Vancouver | September 20–25, 2023
Coordinating the logistics for traveling from Toronto to Vancouver to conduct a series of planned interviews was both a complex and rewarding experience, especially given the distance between the two cities. Thanks to technology, we were able to establish initial community connections via Zoom, which greatly facilitated our preparations.
The logistics involved arranging accommodation for the Toronto team, securing a suitable venue for the interviews, and building connections with members of the Salvadoran diaspora in Vancouver through a local network. This process required numerous meetings and phone calls to coordinate all necessary details. The results exceeded our expectations — we were fortunate to receive free accommodation through the generosity of a Salvadoran resident.
Securing an interview space before our arrival proved challenging, as many community service organizations that previously offered venues for such activities were no longer doing so in the aftermath of the pandemic. As an alternative, we were able to use a newly built house in Surrey, generously made available by the sister of a local contact.
In total, we conducted nine interviews — five with men and four with women. As in Toronto, each participant received an information and consent form in Spanish prior to their interview. The Vancouver participants were notably welcoming, articulate, and deeply engaged in sharing their experiences.
