#sambal movement

[forsapphics]

San Francisco, 1993

photo by Cathy Cade and Jane Clelland (x)

[tgungczyeszenphi]

Tgungczyeszenphi: A Celebration of South Asian and Southeast Asian Cultures

Welcome to Tgungczyeszenphi, a vibrant space where the rich tapestries of South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures come alive. Here, we explore the traditions, cuisines, arts, and histories that make these regions so captivating. Join us on a journey through the diverse and colorful landscapes of South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The Diverse Tapestry of South Asia

South Asia, home to a myriad of cultures, languages, and traditions, is a region of immense diversity and historical depth. From the majestic Himalayas to the bustling cities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, each country offers a unique cultural experience.

Traditions and Festivals

Diwali (India): Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and feasts. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Pohela Boishakh (Bangladesh): The Bengali New Year, marked by vibrant parades, traditional music, and delicious food, is a time for renewal and celebration.

Culinary Delights

South Asian cuisine is a feast for the senses, characterized by its bold flavors and aromatic spices.

Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables. Each region has its own version, from Hyderabadi to Kolkata biryani.

Masala Chai: This spiced tea, made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices like cardamom and ginger, is a staple in many South Asian homes.

The Vibrant Cultures of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, encompassing countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and Timor-Leste, is a region of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Traditions and Festivals

Songkran (Thailand): The Thai New Year is celebrated with water fights and rituals to wash away bad luck and usher in good fortune.

Tet (Vietnam): The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, traditional foods, and honoring ancestors.

Culinary Delights

Southeast Asian cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and harmonious balance of flavors.

Pho (Vietnam): A flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken, herbs, and spices, often enjoyed as a comforting breakfast.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesia): A savory fried rice dish, often served with a fried egg on top, and flavored with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and sambal (chili paste).

Artistic Expressions

Both South Asia and Southeast Asia boast rich artistic traditions that reflect their histories and cultural values.

South Asian Arts

Classical Dance: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi are just a few of the classical dance forms that tell stories through intricate movements and expressions.

Miniature Paintings: Originating from regions like Rajasthan and Mughal courts, these detailed artworks depict historical events, court scenes, and mythology. Southeast Asian Arts

Wayang Kulit (Indonesia): Traditional shadow puppetry that narrates epic tales from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Batik (Indonesia and Malaysia): A fabric dyeing technique using wax to create intricate patterns and designs, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage.

Connecting the Dots: Shared Heritage and Influences

The histories of South Asia and Southeast Asia are interwoven with shared influences, particularly through trade, religion, and migration.

Buddhism and Hinduism: These religions have deeply influenced the cultural and spiritual lives of many Southeast Asian countries, with ancient temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia standing as testaments to this shared heritage. Maritime Silk Route: The historical trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, enriching both regions.

Embracing Our Heritage

At Tgungczyeszenphi, we celebrate the beauty and diversity of South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. By exploring their traditions, arts, and cuisines, we honor the past and inspire a deeper appreciation for these vibrant regions.

Join us on this journey of discovery and celebration, as we delve into the wonders of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Welcome to Tgungczyeszenphi, where cultures converge and heritage thrives.

[purplesurveys]

1828

Do you take a walk every day? I don't do it as a routine per se, like around the neighborhood – but I walk a lot for work. I'll have meetings and events set in BGC often, and that's pretty much the most walkable place in Metro Manila so I'll usually get over 10k steps in whenever I'm in the area.

Who was your favourite musical artist when you were 15? Do you still listen to them? I was in both extremes of the spectrum lol. I liked the indie feel of alt-J, Banks, and Hozier; but this was also the peak of my punk rock phase and I was listening to bands like Against Me, The Bouncing Souls, and Rancid. I will listen to the latter every now and then, but I've largely let go of indie acts.

What's your preferred way of getting the news? Either through the TV or online, through the accounts that I deem trustworthy.

If you go to flightradar24 dot com to see the radar, are there any planes or helicopters in your area right now? There's one flying over my province currently - it just passed my exact city - and is headed for Albay. All the other planes I'm seeing are clustered around Manila.

When was the last time you ate at a food court and what did you get? The last time I was at a food court it was in Malaysia, 8 months ago; I had nasi kerabu. It also came with sambal that even I couldn't handle lol, it was so spicy and it was the kind of spicy that was almost painful so I barely touched it.

Would you consider yourself traditional/old-fashioned? In some aspects; I wouldn't say it's my entire personality. I'm old-fashioned when it comes to recognizing hierarchies, doing things by the book, preferring to keep things as status quo...things like that.

How do you like your eggs cooked? Poached or over easy.

Have you ever taken a ride in a yellow car that wasn't a taxi? I may have! It's not a common color but in the thousands of cars I've ridden in over the years I must've been in at least one yellow one lol.

What was the last thing you had to return to a store and why? I don't really do this, but the closest equivalent has been returning a set of utensils to the counter at Starbucks since they weren't cleaned well enough and I was still able to see some food residue from the last customer who used it :( Gross. It's happened more than once too.

Do you need to get groceries right now? No, we just had our pantry replenished earlier this week.

What's your favourite place to go on vacation? Sagada and Bangkok are worthy of repeats, though I've only been in either place once.

What state/territory did you grow up in? Do you still live there? I still live in the same province I grew up in, down to the city.

What colour were the last socks you wore? Maroon.

Do you mark your emails as read even if you didn't open them, or do you let them just sit there? I barely touch my personal emails since no one sends me anything anyway and all I get on there are just promotional shit from websites I'm signed up to. As for my work emails, I read every single message – can't afford to miss even just one as I lead the entire department and I need to be up to speed with every single movement for every single deliverable for every single campaign for every single account.

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? I do but it's such a cringe website to be on lol so I barely use it.

Have you ever done your own compost? Nope.

Do you have any plans for tomorrow? If no, what about the day or two after that? I have a run event that I need to manage again, so I have another 2 AM calltime - my third this month. Fortunately this one's expected to end early, just around 8 AM this time, so I have the rest of the day.

Doesn't mean it'll be a day of rest though since I have a pitch coming up this Friday, so I need to spend a good amount of time tomorrow doing my research.

Would you ever get a tattoo on your hand or foot? My hand, so it can be more visible. If I'm gonna put myself through pain, I might as well be able to see it often haha.

Do you open your doors and windows on warm days? It's...the opposite. I'm likely to open everything so the air can come in.

Are the blinds/curtains in the room open or closed right now? Closed.

Who was the last person you said "I love you" to? Not sure, it may have been Andi.

Does your town have a bar or pub? Sure.

Were you mean to anyone in high school? Yes, but it's just to people I've seen being mean to others.

What's one of your favourite features of your phone? How it can extract details from photos. Helps when I either need to understand something in another language; or if I want to use a photo of someone in PNG format.

Have you ever accidentally started a fire? Nope.

Do you ever wonder where everyone's going when you're driving around? Sometimes. This mostly happens when I pass by the airport.

Do you forget things as quickly as you think of them? Yeah, this is happening more frequently now so I've started a habit of writing things down on my Notes app so I don't forget about them.

What is the last note you edited in your phone's notes app? Can't answer this at the moment, my phone's downstairs as I want to avoid any work messages that might come in this weekend lol.

Who is your favourite coworker? You can tell me about one from your past if you don't have one right now. Kata has always been my favorite. I haven't been as in sync with anyone at work as I was with her, and I haven't worked with her for two years now. I was also the closest with her, and ever since she left I haven't really been able to replicate that same closeness with anyone in the team.

Can you hear birds chirping right now? Nope.

Have you ever learned a language on your own, as in, not attending classes or lessons? I learned to read Korean entirely on my own – mere context clues helped coming from the sheer amount of Hangul subtitles they would have in variety/reality shows.

Do you know anyone who's adopted a child? Sure.

Are you good at parallel parking? I am, but I avoid doing it when possible hahaha.

Do you tend to wear your clothes more than one day before washing them? If I didn't sweat at all in them, yes.

What was the last video game or board game you purchased? Do in-app purchases count? I got a Friends category pack from a charades app I recently downloaded.

Pulp or no pulp in your orange juice? No pulp, but this is also because I've never tried pulp.

Is your middle name common? If we're talking about my second name, yes it's fairly common.

What's your favourite Robin Williams movie? Good Will Hunting. It's not your fault.

Do you decorate your house for Halloween? No.

[tandavmedia]

Empowering Lives: Unveiling the Impact of Sambal Yojna in Transforming Communities

Discover the profound effects of the Sambal Yojna as we delve into its initiatives aimed at uplifting communities. This comprehensive program is designed to address key socio-economic challenges, providing a beacon of hope for individuals and families. Join us on a journey of empowerment and progress with Sambal Yojna.

In the heart of social transformation lies the Sambal Yojna, a visionary program dedicated to fostering positive change in communities across the nation. With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Sambal Yojna has become a catalyst for socio-economic development.

Unveiling the Essence of Sambal Yojna

Bridging Socio-Economic Gaps

Sambal Yojna takes a holistic approach to bridge the socio-economic gaps that persist in our society. Through targeted interventions, the program aims to uplift marginalized sections, offering them opportunities for growth and self-sustainability.

Financial Inclusion and Support

One of the cornerstones of Sambal Yojna is its focus on financial inclusion. By providing financial support and resources to individuals and families, the program empowers them to break free from the cycle of poverty, creating a pathway towards a brighter future.

Skill Development for Empowerment

Recognizing the importance of skill development in today's dynamic world, Sambal Yojna invests in initiatives that equip individuals with the skills needed for gainful employment. This not only enhances their employability but also contributes to the overall economic prosperity of the region.

Education as a Catalyst

Sambal Yojna places a significant emphasis on education, viewing it as a catalyst for change. Scholarships, educational resources, and infrastructure development are integral components, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to quality education.

Stories of Transformation

From Struggle to Success

Meet individuals whose lives have been transformed by Sambal Yojna. Their inspiring stories serve as testaments to the program's efficacy in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for personal and community growth.

Building Sustainable Communities

Explore how Sambal Yojna goes beyond immediate relief to establish the foundations of sustainable communities. Through eco-friendly initiatives and community engagement, the program fosters a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.

Join the Movement

As we uncover the impact of Sambal Yojna, it becomes clear that this program is more than just a policy—it's a movement towards a more equitable and empowered society. Join us in celebrating the triumphs, challenges, and ongoing journey of transformation with Sambal Yojna. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation's prosperity.

[luckyspacerabbit]

drell diaspora meta <3

as told by me! a mixed diasporic chindo (chinese-indonesian) :)

preface: bioware failed to flesh out Drell culture and heritage to my satisfaction so I wrote this meta for both my personal reference and because I wanted to represent Thane and Drell as people who suffer from a history that invokes parallels between real world colonization/imperialism, as well as portray his personal conflict with this accurately because it's very painful and I think gets naturally overlooked by people who lack this background!

Contents:

The Family Unit

Food

Music

Customs

Hanar Intervention (honestly read this bc I think it's the most important section!!)

1. The Family Unit

Size: They're small by necessity: as in there is no room on Kahje to support. This is a bit of a complicated topic. Drell families are likely to lose their children to the Compact giving them incentive to have more than one or two but it’s probably very expensive to provide for them. I can see a lot of cultural tension here. There are pressures in either direction. There's a lot of sadness too. It makes every child extremely precious.

Values: Independence is an important quality-- but not to a fault! Because family units can be taken apart at any time, being able to take care of yourself is a survival skill. In addition, spiritedness is a closely held value-- To make up for the loss of large family trees and ability to be in close quarters (due to the constant coming and going of family members) it becomes very important to showcase your passion-- whether to each other or about any matter of things in life. Overall, spiritedness is most important! caring and wanting to improve upon yourself as well as self-discipline and hard work.

A.N: Probably because, as evidenced by Thane’s dialogue, they've come to view what happened on Rakhana as like, self-inflicted or weak of spirit ( :( this has me extremely messed up. The whole situation is based on Colonialist propaganda honestly so this conflict to me is so personal and painful to watch in real-time because you can see it very plainly in Thane and you can tell he carries that generational trauma)

Carrying on: The ability to be vulnerable is not as important as the ability to show that you care, which can come from action or words, but usually, this means vulnerability and passion go hand in hand. Finally, homecoming is very important. Everyone is so scattered all over the galaxy, time together is time that counts. Bonding circles (An old tradition) have become “Bonds,” a colloquial name for annual family gatherings.

Read on Under The Cut <3

2. Food

Drell are born with a full set of teeth but they can’t be that tough yet. There must be specific dishes for each age to celebrate. That means as they age, softer meats-> harder foods are part of a traditional practice to track development! (Age 1 Birthday Food: Beetle Based Dish, so on till age 16/17)

Rakhana Diet: I also think that on Rakhana insects would have been popular! Because it’s an arid world and it would have been a very nutritious and accessible source of protein. It also strikes me that their recipes may have been very paste-based because it’s an easy way to flavor things when food is scarce! Also, paste flavoring like sambal (spicy chili). Other Foods:

Eggs? Eggs. It’s just a lizard thing but also! Really simple and easy to make.

Desert fruit! Water-based fruits that are similar to cantaloupe and citrusy things like calamansi.

On Kahje: Their diet must have to shift, so lucky they’re omnivorous.

Probably fish. Likely the main source of protein there.

This is off topic but I think that eating kelp runs as a joke for Drell on Kahje because of the similarities between their colors and striping. I don’t know what kind of joke. But I wonder if Drell teens will order fried kelp and point at each other like “cannibal”

Sauce…………. Dark sauces…...

You can tell the difference between a Kahje Drell and a Rakhana Drell (If they are still in existence? Most likely but very hard to find) based on their fish opinions

Raw fish consumption is normal on Kahje but Drell are not technically “built” for that diet so they may get sick with overconsumption! It must be well cooked to avoid illness.

3. Music

There's a natural inclination to communicate verbally due to their distinct biology.

Drell anatomy (throat) allows for unique sounds and trills

Highly present in language and utilized in music (On Rhakana there were probably dialects that incorporated certain clicks and trills as part of the “alphabet” just like irl, but I imagine those that can still speak it are very limited and it must be passed down or retaught through preservation efforts)

Rhythmic dance and music to tell stories and legends! Especially of great creatures that transcended into infamy. Like a big old serpent that through storytelling became a mythical dragon type of thing.

Clothing/Robes, loose-fitting and comfortable to work in Arid environments and allow for movement (tight ass clothes not the norm ashdjfk esp for dancing, Thane’s just a career man who thinks he looks good and he lived on Kahje so--)

4. Customs

The Pursuit of Life a.k.a Perah (I made this term up)

It's a cultural value centered around making the most of life through boldness. Seizing the moment because not every Drell gets the opportunity to call their life their own— this is in reference to both the compact and the death of Rakhana. Therefore if you ARE lucky enough to have ownership over your own life, you must not squander it. There are a number of purposeful benefits to Perah, such as:

Leading Drell off of Kahje (avoiding Kepral’s)

Giving Drell an “Adventurous” reputation due to far journeying and mixed work

A lot of Drell are able to form community ties outside of the home due to this norm! Because a lot of them have long and wide and journeys across the galaxy to share with each other and cultural commonality, they have an immediate kinship with each Drell they meet.

Puppetry/Masks

The Drell face is shaped like a mask so it only makes me think there must be culture-specific dances or plays utilizing masks in order to tell traditional stories and celebrate moments of life

There seems to be a lot of reverence and appreciation for the different and diverse, including animals and other species, leading me to believe that there are masks based on different creatures!

5. Hanar Intervention

Loss of Population: Effects

Destruction of the family unit, disjointed/fractured because of the Compact and limited living space on Kahje

Death of Rakhana leaving entire generations and specific regions behind, permanent severing between sects of Drell society

That means the inability to read certain texts as well as languages dying off between generations.

The disappearance of traditions, including many religions

Loss of understanding of Drell language and terminology

A.N: Thane is a rare case with access to high reading material and close ties to “hidden” communities/pockets of people; Most Drell do not know the meaning of Siha due to Hanar assimilating via Enkindlers

Most also do not know about traditional religion! I imagine these pockets must be so small. Thane probably had to work very hard to recover this knowledge which goes to show his complex relationship with his heritage.

It’s likely that there are factions of Drell who attempt to preserve and celebrate their culture despite being uprooted.

Possible rebellions/isolationists who reject the Compact which has mixed reactions by the majority of Drell community, not limited to shunning and disownment (:/ bc these things are sadly complicated)

A.N: Thane comments that it's an honor to fulfill the compact, which naturally implies it's shame to reject it. Let your imagination on the consequences of that rejection sink in.

A misconception is that Drell like to adopt whatever culture they live in but it's more like most of them lack the access to return and reclaim their own roots or have been shamed out of it

[blameyana]

Crowdsourcing in times of crisis

Crowdsourcing is when information, work, and opinions are gathered from a crowd through the Internet, applications or even social media. In fact, most of the information that can be found on the Internet is crowdsourced! Crowdsourcing is a good way to solve many problems in a short period of time. It doesn’t cost much to crowdsource information and it also provides you with different perspectives, as opinions are being crowdsourced as well. Generally, crowdsourcing is effective for various reasons.

The question is, can crowdsourced information during times of crisis mobilise the public into action? Yes. Take the white flag movement in Malaysia as an example. The #benderaputih (white flag) movement was started on social media by Malaysians who were in need of food and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they didn’t have any other alternatives to put food on the table. The movement required those in need of supplies and food to hang a white flag or cloth in front of their homes (Rodzi 2021). Neighbours can then provide them with assistance, either by donating supplies and food or by posting about the situation on social media so that organisations can donate to them. 

According to Chung (2021), three students from Multimedia University (MMU) developed a web application that played an important part in the movement. After realising that there was no centralised platform to connect those in need and those able to help, they developed a crowdsourcing platform, Sambal SOS. Those who need help can visit the web browser at https://www.sambalsos.com/ and send an SOS to get help or access the locations of food banks. Others get to report those putting up white flags from the app. The development of this web browser was praised by Malaysians due to its convenience.

Crowdsourcing is a reasonable practice, especially for organisations to look for a fresh set of ideas or solutions, all possible from the power of the crowd.

References:

Chung, N 2021, White flag campaign - MMU students create app to help, Free Malaysia Today (FMT), viewed 12 November 2022, <https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/07/06/white-flag-campaign-mmu-students-create-app-to-help/>.

Rodzi, NH 2021, Malaysians launch white flag campaign to signal distress without begging, The Straits Times, 30 June, viewed 12 November 2022, <https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysians-launch-white-flag-campaign-to-signal-distress-without-begging>.

[djnasgor]

Toilet Etiquette

My insatiable appetite for abnormally spicy food has earned me frequent, multiple trips to the toilet. Since I have returned back to Indonesia where there are ample amount sambal, chili paste and raw chilies within an arm's reach (compared to Hong Kong - who charges chopped chili padis as extra condiments), I can say that my bowel movements have been pretty regular. Let's leave it at that as I don't want this to be a tad TMI.

Where am I going with this? I'll give you a little insight that when I have to do number two outside of the comfort of my home I have a strong preference for disabled toilets for the space and privacy reasons. Now that I’ve properly retired from the usual 9-5 gig in the office I can safely say that I’ve mostly been able to enjoy doing a poo in the comfort of my own home (or hotels when I’m in quarantine - damn you COVID-19). 

However today I have decided that I required a little boost for my headspace and went to a coworking space in town. My spine needed a little bit of a change - it’s getting sick of being horizontal on my bed or sofa. Due to my irresponsible consumption of capsaicin my stomach has been uneasy throughout the day. A storm is brewing inside. 

As soon as I secured one of the vacant, socially-distanced hot-desking seat and placed my laptop bag, I immediately make my way into the toilet. Out comes the riveting fart along with its liquid counterparts. TMI? I’m sorry, I’ll stop there. Usually my butthole will be shy as it hasn’t been conditioned to pooping in a semi-private toilet cubicle. This time I really had to go.

The restroom was empty when I came in but not long after I heard another another person walked in the lavatory door. To my surprise the other person lets out nasty blabbering sounds from their behind as well. There is no way on earth she didn’t smell the stench in the air from my watery stool, so I’m sure she’s aware that someone else was in the bathroom doing exactly what she’s doing. 

Both of us sat there taking turns of farting, squelching diarrhoea and sharts. That’s when it came to my realization of the unspeakable toilet etiquette. We’re in it together, and both of us respect each other enough to grant anonymity. Among the awkward silences between our toilets flushing, it’s as if either one of us quietly decided who will exit the bathroom stall first before the other. It’s a mutually-agreed code of conduct so that neither of us will have to pass awkward half-smiles and glances when we went out to wash our hands. 

Humankind have evolved so far. Amazing what we can achieve when two great minds with loose bowels think alike. 

[kyary7]

We do not need a cup of parent red grapes to get any circular movement we just need to eat an eat spoon of garlic sambal yesterday surely that is an amazing trial to make a beatiful lyric try it for someone who expert in english help me to count my age

[indischen]

Miniature food jewellery pieces big on charm

ARTIST Lim Beng Wee certainly has a meticulous eye for minute details as he can create art pieces as tiny as 4mm.

Using clay carving tools, a penknife and modified tools, he sculpts polymer clay into a full-fledged nasi lemak meal, curry puffs, ang koo (bean paste cake), steamed bun with exposed filling and others.

He would then turn the miniatures into jewellery pieces. This has been his work of passion since 2007.

“We have earrings, bracelets, hairpins, brooches, rings, necklaces and headbands featuring the miniature pieces, some smaller than a grain of rice.

“What started as a hobby has become something which I am pursuing full-time now with my girlfriend.

“I have always enjoyed drawing and art, having studied it and working as a graphic designer before becoming an art director, ” he said when met at his shop in Hin Bus Depot, George Town, recently.

Recalling his romance with the art, Lim, 45, said his first item made was a doughnut as it was popular to eat back then.

Today, his intricate works include sushi, burgers, pastries and even a big breakfast plate among other designs.

Lim said making nasi lemak took the longest time as it was a combination of multiple components.

“We make rice, cucumber, sambal, chicken, egg and banana leaf separately before combining the pieces for a jewellery piece.

“We make them in batches, and it usually takes us two weeks to make a batch of 50 nasi lemak earrings.

“The whole process may sound tedious but I enjoy it and zone out during the process.

“It is fun to create miniatures that resemble the real deal. A lot of love goes into producing these pieces.

“It is a strain on the eyes after a full-day’s work as I do not use a magnifying glass, ” he said.

Lim said his pieces are priced between RM18 and RM150, depending on the intricacy and details.

“People usually say since the pieces are handmade, there should be less production cost and things should be cheaper.

“But they forgot that a lot of effort goes into producing these pieces.

“They are waterproof, durable and anti-allergenic, ” he said.

Lim said his more popular pieces among customers were the nasi lemak, steamed bun series, curry puff and sushi jewellery.

“We now have a face mask series of earrings which we introduced prior to the movement control order.

“With Christmas approaching, we also have gingerbread man earrings.

“We are working on a flower range now as well, ” he said.

[tandavmedia]

Empowering Lives: Unveiling the Sambal Yojna for Social and Economic Progress

Explore the transformative journey of the Sambal Yojna, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to fostering social and economic development. Discover how this innovative program is making a positive impact on individuals and communities, creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.

In the vibrant landscape of social welfare, the Sambal Yojna stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. This visionary initiative is not just a program; it's a commitment to uplift lives and create a more inclusive society. Let's delve into the heart of Sambal Yojna and understand how it is shaping a brighter future for countless individuals.

1. Empowering Entrepreneurs: At the core of the Sambal Yojna is the emphasis on entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Through targeted support and resources, the program enables individuals to start and grow their businesses. Micro-enterprises are flourishing, creating a ripple effect of economic prosperity within communities.

2. Financial Inclusion for All: One of the key pillars of Sambal Yojna is ensuring financial inclusion. The program facilitates access to banking services, providing a platform for individuals to save, invest, and secure their financial futures. This inclusivity not only strengthens economic stability but also fosters a sense of empowerment and dignity.

3. Education for Every Child: Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, Sambal Yojna invests significantly in educational initiatives. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and infrastructure development are paving the way for a generation of well-educated and skilled individuals who are ready to contribute to the nation's growth.

4. Healthcare Access Enhancement: Health is wealth, and Sambal Yojna acknowledges this by focusing on improving healthcare access. From setting up health camps to providing affordable healthcare services, the initiative ensures that every individual, regardless of their economic status, has the right to quality healthcare.

5. Strengthening Social Bonds: Beyond economic and educational aspects, Sambal Yojna recognizes the importance of strong social bonds. Community-building activities, cultural events, and awareness campaigns are fostering a sense of unity and collaboration, creating resilient communities that support each other in times of need.

In conclusion, Sambal Yojna is not just a government initiative; it's a movement towards a more equitable and compassionate society. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals, this program is sowing the seeds of lasting change, where every citizen can thrive and contribute to the nation's progress. The journey of Sambal Yojna is a testament to the power of collective action in building a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

[ezra-blue]

Week 16

Under the cut!

Last Week: 148 This Week: 148

Okay, so I’m not even mad about it. Why?

1. Last week of the month on the birth control cycle, meaning, restart point for my monthly cycle. I’ve been having cramps on and off for the last three days. 2. Went out for dinner on Saturday. I know I indulged a little, but I ate light during the day and I didn’t stuff myself to the point where I felt bloated, so I don’t think I overdid it, but the food was both very sweet and salty.

Long story short: I’m retaining water. I can tell, too. I finally gave up on my wedding rings and moved them to my middle finger until I can get them resized, and last Wednesday, they were still loose there. This morning, they actually felt a little tight. I weighed in during the week and still came in lower than I weighed in today (but those weigh-ins don’t count). I’m confident I’ll drop a few pounds by next week. Besides, this diet is as much about “health gain” as weight loss.

I should explain what I mean by “those weigh-ins don’t count.” I only record my Monday weigh-in, even if I do step on the scale every time I go to the gym. Weight does naturally fluctuate, but I’d still like to see things hanging around the same area or moving down. I admit there’s a little paranoia to it. I somewhat worry that I’ll wake up one day and none of it will have been real, I’ll be as heavy as I was in February, and I’ve just been fooling myself for four months.

Except there’s some pretty significant physical evidence that’s not what’s been happening.

I decided to suck it up and take my Otakon cosplay measurements, because I need to get started. I’ve been measuring myself occasionally as I’ve been going, but I had to commit.

My measurements at the start: B: 42 W: 34 H: 40 My measurements now: B: 39 W: 31 H: 39

Bam! Smaller chest for less back pain and still keeping the butt that the Mr. likes! I’ve always worried a little that because I was a little top heavy, I had a linebacker look. I’ve got kind of broad shoulders, so it’s a little insecurity point. Losing some of that chest, despite the overarching opinion of “the bigger the better,” makes me damn happy. Plus, the Mr. says I’ve been looking good with the hourglass thing.

For anyone who has used commercial sewing patterns, you may realize that these measurements actually suck because pattern measurements go by even numbers. >w>’ However, accounting for wearing ease (aka, the gap between the actual body measurement listed in the pattern and the size of the finished product to allow for easier movement) and the fact that I’m not done yet, I have two months to keep chipping away at those measurements, I decided to cut the patterns at the lower of the two sizes I’m between. I’m only making one new cosplay this year (it’s cool if my old Kami-sama cosplay is loose, right?), but it’s gonna be awesome when it’s done. I hope I do a good job and look good in it!

I keep meaning to make a longer post about my exercise regimen. I promise I’ll get to it.

Today, we’re going to a cookout at my godparents’ house. I offered to make a dessert, anticipating being given creative freedom so I could try a dessert recipe I’ve been wanting to try, but nope, chocolate chip cookies it is. XP I promise to only eat one and none of the cookie dough. I’ve also insisted on bringing a vegetable dish to ensure there’s some sort of vegetable available that is not served with ranch dressing or doused in mayonnaise. I’m going to bring some baby bok choy with a soy-sambal oelek vinaigrette that we can toss on the grill. Hopefully the host can make a little space on the grill for some healthier options!

I’ll be good this week. I’ll surprise myself next week!

[gocar-blog1]

#GoCarInvades: Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas.

To those who have requested for more GoCars in Sri Hartamas, we’ve heard you! For the past year, we’ve been serving the Mont Kiara community and now, you may pick up a GoCar at Mayfair Tower and Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas too.

While Sri Hartamas appears to be the soft-spoken sister to the ever-happening Mont Kiara, Plaza Damas and Hartamas Shopping Centre are the pulse of Sri Hartamas and picking up a GoCar here has never been so convenient. 

We’ve explored around and here’s what we found:

1. Fuss-free Lunch Spot- The Kanteen Plus, Plaza Damas.

F-0-5, Plaza Damas, No. 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Indoor or outdoor? Your pick

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Whether you’re up for western food or a simple Nasi Lemak, Kanteen Plus does not disappoint and it’s a rather popular lunch spot for nearby offices and residents and we can see why.

Their Nasi Lemak Sambal Sotong is one choice you won’t regret! Rice paired with crunchy nuts and fried anchovies, their squid sambal goes so well all together and it costs less than RM15 for a decent lunch.

So if you’re picking up a GoCar after lunch, why not try drop by for lunch?

2. Coffee, Cakes and Hangout: The Rubberduck (@rubberduckquack)

Lot K-08B (Dorchester Service Apt.), Plaza Damas, Kuala Lumpur.

Rubberduck is a personal favourite and if you’ve visited them before, you’ll know what we mean. No stranger to frequent patrons, Katrina and Lin are the smiley people behind the success story of Rubberduck. Started off at a cute corner of Plaza Damas, the store saw the need to accommodate swarming patrons and now, their new space is so spacious that they had ventured into something they had always wanted to do before the birth of Rubberduck. What could it be? But first, coffee.

“Get your caffeine fix here too! Whether to go or dine-in, pair your coffee with some cakes too!”

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“Raspberry Almond Cake”

Rich in flavour, the and light raspberry complements the moist almond cake really well. RM12 on the price tag, gotta try!

“Mochi Cake”

This RM6 Yorkshire pudding look-alike is a gluten free vanilla flavoured Mochi cake. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside, the vanilla filling has a moderate sweetness and it’s definitely safe for those who are counting calories.

“Not feeling gluten-free or raspberry cake? Check out their spread of cakes at the counter!”

“Brownies, anyone?”

“Food made with love”

“Rattan chair or sofa, these prints made us feel like we’re on a tropical holiday!”

“Quack!” :3

Let’s get Fit!: Aloha Cycle Club

Lot K-08B (Dorchester Service Apt.), Plaza Damas, Kuala Lumpur.

Brought to you by the same people from Rubberduck, the Aloha Cycle Club opened its doors early this year and the classes have been well-received by both local fitness enthusiasts and amateur indoor cyclists. Needless to say, this spinning studio is the brainchild of both fitness enthusiasts, Lin and Katrina

“It was something that we wanted to start like 10 years ago even before Rubberduck came about but we were held down by many other things.”

-Lin

Equipped with the state-of-art Spinner® Ride from Precor, these solid and sturdy cycling machines would be a pleasure to ride on!

No one is left behind (literally)! With a class ratio of 1 instructor to a maximum of 20 participants, rest assured that you’ll be given enough attention and proper guidance.

Currently, Aloha Cycle Club has 3 types of classes to offer:

Aloha Ride

The cycle club’s signature 45-minute beat-driven indoor cycling class includes a warm up, a portion of upper body strength movements, followed by aerobic and anaerobic interval training, punctuated with some mindfulness training and a cool-down session.

Ala Ride

“Ala” means road, path, way in Hawaiian and this 45-minute “Ala Ride” will take you on a journey set to pumping music, resistance and speed training that is an overall kick-ass high-intensity cardiovascular workout!

Intro Ride

Newbies, this is the class for you. Young or old, this basic 45-minute workout session will enable you to learn movements of indoor cycling and break a sweat.

These Shimano cycling shoes are available for loan at no charge. 

Lockers and shower rooms are available for use at no extra charge too. How thoughtful. 

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Fresh towels can be rented for RM5 and upon returning, all used towels are washed after every session.

Think you’re ready to start acting upon your new year’s resolution to keep fit? Give spinning classes a try! For only RM50 per session, you’ll be guided by professional coaches and sweat it out.

That’s all for GoCar’s Sri Hartamas invasion report. Think there’s more to explore in the locality of Sri Hartamas? Drop us a comment on our Facebook page!

Good day & Cheers!

Edmund (@edmundevansc) :D                                                                            

[asiahcb42]

HOKKIEN CHAR MEE

Hokkien char mee is famous for its dark based sauce. It is also referred to as prawn noodles. Basically, from the word Hokkien it is derived from a province in China, Fujian, where the influence came from. It is not in Malaysia that this dish is making its own pavement through street food superstars, but also in Singapore.  

Hokkien Char mee is traditionally cooked in charcoal fire, which where it gets its smoky and very wokky flavor. Fried Hokkien mee is commonly served in Kuala Lumpur and near surrounding places of aforementioned.

Of course, Differed variations are used the availability of ingredients, in sort of shrimp broth which is the classic version. Some other variations use fried noodles or ingredients like pork, vegetables, and chilies.

 Here’s a video on how Hokkien Char Mee is made.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urcQhJe-0A

We can see in the video that there are no exact measurements for the ingredients, it is all known by heart and muscle memory. These cooks have been mastering this technique for years, so for It is so hard to replicate at home.

CHAR KWAY TEOW

It is known to be “stir-fried rice strips”, well known to have very thin flat strips of noodles, which is very popular in Malaysia. Stir fried in dark soy, chives, and shrimp, traditionally in pork fat, chili, sprouts and eggs. “Char” means fried and “kway teow” means rice cake and flat, respectively. This meal was first created basically by the farmers, fishermen and other people who just threw in garlic, soy and different ingredients at a calculated fast pace, in which consists of high protein and fat needed for a long day of work. But then, Malaysia as a country mostly of Muslims, they had to make the Char kway teow Halal.

Arguably, Penang has the best Char kway teow in Malaysia, also in some parts of Malaysia they make Char kway teow as gourmet dish commonly in Penang also, which duck eggs, duck and crab meat are added to add more robust and sophisticated flavors.

Here’s a video of a food stall that has been up since 1965. The wok he has been using for such a long time, have one of the best flavors and very seasoned through the thousands of char kway teow cooked in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qylnS-Nvy1Y

Here is another video showing a night street market in Burma. The skills and hand movements are only acted by a true master of this dish. The sequence and each throw of ingredients are from passion and love of the food.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2BAFSZVvk

 WONTON MEE

This egg noodle dish is tossed in black sauce, served with wontons, char siu, pickled chilies and bokchoy on the side. This dish is gotten from Chinese kitchen, where in char siu is a roasted pork or it is also called pork asado. Where it has a very dark outside and pink inside, sweet and salty. While its dumplings are made out of prawns or pork.

But the difference of this wonton mee is the dark sauce. This type of variation is from Malaysia, where in different areas like Penang and Kuala Lumpur. There is also variation of broth with has orangey color oil. Sometimes, this is also accompanied with roast duck, braised chicken feet.

In this video, we can see that there are two types of noodles that have used. First shown is the fried egg noodles, and second one is the fresh egg noodles. Added with veggies and char siu. The dark sauce is very concentrated and those noodles were blanched in a big boiling broth and tossed in to the dark sauce.  

 Here is a video of Mark weins roaming around Georgetown in Penang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPPFAyjNRAw

ROJAK

Rojak is a famous dish in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Indonesia is where it came from and then brought to Singapore and Malaysia. In Indonesia, the basic ingredients used in theirs are fresh fruits and vegetables. In the other hand, Malaysia, it is mixed with fried tofu and some fritter, for added textures. It is unclear which is which it started from. But the use of palm sugar, chilies and other staples in Southeast Asian countries made it believed that it somewhere from these 3 countries mentioned.

It is a fruit salad tossed with Sambal Belacan. This shrimp paste has a lot of varieties from different countries. But they kind of influence one another. “Otak” is also a term for the shrimp paste, or some refer to it as Shrimp brains. The Penang Hokkiens also called this haeko. While in Indonesia people call this petis udang.

The word rojak means “mixed”. Which refers to the different type and kinds of fruit/vegetables used this salad. There are so many variations of rojak. It changes every time you add an ingredient or you cut the ingredients in different ways.

Some of the fruits used are pineapple and green mango. Vegetables can be cucumber and yam bean. It also has fritters to add that another texture for the dish.

 Here is a fruit rojak being prepared in Taman Midah in Kuala Lumpur with fresh fruits, crackers and dark sauce.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Z8uhTt1k8

 Good food and travelling is the best part. But if there’s added musical show, it couldn’t be more satisfying. This type of rojak serves mamak pasumbar rojak, which is more fried fitters, vegetables tofu, eggs and more.  Here is a vendor dancing and singing in sync with his music while chopping with precision. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRahcsHOGw

 ROTI CANAI

This is a dish mainly influenced by the Indians in Malaysia, they are the Mamak. The Malaysian flatbread is a favorite breakfast dish in the country. It is not only the roti canai that you eat, this is traditionally served with curries. From there, we can see that Indians have the direct influence of this dish that came over Malaysia, which was brought by Indian Muslims or the mamaks. In addition, Roti prata is the version in India.

Variations of this dish differs on what you partner with it. A variation ranges from fruits, vegetables, curries to fried eggs. It is like just a flatbread partnered with anything.

You want some entertainment? This went viral on facebook, just so because of these very skilled cooks who make roti canai. Indeed, those are flying roti canai.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=L3mV1bP0m9s

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photo credits: 

Photos from: rasamalaysia.com

Photos from: malaysiafest.com/au

Photos from: atablefortwo.com/au

Photos from: rasamalaysia.com

Photos from: asianinspiration.com/au

[thirst-days]

Nasi goreng with hot dogs

thirstDays No. 11 Eat Rice Yet?

When I was a kid I was allergic to wheat and dairy. In those days, words like “gluten free” were definitely not found on all manner of food packaging or in a dedicated section of the grocery store like they are now. Being a kid, my fondness of vegetables was also limited. So I ate a lot of meat and I happened to absolutely love it. Every Halloween my Opa would give me a dried sausage that I would savour for weeks, taking it out of the fridge every day and delicately nibbling away at it. In any case, my mother had her work cut out for her when it came to getting vegetables in my mouth — even more so because dinner time was my bad temper’s golden hour.

One solution whose flavour has stuck on my tongue was nasi goreng, or “fried rice.” Being from a Dutch family on my mother’s side, Indonesian food was common, a lasting connection to the Netherland’s colonial ties with that country. An amalgam of leftovers with fried rice wrapped in a warm smoky flavour, the nasi goreng of my childhood involved cut pieces of hot dog and frozen peas. I would help my mother or watch as she moved the rice around our heavy yellow wok. Red flecks of chilli. Bright and happy green peas. A bubbling pot of wieners. My mother humming, singing and whistling as she moves about the house, opening the windows to air the smell from the kitchen.

As an adult I introduced nasi goreng to the man who is now my husband, though without the hot dogs and with a great deal more sambal, a chilli sauce that I always have on hand in our house.

Eat Rice Yet? curated by Henry Tsang and Diyan Achjadi, was tightly organized around the smells, tastes, sights and memories of food and drink. The experience of food, of sharing a meal, which has been present to varying degrees in all of the thirstDays events, was here given its full due, allowing the cross-cultural, familial, political, and spiritual nature of food to come to fruition—a rich and complex broth simmering under attentive eyes. I kept thinking about the entirety of the event as a recipe in itself, with all the flavours of sake, horchata and kimbap enriched and accented by the presentation of video, story and song. The star, of course, was rice, taking centre stage with humble grace and gravity as a meal in itself, a side dish, a carrier of delicious sauces, a container for fish and vegetables, full of potential. Each presentation of the evening enriched the appreciation of rice in itself and illuminated profound connections and separations between us. Rice was an active agent within this, a proposition for new understandings.

Michael Rakowitz’s Dar Al Sulh (Domain of Conciliation) (2013) began the evening with the words, “You know it really is a pity how we treat each other now. I know you can’t forgive me but forgive me anyhow?”1 A video document of the restaurant project that operated in Dubai for one week and served Iraqi-Jewish cuisine, Dar Al Sulh refers to a legal territory or domain in which an agreement between Muslims and non-Muslims ensures the freedom of religion, autonomy and protection for all. The project stems from Rakowitz’s ongoing Enemy Kitchen (2003-) where he teaches participants to cook recipes compiled with his Iraqi-Jewish mother, creating the conditions for a discussion of Iraqi culture in America that moves beyond media portrayals. Similarly, Dar Al Sulh presents possibilities for the representation and interaction of Iraqi and Jewish culture in the wake of Jewish exodus from Arab lands in the 1940s. Serving platters sourced from antiques dealers in Israel that survived the journey of the Iraqi Jews out of Iraq, parallel the preciousness of the cuisine served as both the recipes themselves and the Iraqi Jewish Arabic language are under threat of being lost. “You are eating a dying language from the plate of a ghost,” words adorning the window of the restaurant, remind visitors of the implications of the experience they are having despite the conviviality of it all.

Following the screening, Meeru Dhalwala, co-owner of Vij’s and Rangoli in Vancouver, gave a talk—”A Grain of Rice, a Pot of Rice”—about opening a restaurant in Seattle: Shanik. She attracted female staff who were immigrants and refugees from India, Ethiopia and Eritrea by visiting convenience stores and Walmarts and “greeting people who looked Indian,” advertising a safe place for women to work. What was immediately evident in Dhalwala’s talk was a sense of humour and honesty that comes from the practical realities of running a kitchen. She described the restaurant as a “cultural mess,” divided along ethnic lines with caucasian front-of-house staff, Indian cook staff, and Ethiopian and Eritrean cleaning staff. In rapid fire she discussed the many differences that kept these women separated: not speaking the same language, differences in religious beliefs, and dietary practices.

It was a slow and difficult process to bring these women together. The cuisines of their home countries share some common spices, so they learned the names of these in each other’s languages to break down barriers in communication. It wasn’t enough. One day, however, Dhalwala was cooking a simple rice pilaf with basmati, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, turmeric, cilantro, jalapeño, and toasted cumin. It was a meal that everyone in the kitchen could eat, and they enjoyed it so much that they began to sharing it around the same table, even enticing the front of house staff to join in. The conditions for conversation were set and the kitchen staff had an unexpected (at least for the audience, perhaps) moment of bonding when Dhalwala casually asked one of the staff, who was Eritrean, if she would be interested in Oguz Istif, Dhalwala’s partner in the restaurant. This sent the entire kitchen staff into a disapproving frenzy because of Istif’s Muslim heritage. Dhalwala’s frankness about this experience of bonding over a shared discrimination against another had the audience laughing together. It was totally unidealized, stemming from long seated prejudices as well as the continued conditions of separation experienced by many immigrants and refugees in the United States as well as Canada. Despite this, their distance was lessened in the simple act of sharing rice. As she spoke, we were fed small cups of rice from Vij’s and shared in the retelling of this story.

First Intermission: I drink a cup of sake and eat kimbap, a Korean seaweed rice roll (or three).

The second act began with a meditative video work by Chee Wang Ng, 108 Global Rice Bowl (2008). The object of meditation is a rotation of white rice in white bowls, varied in shape and size, and shot against a cool grey background. A pair of pine-coloured chopsticks are laid in front, creating a diagonal line that moves off to the right of the screen. The composition is carefully considered. Each well rounded mound of rice is proportionate to its vessel. With each new bowl of rice, a chime sounds—similarly varied in its tone and pitch—and a different country is inserted into the phrase “Made in _____.” China and Japan make multiple appearances along with Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, France and many others. The 108 tones correspond to the number of beads in a Buddhist rosary, aligning the path to enlightenment, or the repetition of a powerful mantra, with the simple grace of rice. The connectivity between places of vast geographical distance is also brought to bare in the repetition of this similar image and object of contemplation, speaking to the movement of bodies and goods that transcend borders.

The video brought the audience to quiet attention and, at least for me, back into my sensing body. Fred Wah’s reading then promptly whisked me away again, and the distinction between the simplicity of Wang Ng’s video and the complex and vivid imagery of Wah’s stories (and the attendant differences between watching and listening) deeply enriched the experience of both works. Wah read from Diamond Grill (1996), a semi-fictional biography about growing up in his father’s restaurant in Nelson, as well as reading some newer material. I have never read Wah’s work before and was enraptured by his descriptions that brought memory and taste so close together that the two became indistinguishable. The selections were part recipe, part biography, observing the life of the town as much as the way the hand remembers the rhythm of cooking, rhythm that Wah brought to life again in words. The final note I wrote while listening to Wah was “the palpable flavour of words.”

I sat that with over the second intermission where I tried a different kind of sake and shared a cigarette in the cold December night.

As I came back in and got another cup of sake, Vanessa Richards took the stage. A Dark Welcome Table: Songs for Grace in Action was a multimedia and layered narrative told primarily from the perspective of a young black girl of Jamaican descent living in Vancouver in the era of the Vietnam War. It was a story about wrong names: about grapes and raisins and techniques for eating rice pudding; about being chased home from school by a white kid who kicked and spit on her door; about Phillis, the young Squamish “Indian” girl, and the story of the two sisters, the mountain peaks that are called Lions even though the narrator thinks they look more like tiger ears. This was the same story told by Mohawk writer E. Pauline Johnson in Legends of Vancouver (1911)2 but inflected with the energy of a shared tale between two young friends. As Phillis explained, the Squamish “let the Haida know they weren’t mad anymore,” allowing peace to come between the two great nations, which led to the creator placing the sisters on the highest mountain range at the end of their life so that we could continue to look upon them and feel peaceful. Richards broke out into song: “heartbeat, it’s a love beat.”3

She told us about an older boy, Adam, who looked like Muhammad Ali. “No Viet Cong ever called me a nigger.” She thought that Adam might knock out that white boy just like Ali, and wondered if Adam and Ali could stop the big war. A video a Ali is projected on the wall: “I’m gunna float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. George can’t hit what his hands can’t see!”4

Finally, Richards was joined by Anna Baignoche on guitar and they sang “Children of Darkness” by Richard & Mimi Fariña (1965), standing in front of a wall drawing of the two sisters, their peaks simply outlined in black with a few m-shaped birds flying in the sky. “Now is a time for your loving dear, and a time for your company. … And now in this age of confusion, I have need for rice pudding!”

Following this enrapturing performance, Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” came on—which is my favourite Williams’ tune—and we all gathered around a table of rice dishes: Nasi Uduk with sweet coconut, Nasi Kuning with savoury turmeric. I drank a final cup of sake, this time from the Fraser Valley where the fertile soil supports rice agriculture, and talked with Henry about my memories of eating Nasi Goreng. I left buzzing on sake and the deep warmth that the sharing of food threads throughout all of history.

Notes 1. Leonard Cohen, “Anyhow,” Old Ideas, 2012. 2. http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/johnson/vancouver/vancouver-01.html 3. “Heartbeat, it’s a Lovebeat,” The DeFranco Family, 1973. 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXzQqqn-rVc

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Tarah Hogue is a curator and writer of Dutch, French and Métis ancestry originally from the Prairies. She is Curator with grunt gallery since 2014 and is the 2016 Audain Aboriginal Curatorial Fellow with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She is currently working on #callresponse with Maria Hupfield and Tania Willard along with invited artists Christi Belcourt, Ursula Johnson, and Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory. She recently curated Unsettled Sites, a group exhibition with Marian Penner Bancroft, Wanda Nanibush and Tania Willard at SFU Gallery. In 2009 she co-founded the Gam Gallery. She has written texts for Canadian Art, Decoy Magazine, Inuit Art Quarterly, MICE Magazine, and others.