We acknowledge that this event is happening on the occupied, traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples – specifically the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations.

For many communities that have been marginalized, gathering can be a source and site of healing, of community growth, of community bridging and building. In some ways, especially in cities like Vancouver marked by histories of colonial histories on unceded territories and in a culture of isolation, creating a space to gather can be seen as a revolutionary act.

With the closure of Heartwood, along with so many other community spaces under threat of reno- and demovictions, lack of funding, our community spaces and centres for community and movement building are depleting. What can we do together to create thriving communities? How can we make space?

Join us for a TWO-PART event showcasing and lifting voices of East Vancouver community members creating and facilitating community spaces in Vancouver.

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Wednesday, August 3rd, 7pm – 9pm

// Making Space: A Community Panel on Social Spaces in Vancouver //
At this panel, we showcase local organizers and folks leading community spaces in East Vancouver. Posing questions on Vancouver’s climate of unaffordability and gentrification, isolation, rising movements, the importance of physical space in solidarity building and more!

Moderator:
Melissa Fong | Centre A

Panelists:
Anthony Meza Wilson | Gallery Gachet
Ana Rose Carrico | Red Gate Arts Society
Lindsay Mestatew | Killjoy
Ingrid Méndez | Sanctuary Health & Watari Counselling & Support Services
Melanie Matining | Heartwood

We’re happy to announce that we’ve secured ASL interpretation for August 3rd! The interpreter is Melanie Valencia.

This event is by donation with all proceeds going towards Killjoy, whose focus is to create events for black, indigenous, mixed race, people of colour who are also queer, trans, two-spirit, intersex people.

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Thursday, August 4th, 7pm – 9pm

// MAKING SPACE: Community Discussion on Collaboration & Creation //
Questions that arise from the Making Space panel on August 3rd will be brought forth to a world cafe style community discussion to tackle the queries and barriers, to share resources, and finally, to collaborate and create. The discussion will be facilitated by Women Transforming Cities.

Join us for these necessary conversations!

If you’d like to request ASL interpretation, please contact Melanie at melanie@heartwoodcc.ca.

This event is by donation with all proceeds going towards Black Lives Matter – Vancouver, BC.
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Accessibility Info:

There are two gender neutral bathrooms that are not accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. The Starbucks next door has kindly agreed to provide wheelchair and scooter accessible bathrooms without the need to purchase anything.

For further information on Heartwood’s physical space, please check out the following accessibility audits done by the Radical Access Mapping Project.

https://radicalaccessiblecommunities.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/rhizome-cafe-access-audit/