2017 Walk for Reconciliation
On Sunday, September 24, 2017, 50,000 people of all backgrounds gathered in downtown Vancouver to take a step on the road to reconciliation. Participants gathered on Georgia Street from Seymour to Cambie and adjacent streets. The procession went over the viaduct and ended at Strathcona Park.
Born from the vision of Chief Robert Joseph, Ambassador of Reconciliation Canada, the walk was a call to action, inspiring all Canadians and Indigenous Peoples across Canada to make a shared commitment towards reconciliation and revitalized relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
The crowds began gathering outside of Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 9:00am. We could feel the excitement in the crowd as people from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and ages filled the streets of Cambie and Georgia.
At 10:30 am, Walk participants began to gather at Strathcona Park for the Reconciliation Expo. We were blown away by the turnout at the Expo. Individuals engaged with different community organizations, and local artisans and had the chance to participate in various experiential activities—all of which were a huge success!
We heard from many people that the Lacrosse drills, the Kairos Blanket Exercise, the Mural Festival, the Commitment Wall, the Witness Blanket, and the Site Unseen Exhibit allowed them to learn more about Indigenous culture and history in Canada.
We were so grateful to have 343 volunteers present along the Walk and at the Expo. Their smiling faces and helpful attitudes ensured the success of the event. Our volunteers went above and beyond in helping with everything from organizing the event, to posting on social media, assisting participants, and so many more activities. We could not have done this without you.
We would like to thank our co-hosts, partners, supporters, and friends for their tremendous help in making the Walk for Reconciliation and Reconciliation Expo a success. The Walk for Reconciliation and Reconciliation Expo would not have been possible without the tremendous support from the Government of Canada. We are so proud to have been able to deliver this event as part of a Canada 150 Signature Project: Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy.
We are enormously grateful for the commitment of the City of Vancouver who co-hosted this event. To have been one of three Canada 150+ Signature Events is incredibly meaningful. We also extend our gratitude to the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation for their generosity and guidance.
To our sponsors, we thank you for your generosity in supporting this event.
To our Capacity Partners – without you, we would not be able to do this work. Your commitment to reconciliation is inspiring, and we are honored to have the opportunity to work alongside you in this important work.
