share cultural roots but now hold strong mistrust and discrimination. Through dance, music and storytelling, we will make connections and improve understanding.