The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society stands by our Land Acknowledgement statement that was created following the leadership of local Indigenous people. Our organization is committed to our collective responsibility to fully implement the 94 Calls to Action and the 18 Calls for Justice.
We are answering the call and invite others to as well. Our land acknowledgement is a living document that changes as we learn and grow as an organization. While we are committed to our use of the term genocide in our land acknowledgement, we are transitioning to use the term cultural destruction as it is more age appropriate for our young audience. You will see both terms used on our site and materials while we transition.
Definition of Cultural destruction
The phrase “cultural destruction” refers to an incidence of a culture being seriously damaged or destroyed as a result of external or internal forces. Cultural destruction was a common feature of the colonial era and the conquest of the Americas.
UN Definition of Genocide
CBC Article
Here are some resources that can help with our journey towards Reconciliation:
- Truth and Reconciliation Committee 94 Calls to Action
- Reclaiming Power and Place 18 Calls for Justice
- In Plain Sight Health Care Report
Here are some books for age-appropriate conversations with your child on the subject:
- Shi-she-etko by Nicola Campbell
- Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola Campbell
- When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and Gabrielle Grimard
- Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton, and Liz Amini-Holmes
- A Stranger at Home (sequel to Fatty Legs) by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
- I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer, and Gillian Newland
- Stolen Words by Melanie Florence and Gabrielle Grimard
- Phylliss’ Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad, Brock Nicol, and Allison Parker
- When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett
And here is a more comprehensive list of books with the recommended age groups, compiled by David A. Robertson.
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