

The City of Vancouver was designated a City of Reconciliation when the framework was adopted by Council on July 8, 2014. The designation and commitment followed the Year of Reconciliation in Vancouver from June 2013 to June 2014.
We will form a sustained relationship of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations and the Urban Indigenous community
Our vision
As a City of Reconciliation, we will:
- Form a sustained relationship of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations and the Urban Indigenous community, including key agencies
- Incorporate a First Nations and Urban Indigenous perspective into our work and decisions
- Provide services that benefit members of the First Nations and Urban Indigenous community
Our goals
Our long-term goals:
- Strengthen local First Nations and Urban Indigenous relations
- Promote Indigenous peoples arts, culture, awareness, and understanding
- Incorporate First Nations and Urban Indigenous perspectives for effective City services
On June 18, 2018 the City of Vancouver, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) announced two new names for prominent public spaces downtown Vancouver.
Acknowledging the colonial legacy of naming in Vancouver the plaza naming process sought to return decision-making to the original inhabitants of this land and bring more visibility to the local Indigenous languages and cultures.
šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly known as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza)
Pronunciation guide
šxʷƛ̓exən (hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language)
Xwtl’a7shn (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language)
Pronounciation guide
šxʷƛ̓ənəq (hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language)
Xwtl’e7énḵ (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language)
Related documents
- Reconciliation update memo 2020 PDF file (440 KB)
- City of Reconciliation update 2019 PDF file (694 KB)
- City of Reconciliation framework PDF file (149 KB)
- 2017 City of Reconciliation staff report (December 4, 2017) PDF file (340 KB)
- City of Reconciliation staff report (January 19, 2016) PDF file (143 KB)
- Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (January 19, 2016) PDF file (204 KB)
- Vancouver Park Board’s 11 recommendations (January 6, 2016) PDF file (209 KB)
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action External website, opens in new tab