Vancouver, March 7, 2013
Since 2003, each year Tides Canada recognizes ten of the nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking projects and organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership, vision and impact in addressing pressing environmental and social challenges.
Reconciliation Canada was chosen for Social Inclusion and Civic Engagement: Work that strengthens communities and individuals through social service programming and social justice initiatives. Reconciliation Canada is building new relationships between Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians, relationships built on a foundation of openness, dignity, understanding and hope. Reconciliation Canada is engaging people from every part of Canadian society in an open and honest conversation about our diverse histories and experiences in order to build resilient, sustainable communities.
“We are honoured to have been selected for this prestigious accolade, in recognition of our movement to build engaged communities and connections between Canadians of diverse backgrounds,” says Karen Joseph, Executive Director of Reconciliation Canada. “Embracing a new way forward for Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal Canadians will help facilitate the process of reconciliation, and help to build a better, stronger Canada for all.”
A series of dialogue circles on reconciliation are taking place across BC from now until September when Canadians of all ages, faiths and cultures will come together to build closer ties and celebrate diversity. In September of 2013, three major events in downtown Vancouver are taking place including:
• Canoe Gathering on September 17 from Kits Point to the Olympic Village along False Creek, to highlight traditional ceremonies and welcome all Nations to Coast Salish lands;
• “A New Way Forward Event” BC Place Event on September 21, in celebration of Reconciliation Canada’s yearlong community engagement process, and a call-to-action to develop future relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians; and,
• Walk for Reconciliation on September 22 that will bring people from all of Canada’s many cultures together in a mass walk, in demonstration of a shared commitment to reconciliation.
“Creating outcomes that work for both people and our planet is tough work” said Ross McMillan, President and CEO of Tides Canada, “but each and every one of the Tides Top 10 is doing just that – they are building the cutting-edge solutions that Canada needs now and for a resilient future.”
Visit www.tidescanada.org/tidestop10 to learn more.
Media Contact
Jennifer Boon for Reconciliation Canada
Mobile: 778-327-8374
Email: [email protected]
