Evening of Art, Letter Writing to Our Sisters in Prison, and Community Care Space for Everyone
Gather with us in a night of resistance and collective care for political prisoners in the Philippines, and for each other here on the Unceded, Ancestral, Traditional Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
In light of the recent tragedy in so-called Vancouver, this evening will also be a space to grieve, envision a just world, and practice collective care together. Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe. We refuse state-sanctioned violence from Turtle Island to the Philippines, and we will continue to demonstrate care and support for each other whether it be inside the prisons, or on the streets.
The evening will begin with opening remarks from our partner organizations, including GABRIELA BC, Anakbayan BC, Migrante BC, Mabuhay House Society, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR).
We will also discuss what community care looks like, and how we can continue to show up for each other as we navigate through oppressive systems.
Next, Pinay Collection will lead an educational discussion sharing the stories of women imprisoned for their activism in the Philippines. In a show of solidarity, we will honor the fight of women targeted by the state and punished for daring to defend human rights.
In this space, we will craft letters of solidarity for our sisters, make art and create poetry together. We will send our letters and artwork directly to political prisoners in the Philippines.
There will be a mini vigil in honour of loved ones whose lives were forever changed on April 26, 2025. Please bring flowers, memorabilia, and photos that will contribute to a healing space. We will have flameless candles on site.
Everyone is welcome and invited.
FUNDRAISER
Some fundraising items by Pinay Collection, including art created by political prisoners in the Philippines, will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds will go toward supporting their ongoing legal, medical, and basic needs while imprisoned.
ACCESSIBILITY & OTHER EVENT DETAILS
Please note that masks are required for this event. Some refreshments will be available for participants. The space is free and open to all.
FOOD & POTLUCK
Folks are welcome to bring food at the event, potluck style. Please note of the following dietary restrictions if you plan on bringing some food:
No peanuts, Gluten Sensitivity, Vegan, Dairy allergy, No Pork, No oily foods, and mushroom allergy.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Pinay Collection is a feminist social justice enterprise based in Canada and the Philippines, using art and creative merchandise to reclaim Filipino words, build international solidarity, and actively challenge oppressive systems.
Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR) is a solidarity organization promoting advocacy, campaigns, and material support in defense of human rights in the Philippines. We are a member of the International Coalition of Human RIghts in the Philippines (ICHRP Canada).
GABRIELA BC is a grassroots Filipino women and LGBTQ+ organization committed to continuing the ongoing struggle for liberation of all women and for national democracy in the Philippines. We are an overseas chapter of GABRIELA Philippines.
Anakbayan BC is a comprehensive progressive youth organization that seeks to serve and organize Filipino youth to fight for their rights and welfare in Canada and for youth back home in the Philippines. AB BC is an overseas chapter of Anakbayan Philippines and have four local community chapters in British Columbia: Anakbayan Joyce, Anakbayan Surrey, Anakbayan South Vancouver/Richmond, and Anakbayan Victoria.
Migrante BC is a grassroots organization of migrant Filipinos and allies in solidarity. We are steadfast in our commitment to the fundamental right shared by all Filipinos, whether at home or abroad: the right to decent work.
Mabuhay House Society is a registered non-profit society working in partnership with the Province of British Columbia to develop a provincial Filipino cultural centre that will be an inclusive, intercultural, and intergenerational space that Filipino-Canadians can call home.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) provides services and community development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in the Renfrew-Collingwood area of east Vancouver.
RECOGNITION
This event would not have been possible without the critical organizing, teaching, and leadership of GABRIELA Philippines and their ‘Free Our Sisters, Free Ourselves’ campaign.
Support their work in solidarity with political prisoners across the Philippines by following ‘Free Our Sisters, Free Ourselves’ on Facebook and @gabrielaphils on Instagram.