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Bridging Divides: Turf, Trust & Truth

VICTORIA FORUM 2022

Bridging Divides: Turf, Trust & Truth

VICTORIA FORUM 2022

 

The theme of Victoria Forum 2022 centered on “Bridging Divides: Turf, Truth and Trust.” A blend of plenary sessions and roundtable discussions facilitated an exploration of how our world has become fragmented along various economic, social and environmental lines, with a focus on identifying methods to bridge these divisions. The Victoria Forum 2022 brought together experts to address the growing divisions in the world along economic, social and environmental lines and find ways to bridge these divides. 

More than 500 participants and guest speakers proposed ways to promote trust and honesty, addressing inequality, combatting climate change and fostering societal trust and transformation. Proposed strategies included advocating humility, dignity, Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, promoting sports and cultural activities, extending social protection, bridging the digital divide, empowering marginalized communities, incorporating expert perspectives and addressing domestic inequalities.

Opening Plenary

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Themes

Turf

Turf refers to the physical and symbolic spaces considered as one’s own.

Turf

Disputes over turf can be a major source of conflict, particularly in regions with resource scarcity or with a history of discrimination and marginalization. Ovide Mercredi emphasized the urgency of a “revolution in people’s understanding” and a shift in policies and investments to respect the treaties between the Canadian government and Indigenous people.

Trust

Trust serves as the bedrock of society.

Trust

Trust serves as the bedrock of society, embodying confidence in an individual or institution’s reliability, integrity and competence. Without trust, cooperation and coordination among individuals and groups is impossible, leading to division and conflict.

Truth

Truth is the quality of aligning reality with fact.

Truth

It is essential for understanding and addressing social, environmental and economic issues. Making informed decisions and taking meaningful actions need a shared understanding of the truth.

Highlights

Lək̓ʷəŋən Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has created a working group on the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples, which was welcomed through a traditional ceremony at the Victoria Forum. A special paddle designed by Darlene Gait of Esquimalt Nation and carved and painted by a team of carvers led by Carey Newman was commissioned to symbolize the declaration. Each country and institution ratifying the declaration will receive a paddle as a gift and by accepting it, they commit to the principles and actions of the declaration. The design, titled “Conquest (Wolf Design),” represents unity, family, and protection and was created with pride for Indigenous athletes in Canada and beyond, making it the first Indigenous declaration for sports.

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Photos from the 2022 Victoria Forum

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