Our Work: 2025 By-Election Candidate Survey (Updated): Question 2

2. In 2013, Vancouver declared itself a “City of Reconciliation”. More recently it approved its UNDRIP Strategy (2022). What role do you think public space should play regarding reconciliation?

However, to the extent that public space could or should play a role in reconciliation, it need only be accessible and welcoming to all to use on equal terms. If the goal is reconciliation, and not a transfer of ownership or power, then public spaces should foster the intermingling, on equal terms, of people learning to adapt to each other and reconciling in a manner that is bottom-up. Using a mixture of iconography in public spaces would support the principles of access and welcome – including the names and typestyles of public institutions and spaces, which should be practical, as well as legible and pronounceable in a language that we all have in common. This approach welcomes new arrivals into the mix as well.

Jeanifer DECENA (106) - Reconciliation must be visible, actionable, and integrated into all aspects of public life. Public spaces should:

• Recognize and Honor Indigenous Presence
  • Feature monuments, totem poles, Indigenous language signage, and public art to reflect Indigenous culture and history.
  • Ensure Indigenous land stewardship and traditional knowledge are respected in city planning.
• Ensure Indigenous Inclusion in All Cultural and Community Programs
  • Indigenous participation should be mandatory, not optional, in all cultural events—whether Filipino, Taiwanese, Chinese, Italian, Irish, or any other community-led program.
  • Every public celebration, festival, and civic event should acknowledge the First Nations on whose land we gather.
  • Indigenous communities must be actively involved in planning, leading, and performing in public events.
• Create Culturally Safe and Inclusive Spaces
  • Public spaces must be free from discrimination and welcoming to all Indigenous people.
  • Establish designated Indigenous gathering spaces for cultural events, ceremonies, and land-based learning.
  • Strengthen Indigenous leadership in governance and ensure representation in public decision-making.

Reconciliation is not just a policy—it’s a shared commitment. First Nations should always be recognized, included, and empowered in every public event and space in Vancouver.

Sean ORR (108) - I think that would start with a discussion with Host Nations. But for one, I’d support the construction of a healing lodge next to Crab Park for urban indigenous folks. Because parks have unfortunately often been in lockstep with displacement and colonialism, I’d work to address those grievances and I’d make sure any changes to the Charter are in compliance with UNDRIP. Too often public spaces are exclusionary to indigenous people, often in ways that settlers can’t see.

Because connection to the land is so important I’d like to see public space used to work towards food sovereignty- this could be spaces for storing food, preparing it, and growing traditional food and medicines.

Working towards the indigenous demand of Land Back is something I will always work with others to achieve, because it means sharing decision-making power around land use among other things. I think public space can play a huge role towards reconciliation and addressing the legacy of colonialism.

Colleen HARDWCK (109) & Theodore ABBOTT (110) - Public space can reflect First Nations culture through First Nations artists’ installations and contributions.

List of Questions