Community Celebration
CELEBRATION OF OPPENHEIMER PARK
Saturday November 6, 11am-2:30pm
Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell
Join the community in a celebration of Chief Henry Robertson’s new carvings to be installed in Oppenheimer Park. Many trees fell during the devastating storm in Stanley Park four years ago, and with the help of Constant Arts Society and the DTES Heart of the City Festival, one of those large cedars has found a home in the Downtown Eastside. The cedar is being carved in two vertical halves by Chief Robertson, his son Henry Robertson Jr., local carvers and community youth. Join us for music, drumming, song, ceremony and celebration as we honour these two new carvings for the Downtown Eastside in the traditional territory of the Coast Salish.
Afternoon musical guests include: Sam George (Tse-at-sul-tuxch) of the Squamish Nation; the Snowy Owl Drummers with Dalannah Gail Bowen and Aboriginal women of the community; Oppenheimer Park’s Sunshine Choir led by Swallow Zhou; the Carnegie Village Choir conducted by Beverly Dobrinsky; and Patrick Smith with the Oppenheimer Drum Group.
This carving project and celebration is made possible with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, City of Vancouver Great Beginnings Program, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Moving Theatre, Constant Arts Society and the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival. Everyone welcome! Free
Click for photo and video coverage of this event.
Illustrated Presentation
LIFE WITH A VIEW
Saturday November 6, 11am–12pm
Gallery Gachet, 88 E. Cordova
Downtown Eastside residents, professional photographers and UBC Learning Exchange have been sharing their local and technical knowledge to create still shot movies of local scenery with an underlying theme of the social aspects of the digital divide. They show some of the results this morning. The project brings people together who might not otherwise collaborate, to build on their individual talents and experiences in a digital media learning exchange. Led by Dionne Pelan, the UBC Learning Exchange, Community Access Program Youth Initiative (CAPYI) Intern Skye MacLeod, and Lakehead University BSW Graduate Tanya Helle, the participants hope the exhibition will also teach and inspire. Computers were partially provided by Industry Canada’s Community Access Program, administered in the Lower Mainland by Vancouver Community Network. For more information: http://cap.vcn.bc.ca; www.vcn.bc.ca; or www.learningexchange.ubc.ca. Free
Seminar
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION, SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Saturday November 6, 12pm-1pm
Gallery Gachet, 88 E. Cordova
This seminar will explore the social organization of inner-city and urban communities, such as Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and the adoption of technologies that will best suit their needs for healthy social transformation. The aim is to engage community members, groups and organizations, activists, academics and students who wish to learn more about the evolving balancing act between community and technology. The hosts for the short intensive are Jill Pakaluk and Kevin Rowe, Community Access Program Youth Initiative (CAPYI) Regional Coordinators for the Lower Mainland, with the support of Vancouver Community Network (VCN), which is a non-profit Internet service provider that provides free services to assist individuals, community groups and non-profit organizations. We believe information, resources and opportunities on the Internet should be accessible to all! For more information: www.vcn.bc.ca; or http://cap.vcn.bc.ca. Free
Workshop
PRESERVING FOOD TRADITIONS
Saturday November 6, 1pm-4pm
radha yoga & eatery, 728 Main, 2nd floor
This fall, radha offers “Urban Meanings”—a unique series of interactive workshops for soul sustenance and inspiration in the city. Andrea Potter, chef at radha, shares her experiences and lessons learned in preserving traditional foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles. We will make a batch of community ‘kraut and discuss questions such as: How do I, a modern city-dweller, benefit from learning an ancient skill? What are the benefits of preserving food at home? How do I benefit from preparing food with a community? What is culture? Fermented foods are ‘cultured’ by a community of organisms. Join us in this fun, community-oriented discussion and take home a recipe and practical skill to get started in preserving your own food traditions! For more information: 604-605-0011 or www.radhavancouver.org. $40, please pre-register with a $15 non-refundable deposit. (5 seats pay as you can, pre-register)
Click for photo and video coverage of this event.
Fundraiser
STRATHCONA BASKETBALL CARNIVAL
Saturday November 6, 1pm-4pm
Strathcona Community Centre
Gymnasium, 601 Keefer
Coaches and players will be raising funds to sustain the year round basketball program, after-school activities for children and the after-school healthy snacks program at the Strathcona Community Centre. Each team will operate a fundraising station with every fundraising idea you can think of, including: a Bake Sale, Hot Dog for Hoops, Coffee Station, Car Wash, Cake Walk, Raffle Draw, A Kilometer of Coins, Jelly Bean Guess and much much more! A highlight will be HAIRS FOR HOOPS when a well-known basketball player will have his head shaved for an amount raised that will be announced at this event. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated.
Panel/Discussion
ART FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Saturday November 6, 2pm-4pm CHANGE in DATE & TIME to Sat November 13, 10am-1pm Sorry for any inconvenience
Gallery Gachet, 88 E. Cordova
Gallery Gachet invites you to a forum that will encompass two panels and a discussion with experts and activists in the field of art for social change. We are hoping to stimulate discussion that explores the role that art has in making an impact on the world around us, and to create dialogue and discussion around issues related to art, mental health and social change. Topics include: Art and Mental Health, Psycho-Geography and Displacement, and Art as Social Activism. The afternoon will be particularly interesting to artists, writers, activists, and community members attempting or thinking about making changes in their own world. Moderator: Bernadine Fox. For information: 604-687-2468 or www.gachet.org. Free
Music in the Streets
SNOWY OWL DRUMMERS
Saturday November 6, 2pm-3:30pm
Starts at Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell
A project of Music in the Streets, the Snowy Owl Drummers are the community’s heartbeat. Feel the rhythm, sing the songs! Free
Music in the Streets
DEET STREET
Saturday November 6, 3pm & 4:15pm
Starts at Carnegie Community Centre, 401 Main
It’s a fun upbeat street band playing classics, jazz, a little bit of everything.
For full description see Saturday October 30.
Music
CARNEGIE JAZZ BAND
Saturday November 6, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
The Downtown Eastside is home to many a fine musician, and many of them love to play at the Carnegie. The latest incarnation of the Carnegie Band, under the wonderful tutelage of multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, is fast becoming a community favourite. A fine afternoon program of jazz featuring DTES musicians from the Carnegie Jazz Band class. Sit back, have a listen and feel the rhythm. Free
Films
DOCUMENTARIES WITH THE COMMUNITY
Saturday November 6, 4pm-5pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
The Heart of the City Festival is pleased to show a selection of short documentaries made by students of the Vancouver Film School under the guidance of instructor and documentary filmmaker Cari Green. This is the second program of films. The first will be shown on Thursday October 28 at 7pm at Chapel Arts.
Strays (2009)
Sometimes the hardest thing about living on the streets is being alone. Director Nick Kelly documents the story of one homeless man who takes on a pet. The feasibility of that situation is under scrutiny but with the help of the BC SPCA and Mission Possible, a Christian aid organization, it becomes clear that the relationship is more humane than anyone could imagine. (6:28”)
A Culture Lost? (2009)
“For over 100 years first nations people in Canada have been forced to accept life practices that are not their own. To this day, many of them still feel the effects of this unjust treatment.” On the heels of the apology regarding residential schools given by the Canadian government in 2008, Ralph and Kate Johnson share their experiences and opinions on the treatment and assimilation of themselves and native people in Canada. Directed by Derek Rodgers and produced by Tyler “Jinx” Moore. (6:59”)
70,000 (2008)
“Children shouldn’t die.” Gaye Smith has raised 49 foster children and Kari was one of those kids. Once a rebellious teenager, Kari has integrated back into her own family and has become a foster parent herself. Through their story, director Mohamed A. Soliman makes a film that tries to look past the newspaper headlines to see what is best for the lives of the 70,000 children in foster care. (8:37”)
Dark Angel (2009)
This short film focuses on Ann Livingston, past executive director of VANDU (Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users) and her years-long involvement with Vancouver’s homeless and drug user population. Directed by Ryan Atimoyoo, the film looks into the workings of Ann’s job, how she got started and how she makes the extraordinary look routine. (6:28”)
Potluck Café (2009)
The Potluck Café is a non-profit café and catering company functioning well in the heart of the Downtown Eastside and this short documentary, directed by Cedric Malayi, tells its stories. The film especially tells the story of Helen Hill, a long time employee, and how being a part of the Potluck ‘family’ has changed her life and had a positive impact on the community around her. (5:35”)
Fundraiser
STRATHCONA ANNUAL PUB SOCIALSaturday November 6, 6pm-10pm
Strathcona Community Centre Seniors Lounge, 601 Keefer
An evening of fun, friends, fundraising and big music entertainment. The highlight of the night is the music of singers and musicians from throughout the lower mainland. The Pub Social Band features: Piano – Gerry Teahan, Bob York, Peter Trill, Frances Fernandes; Bass – Mark Wardrop, Kenn Nakamine; Drums – Gary O’bray, Tony Lum; Saxes – Bryan Milkes, James Hill; Percussion – Clyde Griffiths; Singers – Laura Crema, Ikuko, Mimi Snider, Patti V. and Michelle Richard. Tickets can be purchased at the Strathcona Community Centre. For further information call Ron at 604-713-1851. All proceeds to the After-School Children and Food-Security Programs. Tickets are $20.
After-Party
MEDIA DEMOCRACY DAY
Saturday November 6, 7pm UPDATE Start Time 5pm until late
W2 Storyeum, 151 W. Cordova
Join with media makers at the after-party for this year’s Media Democracy Day co-presented by the School of Communication at SFU, OpenMedia.ca, and the Vancouver Public Library. The main event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 6, 12pm-5pm at the VPL Central Library, 350 West Georgia. MDD Vancouver 2010 features keynote speakers, interactive panels, and hands-on workshops focused on critical analysis of media policy, citizen and alternative media production, and the transformation of the media system to make it more diverse and representative of audiences and communities. Opening Keynote by Tony Burman, Senior Executive of the Americas for Al Jazeera English. Free, but must preregister: mddvancouver.eventbrite.com
NEW Information The after-party begins at 5pm with food, music, cash bar and socializing. At 7pm, Remixology 3 will feature an interactive talk from Steve Pratt, Director of CBC Radio 3 and CBC Radio Digital Programming. Following this, the gathering will close with a social networking session including a cash bar, and music with Buckman Coe, www.buckmancoe.com and more to be announced. $7 in advance, $10 at the door www.freshmedia.me (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Theatre
US AND THEM (the inquiry)
Saturday November 6, 7:30pm
Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House, 573 E. Hastings
Headlines Theatre presents an intimate evening of theatre (created by you), joked by David Diamond. See Post Festival Events for full description. For more information: www.headlinestheatre.com. Reservations recommended, call 604-871-0508. Admission by donation
Poetry
DTES POETRY NIGHT
Saturday November 6, 7pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
Downtown Eastside poets and writers meet every month on the first Saturday to read original poetry, plays, prose and work-in-progress. It’s free, it’s friendly, it’s packed with local talent, both on the mike and in the audience. The personal stories can be quite raw and powerful . . . Sign up for a 10 minute spot at our Open Mic. Hosted by Diane Wood. Free
Community Celebration
ILLUMINATING THE FOUR CORNERS
Corners of Main & Hastings
Saturday November 6, 8pm-9:30pm
An evening of music and song on the corners of Main and Hastings and you’ll see images of the faces of Downtown Eastside community members projected onto the side of Bruce Eriksen Place, at 380 Main. The Carnegie Street Band led by Brad Muirhead will brighten the streets on Saturday night with percussion, horns and music makers, and hear songs from around the world and just down the street with the Carnegie Village Choir conducted by Beverly Dobrinsky.
BRUCE ERIKSEN PLACE
Bruce Eriksen Place is a successful housing project created in 1996 in honour of Bruce Eriksen—an artist, social activist and one of the founders of DERA (Downtown Eastside Resident’s Association). Bruce’s story is powerful and inspiring. He helped establish a democratic community voice for the Downtown Eastside and was devoted to improving the conditions of people living in the community. He served six consecutive terms as City Councillor for COPE and retired in 1993. He died of cancer in 1997. The Bruce Eriksen building is concrete, with fifteen balconies visible from the front, where words such as “commit”, “dream”, “share”, “vision”, and “dignity” are carved. The building is a reminder of Bruce’s commitment to the neighbourhood and having a voice to be heard. For a great article on the building go to:
www.beyondrobson.com/city/2010/05/bruce_eriksen_place