Reconciliation Week 2013
Through the development of meaningful partnerships with community organizations, industry leaders, faith-based groups and government, Reconciliation Canada held a series of initiatives in British Columbia that began with Reconciliation Dialogue Workshops and Community Outreach throughout British Columbia leading up to the historic Reconciliation Week in September 2013. These efforts resulted in partnership interest and media coverage across the country.
These initiatives represent the beginning of a new way forward in our relationships. Reconciliation is a long and complex journey and will require ongoing action to build a better and stronger Canada for everyone.
During Reconciliation Week, we held three major events engaging more than 70,000 Canadians, including:
Lighting the Flame of Reconciliation Ceremony – a sacred fire ceremony on Squamish Nation territory symbolized the commencement of Reconciliation Week activities.
All Nations Canoe Gathering – 60 traditional canoes and vessels with international representation paddled together from Kits Point to False Creek in Vancouver for a traditional welcome ceremony. This was the first time an event of this kind had been held in a major city in Canada.
Walk for Reconciliation – Tens of thousands of people came together for Canada’s first ever Walk for Reconciliation to display their support and desire to build a new way forward together. Dr. Bernice King provided the keynote address. This event was voted as the #2 Top Newsmaker of 2013 by CBC News Vancouver.