Our Stories: Iranian Community on the North Shore
MONOVA is reaching out to the North Shore Iranian community to support upcoming programming, exhibitions and volunteer opportunities.
Iranian calligraphy by Yadollah Kaboli. Photo: Felice Jolliffe, 2014.
With the opening of the new Museum of North Vancouver planned for later in 2021, MONOVA is looking to create a dynamic and innovative hub where the stories of North Vancouver’s people, places and past come to life. This includes human stories that focus on connections between Indigenous communities, long-term settlers and newcomers.
A Proud and Thriving Community
Since the 1970s, the North Shore has had a proud and thriving Iranian community. The numerous Iranian bakeries and restaurants in Central Lonsdale, popular publications such as Paivand and Daneshmand, and the vibrant and colourful Nowruz celebrations which mark the New Year and the first day of Farvardin all speak to a proud and thriving community. In fact, over 15,000 people identify as Iranian on the North Shore as reported in the 2016 Canadian Census.
Atash dance group as seen on Breakfast TV. Photo: Hamid Zargarzadeh, undated.
With this in mind, MONOVA wanted to explore ways to deepen our connections to the Iranian community and identify opportunities for events, programs, volunteer opportunities and upcoming exhibitions at the new Museum of North Vancouver. Supported by community engagement facilitator Andisheh Fard and historian and researcher AR Rezamand, MONOVA is kicking off the “Our Stories: Iranian Community on the North Shore” campaign to help us connect with the community.
Haft seen, traditionally displayed at Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Photo: Hamid Zargarzadeh, 2012.
Share Your Stories and Project Ideas
During the month of August 2021, we want to hear from members of the Iranian community on the North Shore. We’re looking for stories and project ideas on how we can best represent the Iranian community at the new Museum of North Vancouver.
Have a story or idea you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at 604-990-3700 (ext. 8007) and info@monova.ca and share your thoughts. Your ideas and stories will help inform future programming and exhibits at MONOVA.
— Andisheh Fard and AR Rezamand, 5 August 2021
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
