Join Embark, SVSPO, and WUSC for a community kitchen that invites participants to explore how food connects us to memory, identity, and resistance. Through shared meals and storytelling, we’ll reflect on who has access to land, seeds, and knowledge—and how communities can reclaim and protect their food traditions in the face of displacement, colonization, and inequity.

Beyond simply preparing food, we aim to create a space to celebrate the flavours and traditions that shape who we are, while honouring the histories that have impacted them. Together, we’ll cook, share stories, and reimagine what it means to belong by affirming the right of all people to define their own food systems and reclaim what nourishes us.

We’ll be making:

• Chana Masala (served with rice)
• Eggplant Mesa’a’ah (served with rice)
• Hummus
• Piña Colada cakes

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions and/or food allergies in the registration form ahead of the event.

AGENDA

• Introductions and Housekeeping 
• Cooking and Activities 
• Eating and Discussion 
• Wrap-up and Clean-up

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, all are welcome! This event is first-come first-serve until we reach capacity, so we encourage you to register and arrive 10 minutes early. Thanks and see you there!✨

Land Acknowledgement

This event takes place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Wafaa Zaqout (she/her)
Wafaa Zaqout is a Palestinian and naturalized Canadian who immigrated to Canada more than 15 years ago as a skilled professional. She brings over 25 years of experience in humanitarian aid and social support, working with vulnerable communities in both Palestine and British Columbia. Her career includes roles with international organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), as well as with non-profit settlement agencies in B.C. For the past six years, Wafaa has been at Simon Fraser University, where she supports refugee students and advances efforts to make the institution more equitable and accessible for refugee communities. For Wafaa, cooking has always been her way of building community and sharing kindness through food. 

Paola Quiros-Cruz (they/them)
Paola is the Educator with the SVSPO and the 2024 recipient of the national Courage to Act Campus Educator Award. They coordinate and facilitate education and outreach initiatives for SFU and FIC undergraduate and graduate students. Their commitment as an Educator is to center the voices of historically marginalized groups, create reflective educational experiences through an intersectional lens, and find creative strategies to foster communities of care.

Marie Haddad (she/her)
Marie, an SFU Grad student and Coptic Egyptian, serves as the Director of Engagement at Embark Sustainability Society, where she develops and leads inclusive, community-focused initiatives. Before taking on this role, she spent five years as a student organizer dedicated to advancing equitable and sustainable education, uplifting marginalized communities, and championing intersectionality, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. As the inaugural VP of Equity and Sustainability at the SFSS, Marie helped drive landmark joint-campaigns such as the 15 Black Faculty Cluster Hiring, and SFU’s multi-million-dollar fossil fuel divestment – and led B.C.’s first unanimously passed policy on Palestinian Liberation and BDS at the SFSS, later adopted as a bylaw. She remains deeply committed to building strong communities and fostering transformative change.

Event Accessibility

Health & Safety

Participants who register are agreeing to release Embark Sustainability Society from any liability related to COVID-19. Masks are optional but encouraged.

Community Agreement

By registering to attend this event, you are agreeing to be respectful when listening to and communicating with others, and be mindful of the space you are taking up amongst your peers.

Embark Sustainability does not tolerate violence or aggression against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability. Please also refer to people using the introductions they provide and do not assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.

If these agreements are broken by someone, we will have to ensure the safety of our community members by removing them from the event.

Questions

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Embark Sustainability’s Director of Engagement at engagement@embarksustainability.org.