As the Iranian community celebrates Nowruz, local Iranian-Canadians are working together to raise funds for art at the Berkley Care Centre.
North Vancouver author Shervin Shahriari and Dr. Katayoun Rahnavardi, division head of long-term care at Vancouver Coastal Health, are honouring the spirit of Nowruz by starting a fundraiser to bring a locally sourced and commissioned work of indigenous art to Berkley Care Centre.
Nowruz is a 3000 year old spring festival which calls for renewal of friendships, says Shervin. “We would like to renew friendships by honoring the traditions, strengths and resiliency of the Squamish and Tseil-Wuatuth Nations. What better time than Nowruz and the spring season to kick off our unique fundraising effort,” he says.
The staff-led fundraiser aims to raise $20,000 for the art to be displayed at the Berkley Care Centre. Berkley Care Centre looks after Canadian Seniors and has been a partner in care for Indigenous community members.
“We hope to support truth and reconciliation efforts locally and increase a cultural safety for Indigenous Elders and their families by honouring the traditions, strengths, and resiliency of Squamish and Tseil-Wuatuth Nations,” says Dr. Katayoun Rahnavardi.
Both Shervin and Katayound are inviting the community to join them in raising funds to bring a locally sourced and commissioned work of Indigenous art to Berkley Care Centre.
“As Nowruz starts on the morning of March 20, 2022, we would like to take this opportunity and connect with the Indigenous peoples of Canada and pay our respects to their culture and traditions,” they say.
