This will be an exploration of the history of Persian New Year, and how it's celebrated throughout Western Asia. Nowruz, (spelled phonetically as Norouz or Norooz in Farsi), in its essence is an ode to spring. Nowruz informs how people in Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (as well as the Persian diaspora globally) view the season framed around renewal, family and 'khoone takoonee'. There will be a Farsi writing exercise for all participants to take part, and Norooz treats for participants to enjoy. 

Presenter: Bardia Khaledi was born in northern Tehran, Iran. His childhood home was by the mountainside where he was surrounded by nature and wildlife. Those formative experiences have shaped his outlook in Richmond, BC, the place he has called home for the past 30 years. He holds an M.A. in Anthropology from Simon Fraser University. In his 2010 thesis, he explored how Canadian botanical gardens often downplay Indigenous place-making and knowledge systems while highlighting European histories, plant explorers and colonial botany - his thesis conclusion was that the only way forward is through reconciliatory action and inclusion of Indigenous folks.

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