Photos: Walk for Reconciliation fills the streets of Vancouver

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      A massive downpour didn't drench the enthusiasm of thousands of Vancouverites, who gathered in the downtown to celebrate the conclusion of Reconciliation Week.

      They came together for a Walk for Reconciliation, which was organized by the nonprofit organization Reconciliation Canada with the help of a huge grant from Vancity.

      The event attracted numerous high-profile First Nations leaders, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and former B.C. Treaty Commission chief commissioner Miles Richardson.

      Marching along with them over the viaducts, through Chinatown and to Concord Pacific Place was a massive number of nonaboriginal people showing their support for the survivors of residential schools.

      Some of these survivors told their stories this week to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada during its visit to Vancouver.

      You can see Straight reporter Yolande Cole's photos of the dignitaries here.

      Below are some snapshots I took along the walk as a member of the crowd.

      Comments

      4 Comments

      Mrs Thomas

      Sep 23, 2013 at 10:59am

      It was awesome to see all kinds of people and nations come together as one. It surprising how powerful it feels. There was no discrimination at all, we walked as one, sang as one, spoke as one, and we all walked away with a good strong feeling of being one...nutsa maude they call it. one mind, one body, ....one spirit....powerful

      Dianne

      Sep 23, 2013 at 1:55pm

      At long last... and now for real everyday actions to address injustice of many years... what will the provincial and federal governments do, communities and the media ...and how will we all react if and when nothing much changes for First Nations people in BC, and in Canada. And when poverty continues, First Nations housing needs are unmet and education funding isnt provided.

      I will try my best to be optimistic BUT I fear it just might be same old same old and we will not have learned one thing about real change to address racism and inequities.

      Mr. Cardinal

      Sep 23, 2013 at 2:15pm

      As the shift and awareness in consciousness awakens, more people are realizing truths and seeing through the often masked, diluted or distorted stereotypical views regarding Aboriginal people across this great country. We all have a chance here at creating and sustaining positive respectful dialogue amonst each other. We all can carry this truth forward, learn from one another, embrace our differences and face challenges together. In the future, I believe the the embodiment of Canada and all its people have the potential and can truly stand for the values of what it means to be a human being...70000+ people can't be wrong. My heart goes out to all those who walked together as one. You all made me a believer in what we can do when we stand strong together!

      diana schroeder

      Sep 27, 2013 at 2:40pm

      Its easy to take a walk. Its not so easy to find the funds for court actions or to take over a resource camp. Inform yourselves, donate time and money to protect the environment for future generations. The work has just begun.