On October 17, 150 Burnaby residents convened at the Bonsor Recreation Complex for the City’s first Community Dialogue on Chinese Canadian Reconciliation. The event, cohosted by the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table and the City of Burnaby, was held to help City staff better understand the impacts of historic discrimination against Chinese Canadians from those affected by it, and gather input on reconciliatory actions being considered by the City.
The evening began with an introduction of the members of the Chinese Canadian Reconciliation Advisory Group, who were in attendance as participants and facilitators. This was followed by a presentation on the historic context of discriminatory practices and legislation Chinese Canadians were subject to in Burnaby.
Participants gathered at tables over dinner to discuss the impacts and legacies of historic discrimination against Chinese Canadians in Burnaby and suggest actions for the City to foster meaningful reconciliation, and to continue to build an inclusive community for the future. The night ended with some closing remarks and a song from Deborah Baker, a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
The City of Burnaby appreciates the contributions of the participants, volunteers and staff who made the Community Dialogue a success. During the dialogue, City staff heard from a variety of diverse perspectives that will inform the next steps in the City’s process for reconciliation with Burnaby’s Chinese Canadian community.
All Burnaby residents are able to share their voice on Chinese Canadian reconciliation by participating in the City’s public survey.