Vancouver aims to become aboriginal cultural tourism destination in Canada in 2017

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      The City of Vancouver is preparing for a $7.7-million party in 2017 as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday.

      To honour the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, whose unceded lands now form part of modern-day Vancouver, the city is working to become the aboriginal cultural destination in the country on that year.

      “If we achieve our vision to position Vancouver as THE Aboriginal cultural tourism destination in Canada in 2017, we will support Vancouver’s aim to be a City where all residents, especially First Nations and Aboriginal peoples, feel welcome, supported, and included in our accomplishments as a City of Reconciliation and in our goal to be a healthy city for all,” states a staff report included in the agenda Tuesday (March 8) of council.

      According to staff, the city will produce The Drum is Calling Festival, an 11-day celebration at Larwill Park in Downtown Vancouver.

      “The beat of the drum is both a call to attendance and a call to participate, with many cultures able to share their own drumming traditions,” the staff report notes.

      The Drum is Calling Festival will be held in July, featuring contemporary indigenous and non-indigenous arts. It is expected to draw 125,000 people.

      “We will also promote traditional and contemporary Aboriginal festivals, performances, exhibitions, events and gatherings in Vancouver that bring together our diverse communities throughout the year in 2017 to visiting tourists,” according to the staff report.

      Plans also include a Walk for Reconciliation, seen to attract 100,000 people.

      In September 2013, thousands braved the rains to join a four-kilometre march in the city marking the end of Reconciliation Week in Vancouver.

      A scene from the 2013 Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver.
      YOLANDE COLE

      Based on a preliminary budget laid out by staff, the city expects to have a fund of $7 million. These include $1.9 million from the city, and the rest from federal and provincial governments, sport hosting funds, and sponsorships.  According to staff, an additional funding of $750,000 is needed.

      The city expects to get a $3.5 million grant from the federal government’s Canada 150 fund, which was created to support celebrations of the federal sesquicentennial or 150th anniversary of confederation.

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