Vancouver Day 140+

On this day in 1886, the city of Vancouver was incorporated – on territories that are the traditional and unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The Nations have lived here since “time out of mind.”

Among the many things woven into the layered fabric and overlapping histories of present-day Vancouver: the brilliant regalia, drumbeat and emblems of Indigenous presence, waves of migration and the sounds of a hundred or more languages, a mosaic of neighbourhoods, the shaping and reshaping of the landscape, and, in recent years, an overdue reckoning with the city’s legacy of racism and colonialism and the initial steps along a pathway to cultural redress and reconciliation. It is a layered, complicated, and often challenging history, but one that needs to be fully acknowledged for the city to grow.

As the city turns 140+, we celebrate the many things that make this place special – it’s beautiful setting, the convergence of different cultures and tradition, the creativity of its artists and the contributions and community-building efforts of all who live, work or play on these lands. At the same time, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done to advance reconciliation and to make this place fair, equitable and accessible to all. We commit to do our part with the resources we have. We welcome the opportunity to take part in the work.

Photo: Partially cleared area around Vancouver Harbor, CVA CVA SGN 155