Beyond Land Acknowledgement: A Reconciliation Focus Circle

What does meaningful reconciliation look like in practice - beyond statements, acknowledgements, and symbolic commitments?
About this Event

PLEASE NOTE: The event location will no longer be at Deloitte. Stay tuned for the updated location announcement.
This intimate focus circle invites community members, professionals, and leaders across sectors to reflect candidly on reconciliation: where efforts are falling short, what barriers exist to meaningful action, and what structures are needed to support deeper, accountable engagement.

This focus circle is intended to gather authentic experiences, reflections and perspectives on reconciliation in practice. No preparation or specialized knowledge is required - we invite participants to come as they are and contribute in whatever capacity feels meaningful to them. This is a facilitated space for respectful dialogue, thoughtful listening, and critical self-reflection - not debate. The focus of this session is on exploring how non-Indigenous individuals and organizations can move beyond performative reconciliation toward decolonization, accountability, and meaningful action.

This conversation will help inform the Vancouver Global Shapers Hub’s long-term vision for creating systems that reduce barriers to equitable Indigenous compensation. Insights from this session will also help shape future workshops and educational programming focused on ethical Indigenous engagement, practical reconciliation, decolonization, and moving from intention to accountable action.

Who should attend:

Open to all, with particular relevance for non-Indigenous allies, professionals, students, and community members interested in strengthening reconciliation practices within workplaces, organizations, and community initiatives.

Those working in the private sector, education, and public service are especially encouraged to attend.

What to expect

5:30 PM - Doors open + refreshments

6:00 PM - Welcome + opening remarks

6:15 PM - Interactive reflection activity

6:30 PM - Introducing the initiative vision

6:45 PM - Facilitated focus circle discussion

7:15 PM - Group reflections + shareback

7:30 PM - Networking

8:00 PM - Close

Format:Small-group facilitated discussion in an intimate roundtable setting.

Cost: Free

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Who are we:

The Global Shapers Community is a network of young people under the age of 30 working together to address local, regional and global challenges founded by the World Economic Forum. With more than 9,000 members, the Community spans across 400+ city-based hubs in 150+ countries. In each city, teams of Shapers self-organize to create projects that address the needs of their community. Shapers are diverse in expertise, ideas, education, income, race, and nationality, but are united by their desire to bring about change.