Actions stem from the Walk for Reconciliation

It is estimated that more than 50,000 people came together last Sunday to walk in honour of reconciliation with Indigenous people in our country. The walk stretched for one kilometre with tens of thousands of people marching in support of better relationships with Indigenous people.

As Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell told the massive crowd at the walk’s end, “We are at a pivotal moment in our collective history, one where we have a unique opportunity to mature as a society. We are now entering a post-colonial era. This country is founded and built on a very solid foundation of Indigenous people. We will no longer be invisible in our own land.”

Crowds at the 2017 Walk for Reconciliation

People walking with the VCH – Aboriginal Health team.

Provincial initiatives

Our new premier John Horgan, announced that his government will fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People as well as acting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action.

City of Vancouver initiatives

Mayor Gregor Robertson also announced that the plazas of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Vancouver Art Gallery will be renamed to celebrate Indigenous peoples and commemorate reconciliation. He also said that flags from the Musqeuam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Wauthuth Nations will be displayed inside Vancouver’s council chamber.