Shiren Van Cooten

Why do you do what you do?
I am deeply inspired to continue uncovering the history of my Black ancestors because I have become aware in later years that the history I have had access to is not complete without it. I have found that one narrative has been prioritized and valorized. But, this is not because it is more valuable, or worse, because other histories don’t exist, as has often been told, but because less light is shone on those histories and less importance afforded them. I do not want that to be my reality, or one for the learners I encounter, so I make my efforts at uncovering what history I can.

What is your educational background and training

I studied Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto, with a specialization in African Politics, and minors in East Asian Studies and Spanish. I went on to study film at various institutions and gained training at various professional organizations and while working in the industry.

My first job in university was at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation a year after its founding. I was co-chair of the University of Toronto branch of the literacy organization, Frontier College. I have worked globally from France and Helsinki in Europe to Colombia, where I taught corporate English and Togo, West Africa, where I led business workshops for women members of a microfinance collective

In addition, I have honed my teaching skills as my main service at my small company, B-kwe Company, where I create and teach my own curriculum related to the global African diaspora and languages. I have also written on various topics related to the African diaspora for my family’s newspaper, Pride News Magazine, since the age of 12, as well as for other community newspapers based in Toronto, Ontario.

What did you learn about the diversity of the early Black communities of BC while working on this project?

I learned about the movement of Black individuals, families and communities as they searched for better opportunities or safer places where those opportunities would not be hindered. This need for movement to find community meant leaving the home their parents and grandparents knew, moving many times over, and therefore lessening opportunities for lasting family and community wealth and recognition. Yet, I learned about the enterprising nature of those that came—how many grabbed a foothold in their new homes, commanding respect despite the discrimination they experienced. Much of their stories and histories aren’t told, and I hope this will change for future generations of Canadians.