Illustrated group of diverse people representing different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds.

Anti-racism and cultural redress

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination signed proclamation (539 KB)

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination proclamation

More than half of Vancouver residents are Indigenous, Black, or racialized. This diversity is our strength and the foundation of our city.

Racism and hate, including racial slurs, racial profiling, denial of service, and acts of violence, cause real harm to Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities in Vancouver.

There is no place for racism or hate in Vancouver. We are committed to working with communities and public partners to prevent and address racism in all its forms. This includes acknowledging past harms and taking steps toward redress.

What's happeningCity of Vancouver reaffirms commitment to tackling racism

In spring 2026, we released 2 operational frameworks that strengthen our ongoing commitment to racial equity and reconciliation:

Anti-Racism Framework and Action Plan (ARAP)

In May 2026, we released the Anti-Racism Framework and 2026-2027 Action Plan (ARAP) — the first overarching plan focused on preventing and addressing systemic racism in how we design and deliver services and policies.

The plan includes 12 actions to be implemented from 2026 to 2027 and aims to help make sure Indigenous, Black, and diverse racialized communities feel safe, respected, and supported when they use our services, take part in our processes, and interact with our staff.

The ARAP works alongside our Equity Framework (4 MB), UNDRIP Strategy (1.4 KB), and Healthy City Strategy to contribute to overall safety, accessibility, wellbeing, and belonging. 

For more background, review the Council memo (733 KB) from April 2026. 

Review the Anti-Racism Framework and 2026-2027 Action Plan (ARAP) (1.2 MB)

Our key areas of work

Anti-Black racism

Learn about our response to anti-Black racism through cultural redress, community engagement, and Council’s interim report.

South Asian Canadian discrimination

Learn more about our efforts to address discrimination and racism against South Asian Canadians in Vancouver.

City of Reconciliation

Vancouver was designated a City of Reconciliation when the Reconciliation Framework was adopted by Council on July 8, 2014.

Chinatown

Learn more about our work to revitalize economic and community development in Chinatown.

Sign up for updates

View past newsletters:
Dec 2024 (243 KB) | Jan 2023  (292 KB) | Oct 2022  (265 KB) | Mar 2022  (240 KB)

Privacy Policy

Join the Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee

Supports diversity and inclusion alongside other agencies, the public, and multicultural groups.

Be an ally

Learn what you can do to actively disrupt and fight racism with our bystander intervention guide.

Learn about related priorities

Contact us

Email: [email protected]

The City of Vancouver acknowledges it is on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), who have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial.

We are committed to working alongside the local Nations and urban Indigenous communities to address historic and ongoing racial discrimination rooted in colonial practices and policies.

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies

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