Year of Reconciliation: June, 2013 – June, 2014

Witnessing the process of reconciliation and healing

In partnership with Reconciliation Canada, the City is supporting a Year of Reconciliation by acknowledging the negative cultural impacts and stereotypes that resulted from Canada’s residential school system, to witness the process of reconciliation and healing, and advance with a greater shared understanding of the historical impacts that have shaped the experiences of Indigenous peoples to date.

• Read the Mayor's proclamation  (299 KB)
• Get more details about Reconciliation Canada on their website 

A year-long initiative featuring gatherings, dialogue, public education, and more

We are embracing reconciliation through a year-long initiative as a way to mend the past, build shared understanding, and create a legacy for meaningful change in society.

The initiative will include a series of gatherings, intercultural dialogue and storytelling workshops, public education, and cultural and arts programs.

Details of the initiative

There are a host of City programs in the works that connect to Reconciliation. These include:

• Indigenous components within the Stanley Park 125 celebrations
• Artworks commissioned by the Public Art Program to honour and celebrate the Year of Reconciliation
• The creation of a Reconciliation legacy Carving Centre at Britannia Park
• The development of Newcomer’s Guide to Indigenous Communities, Elders, and Arts program

Programming will also be included through the Vancouver Public Library’s (VPL) dialogue sessions, author readings and documentaries, including a dedicated series with a British Columbia focus.

VPL is re-energizing its Aboriginal Storyteller in Residence program with a new storyteller each year who will share tradition and craft in free workshops and sessions.  

Reconciliation in Canada

Learn more about reconciliation in Canada on these websites:

• Reconciliation Canada
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society