UNDRIP Task Force

• |

• 

  UNDRIP strategy

  Over a year of intergovernmental collaboration and dialogue, the Task Force developed the UNDRIP strategy PDF file (1.4 MB). It contains 79 recommendations for actions and initiatives we can take to support, uphold, and recognize Indigenous rights.

• 

  UNDRIP action plan

  Following the creation of UNDRIP strategy and 79 calls-to-action, the task force developed our first 5-year action plan to implement the strategy. Technical teams of senior, technical, and operational staff from all 4 governments support the intergovernmental table, made up of elected representatives from all 4 governments.

  The UNDRIP action plan PDF file (614 KB) will be presented to Vancouver City Council at a council meeting on June 25, 2024. Implementation of the action plan will begin following approval by the Councils of all partners.

Members

City Council representatives

• |

• 

  Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung (Task Force Co-Chair)

  Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung is committed to a liveable and vibrant Vancouver and believes that arts and culture are a vital part of a great city. She is currently serving her first term on Vancouver City Council.

  Previously, she was elected to the Vancouver Park Board where she served as Chair. As a Commissioner, she was a strong advocate for the protection and expansion of parks and green space. During her tenure she brought forward public art projects, supported revitalization initiatives in Vancouver's Chinatown including renewal of the public courtyard adjoining the Vancouver Chinese Garden, and collaborated with the Vancouver Symphony at Sunset now slated to become an ongoing Vancouver favourite summer tradition.

  Her professional background is in marketing and communications, and she has held senior management roles in the tourism and hospitality sector.

• 

  Councillor Lenny Zhou

  Serving his first term on Vancouver City Council, Councillor Lenny Zhou is passionate about supporting affordability, public safety, families, economy, and environment in the city.

  Lenny came to Vancouver in 2005 as an international student and graduated from the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia (UBC), with a Master of Management degree in Operations Research (MMOR).

  This highly-renowned credential provided the opportunity for Lenny to enter into the public healthcare system as a managerial professional in operations and decision support. The extensive knowledge and over 15 years of solid experiences working at Fraser Health Authority and BC Children’s Hospital under the Provincial Health Services Authority, granted Lenny opportunities to gain tremendous insights about the healthcare system in Canada, as well as his commitment to advocating for an evidence-based policy making approach for City Council.

  With hundreds of publications and media interviews, he is known for offering free educational events in the community with the objectives of helping new immigrants better understand the healthcare system in Canada and access health services.

  As a passionate humanitarian, Lenny also organized a number of global health missions and fundraising events for developing countries which have provided free surgical and medical services to hundreds of patients from under-privileged families. 

  Colleagues and friends all describe Lenny as a responsible and trustworthy person who cares about others and always sets up the highest standards both professionally and personally.

  Lenny humbly understands that his journey is part of the larger immigrant story in Canada, that he is filled with gratitude for all of those who came before him, perhaps including you, your parents, grandparents and generations before them. Inspired by help received from others and encouraged by the diversity and democracy in Canada, he is endeavoring to give back to the community and build a better Vancouver for the lovely people and for future generations.

  With his wife and his little boy, Lenny lives in East Vancouver.

• 

  Councillor Mike Klassen

  Councillor Mike Klassen was born in Vancouver and resides in the Mountain View neighbourhood adjacent to Fraser Street. For over 2 decades Mike has brought people together within his community, spearheading multiple initiatives such as murals, historical plaques and street banners to promote neighbourhood vitality, safety, and wellness.

  Prior to his election in 2022, Mike served as Vice President, Public Affairs for BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) where he advocated for improvements in health care and housing for seniors. It was at the beginning of the COVID-19 health emergency that Mike took on the duties of BCCPA’s acting CEO, and helped the sector navigate the greatest crisis in its history. He is most proud of how the association helped to reunite seniors in care homes with loved ones kept apart by infection control restrictions.

  Among Mike’s many priorities as City Councillor is to make Vancouver an age-friendly city where older adults can remain active and socially engaged within their communities.

  As President of the Board of Directors for Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver, Mike forged a partnership between multiple parties that led to a ground-breaking 66-unit housing development for arts and entertainment professionals slated to open in 2023.

  Mike’s board roles have included Vice-Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Vice-Chair for the DOXA Documentary Festival, and as Board Director on the BC Small Business Roundtable and Canadian Association of Long-Term Care.

  In 2015, Mike led a province-wide industry consultation that resulted in major regulatory reforms to strengthen BC's booming wine and grape growing sector.

  Mike is a UBC graduate (Bachelor of Arts in English literature and political science) and a Killarney Secondary alum, as well as being a husband, parent, and avid running, and fitness enthusiast.

Musqueam Indian Band representatives

• |

• 

  Richard Sparrow

  Check back Richard Sparrow's bio.

• 

  Councillor Michele Point

  Check back for Councillor Michele Point's bio.

• 

  Council appointee Melissa Louie

  Check back soon for Council appointee Melissa Louie's bio.

Squamish Nation representatives

• |

• 

  Council Chairperson Khelsilem (Task Force Co-Chair)

  Khelsilem is an Indigenous leader for the Squamish Nation, elected to the role of Council Chairperson in 2021 for a four-year term.

  Khelsilem has spent his life working on progressive policy solutions through responsible governance, Indigenous rights, and climate leadership. He's led work with his Council on land use planning, rights and title, language and culture, affordable housing development, and more.

  As a leader, he has been involved in various projects and initiatives like developing a not-for-profit housing society, the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project, North Shore Connects, the BC Climate Solutions Council from 2019 to 2021, and the Assembly of First Nations Leadership Committees. He served one year on the Vancity Credit Union Board, and now serves as a board member for the Vancity Community Foundation and president of the Van Vogue Jam Arts Society.

  Tenure

  • Elected Councilor (2017 to 2021)
  • Chairperson (2021 to 2025)
• 

  Councillor Kristen Rivers

  Tiyaltelut Kristen Rivers is a proud Indigenous woman of Squamish descent with extensive governance experience and a deep-lived commitment to reconciliation and advancing social and economic justice. Kristen is presently in her second consecutive term on the Squamish Nation Council, while also pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University.

  In addition to over a decade of experience serving on numerous governance boards and appointments, Kristen has most recently honed her skills in the areas of strategic leadership and ethical decision-making through serving three years as elected Co-Chair of the Squamish Nation Council (a position equivalent to an elected Chief in other Nations), as well as Deputy Chair of the Nation's Finance and Audit Committee, and an active member of numerous other council committees.

  She presently holds positions on the governance boards of the New Relationship Trust and Nch'kay Development Corporation, is an appointed member of the City of Vancouver's UNDRIP Task Force and, serves the Squamish Nation's over 4,000 members through her work on Council's Strategic Priorities and Budgeting Committee.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation representatives

• |

• 

  Councillor Dennis Thomas

  Dennis Thomas “Whonoak” is a member and an elected Councillor of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (People of the Inlet) in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. Dennis began working for his community in 2007 as the 2010 Coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

  Since then, Dennis pursued business with his Nation and managed several band owned businesses including Takaya Tours, an internationally recognized Indigenous tourism business. This is where he connected with his cultural roots and now is a cultural ambassador in his community.

  He strives to embed his Nations culture in all areas so that the ancestral knowledge is awake and alive. He also led new business ventures including implementing the largest Solar array project to date in the North Shore which inspires him to practice and implement green energy. 

  Most recent, as a consultant, he was TWN Cultural Liaison for MST Development Corporation where he ensures Tsleil-Waututh Nations history and culture are at the forefront and rooted in the building structure, architectural design, and the overall public realm. He currently is enrolled in the Simon Fraser University MBA program specializing in Indigenous Business Leadership.
   

• 

  Councillor Charlene Aleck

  Charlene Aleck is the daughter to (late) Joe and Irene Aleck (nee George). Her maternal grandparents are Chief Dan and Amy George (nee Jack). Her paternal grandparents are Fred (Kiahu) Cheer and Cecelia Thomas (nee Aleck). Charlene’s siblings are Joey, John, Jim, Andrea, and Jeff. Her children are Justine, Hillary, Ocean, and Sara and her granddaughter, Miya. 

  Charlene has forever been an advocate for our people and environment in all the things she has done in her life. 

  She has a background in acting. On a television series, she remained a principle character for 15 years. She accredits this experience to move onto many performance roles locally and internationally. 

  Owner and operator of successful businesses, Charlene helped start from the ground up: Eaglestar Productions – Grip equipment rental company for the film industry, Red Raven Catering Co., Chief Dan George Production Co. (two other companies she had but later dissolved).

  Charlene currently works as a spokesperson for Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Sacred Trust Initiative, and has been a core team member of Sacred Trust, with revolving responsibilities and titles over the past eight years. This included meeting and speaking with company executives on New York City's Wall Street, Switzerland, Germany, and England, regarding their investment in the TransMountain pipeline and tanker expansion project. 

  Charlene is thoroughly invested in culture and tradition, and making a difference for our people and creating a way forward for all.

  She is serving her fourth term as elected council.

• |

• 

  Resources

  • UNDRIP PDF file (166 KB)
  • Provincial DRIPA Interpretive Site External website, opens in new tab
  • Federal Bill C-15 Interpretive Site External website, opens in new tab