Community & Events
Welcome to our Community & Events page. Here, you'll find updates on local celebrations, national holidays, and significant international events. Stay connected with us as we highlight diverse opportunities to engage with communities both near and far.
Book Launch - "Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong" with Larry Grant
Join us for a powerful afternoon with Elder Larry Grant sʔəyəɬəq 洪禮興, as he shares the profound journey of identity, resilience, and belonging in his new memoir, Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. Born in 1936 in a hop field near Vancouver to a Musqueam cultural leader and a Chinese immigrant from Guangdong, Larry’s life embodies the complex intersection of Indigenous and Asian heritage.
Now 89, Larry reflects on a lifetime shaped by displacement, cultural duality, and the quiet strength of reconciliation. Through intimate storytelling and thoughtful insight, he offers a vital perspective on the path forward for First Nations and Canada.
This special event features a conversation with writer Scott Steedman, a book signing, and celebration of Larry’s extraordinary life—just days after his birthday.
Free to attend (registration required). Donations welcome. Pre-order your copy of Reconciling today to secure a signed edition. Proceeds support Musqueam language revitalization, including a multilingual children’s book based on Larry’s childhood.
Co-hosted by Chinatown Wonders and The Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop.
49th Annual Powell Street Festival: Celebrating Japanese Canadian Culture
Join us for the 49th Annual Powell Street Festival this weekend, a free community arts festival celebrating Japanese Canadian art and culture. Taking place on Saturday, August 2nd, and Sunday, August 3rd, from 11:30 am to 7 pm, the festival will be held in Oppenheimer Park and the surrounding area.
As one of Canada's longest-running community arts festivals, it features a vibrant program of music, dance, martial arts, delicious food, craft vendors, and much more for the whole family to enjoy.
Canada Day Drumming Celebration
Join us on July 1, 2025, for the 9th Annual Canada Day Drumming event! From coast to coast, cities will be hosting drumming events. Bring your drums, pots & pans!! British Columbia will be hosting their own events in various locations filled with drum performances from various cultures and uniting at 11:30AM PDT to drum together for 6 minutes, celebrating unity and diversity among all cultures. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
Canada Together 2025 at Canada Place
Join the excitement on July 1st for Canada Together 2025 — a free, family-friendly celebration filled with live music, cultural performances, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. This year’s theme, “Weaving together the fabric of a nation,” honours Canada’s rich diversity and Indigenous partnerships. Don’t miss Vancouver’s biggest Canada Day event!
National Indigenous History Month 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed every June 21, was first declared "National Aboriginal Day" in 1996 by Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. This recognition followed years of advocacy from various Indigenous groups. The day was officially renamed in 2017 and is now a key part of Canada's summer cultural celebrations.
Statement by Prime Minister Carney commemorating the Komagata Maru incident
Prime Minister Mark Carney commemorated the Komagata Maru incident, reflecting on the 1914 tragedy where 376 passengers were denied entry into Canada due to discriminatory laws. He emphasized the importance of confronting this dark chapter in history to prevent future injustices and promote true inclusion. Carney called for remembrance and action to honor the past and learn from it.