city of Vancouver and three Aboriginal tribes action plan Aims to correct historical mistakes and recognize Aboriginal people.
The plan, announced on Monday, aims to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) strategy. It includes a total of 18 action groups to be implemented between 2024 and 2028.
Its goals include addressing environmental racism, recognizing the cultural presence of indigenous peoples, and finding more opportunities for economic collaboration.
“By preserving and honoring Indigenous cultures, ways of life, and ancestral connections to lands and waters, Vancouver will become a city that truly recognizes and respects the rights of all people,” Khelsilem, president of the Squamish Nation and co-chair of the task force, said in a statement.
In October 2022, Vancouver City Council adopted the UNDRIP strategy, developed in conjunction with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The strategy is the first of its kind at the municipal level in Canada.
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Vancouver’s UNDRIP strategy contains 79 calls to action to establish a framework of “minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of indigenous peoples.” Vancouver aims to align with the UN Indigenous Rights Framework.
In March 2021, the Squamish, Tsler-Watus and Musqueam nations joined the city’s task force to develop a strategy to implement the declaration.
The City of Vancouver also celebrated its 10th anniversary as a City of Reconciliation, since City Council adopted the Reconciliation Framework in 2014.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 10th anniversary as the City of Reconciliation, but we also recognize that this is just the beginning,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement. “We are committed to delivering on our action plan and will continue to make meaningful efforts to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Vancouver.”
To celebrate the holiday, the city commissioned Squamish Nation artist Tawx'sin Yexwulla Aaron Nelson Moody (Splash) to design a badge, which was unveiled Monday.
Vancouver City Hall, the Burrard Bridge, BC Place and Science World will be lit up in cyan, orange and red on Monday night in celebration.
Vancouver City Council is scheduled to vote on the UNDRIP Action Plan on June 25, 2024. Implementation of the Action Plan will begin once it is approved by all partner councils.
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