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CHASI
@ufvchasihub.bsky.social
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We're the Community Health and Social Innovation Hub, a research centre at the University of the Fraser Valley.

CHASI is committed to turning knowledge into action, mobilizing research and making it accessible to all.

Learn more at ufv.ca/chasi
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On Thursday, November 20, we invite you to join us for a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on the UFV Abbotsford campus.

This vigil is a time to mourn the dead and fight for the living — to remember those whose lives were lost to anti-trans violence and to stand together in solidarity and hope.
Poster with a trans flag in the background and vigil tea candles beneath it. Text reads: "November 20, 5:30-7:30pm. Transgender Day of Remembrance: a vigil to mourn the dead and fight for the living. Space will be available to add names and/or photos of those you are remembering. University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford. Building A entry hall (near bus stop). All ages, barrier-free, public." At the bottom of the poster are logos for No Space for Hate, UFV's Faculty and Staff Association, CHASI, and UFV's School of Culture, Media, and Society.
November 13, 2025 at 8:38 PM
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A huge congratulations to Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass, who has been named @goufv.bsky.social UFV’s new Provost and Vice-President, Academic. We are incredibly thankful for all of the support she has provided over the past years, and are excited to see what the future holds!
Photo of Dr. Ryder Glass sitting beside Dr. James Mandigo at a table in CHASI's space, having a conversation with members of the CHASI team around a table.
November 4, 2025 at 9:38 PM
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"Welcome to Palestine" by CHASI artist-in-residence and UFV student Sharon Strauss.

Sharon writes: "I hope that someday the Palestinian people can live and thrive in their homeland, free of war and oppression."
Illustration show a hand holding up a photo. In the foreground, the photo shows a vibrant, colourful marketplace full of people; in the background, it shows the same location, grey and reduced to rubble and ruins. The illustration highlights the contrast between the city that once existed, and the devastated state it is currently in.
October 6, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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Thank you to The Cascade for speaking to Dr. Brett Pardy about his experiences teaching at the Pacific Institution. We're proud to have played a role facilitating this project, and always love hearing how meaningful it's been for both students and instructors.

ufvcascade.ca/ufv-course-b...
Photo of two copies of The Cascade, UFV's student newspaper. One is lying flat to show the cover, and the other is on top, folded over to show a specific article. The article's headline is "UFV course brought to federal prison." The text of the article is too small to read in the photo, but can be read at ufvcascade.ca.
October 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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We are incredibly excited to share this news — CHASI has been proud to help lead UFV in the process to earn this prestigious recognition.

@goufv.bsky.social
Screenshot of an article headline. It reads "UFV named Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, earning global recognition for local leadership in social innovation." A photo below shows people gathered and sitting together, and is captioned "Dr. Martha Dow leads a group discussion during a changemaking session at the Gathering Place on the UFV Chilliwack campus."
September 24, 2025 at 9:07 PM
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CHASI had the privilege of sitting down with the Honourable Jessie Sunner, B.C.'s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills during her recent visit to UFV.

Read more: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...
Photo of Minister Sunner arriving at CHASI's door and shaking hands with CHASI director Dr. Martha Dow. Behind her, Dr. James Mandigo and Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass enter the room. Photo of Minister Sunner and Dr. Martha Dow speaking in CHASI's space, while others speak in small groups in the background. Photo of people seated around a table in CHASI's office. They are all looking to Minister Sunner as she speaks and smiling or laughing. A window in the background displays CHASI's name, and has a rainbow flag hanging at the top of it. Group photo of the entire group of 16 people, posing in front of CHASI's "Together Empowered" mural, which shows blue-tinted figure holding out their hands like scales to balance those two words.
September 11, 2025 at 7:31 PM
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It's been 4 years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and began imposing a regime of gender apartheid. These discriminatory systems have dire consequences for all Afghans, particularly for women and girls who are deprived of their fundamental rights, from education to free movement.
Photo of the gathered crowd of approximately 50 people standing in a line outdoors on UFV's Abbotsford campus. They are holding signs in support of women in Afghanistan.
August 14, 2025 at 10:28 PM
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Abbotsford News featured a fantastic write-up of Dr. James Mandigo (@ufvpresident.bsky.social) and his vision for UFV as a "positive changemaker for the region."

We're excited to work with Dr. Mandigo to help make the vision a reality!

Read it at www.abbynews.com/e-editions?i... (turn to page 15).
Screenshot of a digital newspaper page. It shows a photo of Dr. James Mandigo, and has the headline "using education to transform community and create pathways." The text of the article is too long to fit in this alt text, but explains Dr. Mandigo's vision and approach to his time as president. There is a pull quote that says "I look forward to working alongside my colleagues and to engaging with our communities to continue to have meaningful and impactful engagement with all the communities we serve." The full text is available at the link in this post, which goes to an e-edition of the Abbotsford News. This article is on page 15.
August 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
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To mark the final day of #DisabilityPrideMonth, CHASI presents a new piece from CHASI artist-in-residence Sharon Strauss: “In spite of it all, I’m proud I’m me”

You can read Sharon's reflection on the personal significance of this piece here: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...
Illustration. It shows a colourful image of a femme person with neon rainbow lines across her skin like paint splatters. She's forming her hands into a heart, and the negative space forming the heart shape is coloured red. Her hair is long, black, and flowing wildly forming a black background to the whole piece. Her eyes are closed and she wears a look of content. Around her head are purple butterflies made of sharp angles almost like broken glass. The piece has a tone of loving acceptance.
July 31, 2025 at 7:03 PM
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August marks four years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan.

Please join us at noon on Thursday, August 14 for our third annual walkout of UFV's Abbotsford campus in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.

For information or questions, please contact chasi@ufv.ca.
Poster for a walkout in support of women in Afghanistan. A large illustration depicts Illustration of a woman in a blue burqa holding a rose. She is standing in a field of red flowers. The bottom of her burqa is on fire and the fire blends into the red and orange flowers around her. The background is bright white with indications of a smoky sky. Text reads: "It’s been four years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and began taking rights from women. Join us for a walkout to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those women.Ban education. Block healthcare. Bury hope. Afghanistan’s women deserve better. Thursday, August 14 | 12:00–12:30 PM UFV Abbotsford | Breezeway between buildings A&B." Two photos showing crowds of people lined up for a photo, holding signs supporting women in Afghanistan. Text identifies them as the 2023 and 2024 walkouts.
July 28, 2025 at 8:18 PM
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The same day, our friends at UFV’s autonomous student newspaper, The Cascade, published a collaboration with CHASI, featuring reflections on our experiences of being queer, being allies, and CHASI's role in those journeys.

Read it in papers on campus or at this link: ufvcascade.ca/queer-on-cam...
Photo of a newspaper, opened to a page with the headline "Queer on Campus." Art shows a femme person riding a unicorn, wearing knight's armour, holding a Pride Progress flag up high. A brightly coloured rainbow pattern covers the page behind the illustration and the article's text.
July 4, 2025 at 9:16 PM
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On June 25, UFV celebrated Pride with the third annual Tea Dance — with this year featuring Drag Musical Bingo hosted by UFV’s own Colin Alda Monsters! The event was hosted and organized by UFV Office of Sustainability and CHASI, with support from UFV Faculty & Staff Association.
Photo of drag queen Colin Alda Monsters standing by a microphone, excitedly gesturing into the air as she leads Drag Musical Bingo. The event is on a patio decorated with lots of rainbow and Pride flag decorations. Event attendees watching her are out of focus in the foreground. Wide shot of the Tea Dance on the patio at UFV Abbotsford's K building. It is decorated with rainbow flags, hanging paper balloons, and rainbow plates and napkins. Each table has people around it, mingling and talking. Attendees at the Tea Dance stand around a table, holding bingo cards. One smiles at the camera, while others look off camera towards the stage. CHASI Director Dr. Martha Dow and UFV President Dr. James Mandigo speak at the Tea Dance, both wearing Pride shirts.
July 4, 2025 at 9:16 PM
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Earlier this month, CHASI opened our doors to commemorate five years of serving our communities alongside our many partners to mix, mingle, and enjoy our new art exhibition!

You can see more details and pictures are on our blog: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...
Photo of a crowd of people inside CHASI's office, standing to listen to a speech from Dr. James Mandigo Photo of Sharon Strauss showing her art, which is displayed on the wall, to a guest at the event. Photo of three people speaking and smiling around a tall table. The table has a plant centrepiece, and a large, bright pride flag hangs above a window behind them. Photo of the crowd at the event, centered on the mural on CHASI's wall. The mural depicts a figure, painted in blue, holding up their hands like scales. Above each hand is a word, saying "together empowered."
June 21, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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Congratulations to all of our new graduates! 🎈

All of these fantastic members of the CHASI team — past and present — officially earned their credentials this week:

🎓 Holly Cooper
🎓 Ava Hedblom
🎓 Emma Hones
🎓 Amrit Mahal
🎓 Mayu Ochi
🎓 Chloe Raible
🎓 Bethany Zimmerman
Photo of people posing. Amrit Mahal is in the centre wearing graduation regalia and holding her degree. Five other members of CHASI surround her, smiling for the camera. Holly Cooper poses for a photo in graduation regalia, holding balloons and flowers.
June 13, 2025 at 12:11 AM
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UFV students: we want to hear about your experiences with community at the our university!

We're looking for people to participate in our upcoming focus groups. If you'd like to participate, please scan the QR code in this post or visit: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Poster. An image at the top shows of a photo of a large group of people gathering for a 50th anniversary celebration in the Student Union Building atrium. Text reads: "Let's talk about belonging and connection at UFV: Join our focus groups! All participants will receive a $20 Fair Grounds gift card. UFV's Community Health and Social Innovation Hub invites current UFV students to participate in focus groups regarding student belonging, connection, and community. By sharing your insights, you can help us to better understand the student experience and identify gaps in institutional resources. We want to hear from you! This research project is being conducted by the Community Health and Social Innovation Hub at the University of the Fraser Valley. Questions? Please contact chasi@ufv.ca." Below is a QR code and short URL, which reads "bit.ly/te-focus.
June 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
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How can we work towards a better society in difficult times?

The CHASIcast is pleased to welcome back Dr. Rita Dhungel, joined this time by Chelsea Klassen, CHASI's lead researcher.

Listen on your favourite podcast app, or at blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/chasicast-19
Photo of Chelsea Klassen and Rita Dhungel speaking into podcast microphones. Text reads: "CHASIcast #19: Community Development in Changing Times."
June 2, 2025 at 9:58 PM
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For National AccessAbility Week 2025 (May 25-31), CHASI Artist-In-Residence sought to represent the experience of people with disabilities in two new pieces.

Read more on our blog: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

#CHASI #UFV #UnivsersityOfTheFraserValley #Accessibility #NationalAccessAbilityWeek2025
Illustration. In the centre is a brown eye, filling up almost the entire width of the frame, with a seemingly furrowed brow. In the centre of the iris is the reflection of a keyhole. Behind the eye, the image is divided in two diagonally. The upper right side is dark blue with a checkered pattern. The lower left side shows forms, lists and checkboxes that aren't readable, but represent endless paperwork. The image has an overall tone of stress and feeling overwhelmed. Illustration. A femme person is in the centre of the composition, their face lowered with a warm, peaceful expression. Their hair flows down past their shoulders, and they are holding a theatre mask, which they seem to have just removed. Pink squiggly lines emerge from their head (in front of the brain) and spiral out into a blue background, where hands from unseen bodies seem to take and accept them from all angles. The image has a tone of comfort and acceptance.
May 30, 2025 at 8:46 PM
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Fire prevention must be tailored, multi-pronged, and rooted in equity if it is to be effective — especially in communities most at risk.

CHASI is partnering with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council to share their articles about their critical work.

blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...
National Indigenous Fire Safety Council logo
May 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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A massive congratulations to CHASI intern and UFV student Madison McKenzie: As part of team B.C., she brought home the silver medal from the 2025 National Para Hockey Championship!

We're so excited to see her have such success in the sport, and to see where it takes her next!
Photo of Madison McKenzie on the ice in sledge hockey gear (her legs are strapped in a sitting position to a long, narrow board, and she's holding two short hockey sticks to steer and propel herself). She is looking up at the camera and smiling while holding a trophy. Group photo of team BC on the ice, wearing silver medals and holding up a BC flag. Screenshot from a stream of the game. Madison is surrounding by teammates on the ice celebrating after she has just scored a goal, A score graphic shows that team BC is up 4 to 0 against team Alberta.
May 20, 2025 at 6:41 PM
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May 17 is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. CHASI artist Sharon Strauss created this art to mark the observance.

Now is the time to make your voice heard, and your support of the Queer community visible, unwavering, and undeniable.

🏳️‍🌈💜🏳️‍⚧️

#IDAHOBIT2025 #IDAHOBIT
Colourful illustration showing a femme person wearing heavy medieval armour. They are seen from a low angle in a heroic pose, staring off into the distance. They have brown skin and eyes, and flowing brown hair, framed against a dramatic pink and purple sky. They're prominently holding a golden shield, with a crest that shows three roses. Each is coloured after a pride flag: one the rainbow, one the purples and blues of the bisexual flag, and one the cyan, pink, and white of the trans flag. The three are joined by the purple circle of the intersex flag. White text on a dark blue background. It reads: "Tomorrow, May 17, is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. We know it's been a very difficult year for the Queer community, including within CHASI and our friends, family, and colleagues. This art by CHASI artist-in-residence Sharon Strauss is a reminder that regardless of whatever hateful movements or policies target Queer people, there will always be many of us fighting back and defending one another. Now is the time to make your voice heard, and your support of the Queer community visible, unwavering, and undeniable. Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. We will make it through this."
May 16, 2025 at 7:52 PM
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For five years CHASI has worked closely with not only community partners but a wonderful group of students, staff, faculty associates, and others here at UFV.

Here are just a few of the many people that have helped CHASI feel like a family while making meaningful impacts in our communities!
Collage of photos. On top, a Zoom screenshot shows 7 CHASI employees holding up signs celebrating CHASI's first birthday, including some party hats and a cake. In the lower left, three people (Greg, Larissa, and Martha) wear shirts with pictures of a team member (Esther) with a cat on her shoulder, and the words "CHASI fur ever". In the lower right, three members of CHASI's Knowledge Mobilization Team (Jeff, Celina, and Greg) meet and pose for a photo. Group photo of 11 members of the CHASI team posing in the BC Legislature Hall of Honour. A caption reads "CHASI is recognized in the B.C. Legislature." Photo of 19 members of CHASI posing under an inflatable rainbow arch, smiling for a photo. A caption reads "CHASI team at the 2024 Tea Dance." Collage of four photos. The top one shows 15 members of CHASI posing in an airport for a group photo. A caption reads "CHASI at YVR after flying home from PSA 2025 in SAn Francisco." The lower left photo shows nine members of CHASI posing for a photo in front of party decorations, with a caption that reads "CHASI team celebrating their 5th birthday." The lower centre picture is a group photo of 12 members of CHASI in San Diego's Castro district. The lower right is three members of CHASI posing dramatically for a photo in a photo studio.
May 15, 2025 at 6:53 PM
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We had a blast celebrating CHASI's 5th birthday yesterday with some of our friends and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who dropped by to share birthday wishes (and cake) with us! 🎈
Photo of a cake. It has a group photo of members of the CHASI team printed on it. Many people in the photo are wearing CHASI sweaters, and they're posing in San Francisco in front of a sign in the Castro district. Around the edges are decorative icing in CHASI's signature orange and blue. Photo of people talking at the party. CHASI director Martha Dow speaks to three others, who are laughing. Wide shot photo of people mingling at the party in CHASI's office space. Another wide shot photo of people mingling at the party in CHASI's office space.
May 2, 2025 at 10:05 PM