With all the talk about bullying these days, this event might be well worth your while. Far too often, "bullying" becomes a catch-all phrase for various forms of oppression: sexism, homophobia and racism, to name a few. Simon Fraser University is hosting a public workshop to help people stand up to oppression. The event is called Oppression: We Can End It and features slam poet Kim Vigilante and social justice facilitator Anna Soole. There will be poetry, theatre, art and facilitated discussions to help participants better understand oppression and how to stand up for themselves and others when they see it in daily life, which is not always an easy task.
SFU student Sophia Salem organized the event with the support of the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group, (a student group dedicated to social change), the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House and the SFU women's centre.
The Jan. 26 event runs from 10: 30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. It's free, and snacks are provided. The only thing you have to do is register ahead of time at www.sfpirg.ca.
Happy new year
Crystal Mall is hosting a celebration for Chinese New Year on Sunday, Feb. 10. There will be a lion dance, a god of fortune, a draw and stage shows to bring in the lunar new year. The event is open to the general public, and local politicians are invited. If you're shopping in the Metrotown area, drop by Crystal Mall on Feb. 10 between noon and 4 p.m. at 4500 Kingsway to check out the festivities.
Jan ken pon!
If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids on B.C.'s first ever Family Day long weekend, the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is hosting Jan Ken Pon on Saturday, Feb. 9.
"It's our ninth year doing it," said Nichola Ogiwara, museum programmer at the centre. "We introduce more traditional Japanese toys, toys that are made out of wood and paper - no computer games - and there are lots of hands-on crafts where you came make your own toys."
Jan ken pon is the Japanese version of rock, paper, scissors, and the highlight of Family Fun Day is a rock, paper, scissors tournament with prizes. There will also be traditional Japanese toys out for kids to play with. The event is on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free for adults, but $5 for children (or $4 in advance) to cover the cost of supplies.
The event is best suited for children aged 4 to 12. Advance tickets are available online at www.centre. nikkeiplace.org/jan-kenpon-2013.
Do you have something you would like to share? Email details to jmoreau@ burnabynow.com.
