By Janice Lozano
Burnaby, BC, June 18, 2025 – A diverse group of community members, mental health professionals, students, and advocates gathered at the Nikkei Cultural Centre for Breaking Barriers: Community Dialogue on Mental Health in BC, hosted by City University in Canada (CityU). The event focused on dismantling stigma, addressing cultural and systemic barriers, and improving mental health access for immigrant, racialized, and underserved populations in British Columbia.
Running from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM, the dialogue was moderated by MLA Rohini Arora, Burnaby East, Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care, and featured a rich panel of voices:
Panelists Included:
- Sammie Jo Rumbaua, Community Advocate & Director, Mabuhay House Society
- Wendy Higgenbottom, Faculty, CityU Master of Education in School Counselling
- Dawn Serra, Faculty, CityU Master of Counselling
- Jonathan Lau, Student, CityU Master of Counselling
- Gary Thandi, Founder & Executive Director, Moving Forward Family Services
The panel engaged in meaningful conversation around the real-life challenges marginalized communities face in accessing equitable and culturally responsive mental health care. Among the many impactful contributions from the audience, two standout questions sparked deep reflection and dialogue:
“What are some current gaps in mental health services that you see, especially for marginalized or newcomer communities?”
“How can we bridge the gap between Western models of mental health care and culturally rooted approaches?”
Panelists highlighted the lack of culturally safe services, language barriers, long wait times, and the underrepresentation of diverse practitioners. In response, they emphasized the importance of community-based care, peer support models, and integrating traditional and Western mental health practices in respectful and meaningful ways.
“This event was a powerful reminder that healing happens in community,” said MLA Rohini Arora. “By centering lived experience and listening to diverse voices, we move closer to building a mental health system that works for everyone.”
One of the questions asked by the moderator, “How can professionals build trust with communities that have historically been underserved by mental health systems?” Sammie Jo Rumbaua answered with a clear message, “Hire Us! People that look like us and speak like us”
Also present at the event were MLA Amna Shah of Surrey City Centre, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions, Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, and Burnaby City Councillors Maita Santiago and Richard Lee.
The evening fostered critical conversations, community connection, and opportunities for future engagement—both through local resources and through professional pathways in the mental health field.
CityU extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, speakers, and organizers who contributed to the success of this dialogue. (Sent by Janice Lozano)
Photos from the Mayor’s Office
ReyFort Media 
Leave a comment