Reconciliation Matters

Date/Time
Date(s) - May 31, 2015
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location
Burrard Street & Georgia Street

Categories No Categories


Reconciliation Matters

Embrace the past, Witness progress; Celebrate a new way forward

Sunday, May 31, 2015 | Vancouver, BC

With the closing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the ecumenical community of Vancouver and members of the public will gather in a community street fair and multi-faith reconciliation service.

The day will begin with the lighting of a sacred fire, timed with the start of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Walk for Reconciliation in Ottawa.

Everyone is welcome! No Registration required. Event FREE!

Join the conversation and show your support in creating a new way forward for Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians!

BEAR WITNESS TO TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The important role of the witness is based on the Aboriginal principle of witnessing. …In accordance with the culturally specific oral traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, are called upon to be the keepers of history when an event of historic significance occurs. …The act of bearing witness is also recognized ,,, as an important part of honouring memory or addressing social injustice by being a voice for societal change. Cross-cultural dialogues bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to enable them to establish, repair and revitalize relationships in person and face to face.

~ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada ~

Activities include:

  • Lighting of a sacred fire
  • Guest speaker, Douglas White, Director, for the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation at Vancouver Island University and former Chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation,
  • Performance by Sister Says, a soulful genre-bending pop duo with Haida and Tsimshian roots
  • Aboriginal artisans, educational booths and displays
  • Food vendors
  • Participants invited to witness the Blanket Exercise a powerful visual demonstration

Program:

  • 9:00am – Lighting of the Sacred Fire
  • 10:30am – Ecumenical Service – St. Andrews-Wesley United Church
  • 12:00pm – Community Street Fair – Sheraton Wall Centre Courtyard
  • 1:15pm – Blanket Exercise – Wall Centre Courtyard
  • 2:30pm – Ecumenical prayer service – First Baptist Church

Collaborating Partners:

  • City of Vancouver
  • Reconciliation Canada
  • Central Presbyterian Church
  • Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
  • First Baptist Church
  • St. Andrews-Wesley United Church
  • Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver
  • Anglican and United Church Archives

Location and Parking:

  • St. Andrews Wesley United Church – 1012 Nelson St. Vancouver, BC
  • Sheraton Wall Centre – 1088 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC (directly across the street from St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church)
  • First Baptist Church – 969 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y1

For more information contact:
Joseph Peace, Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator
Reconciliation Canada

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-770-4434

If you are a community organization or artisan vendor, and would like to set up a booth at this event, please contact Joseph Peace ([email protected]; 604-770-4434)

http://reconciliationcanada.ca/reconciliation-initiatives-vancouver-2015/

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