OUR STORY
Creating connections across boundaries.
OUR STORY
Creating connections across boundaries.
Our Journey
Founded in 2017 by the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business, the Victoria Forum has proven its ability to convene powerful and productive conversations and inspire ideas for positive social and economic change. Recently spun off from the University into a registered, independent, non-profit organization, the Victoria Forum is embarking on the next stage of its evolution, formalizing its operating structure and increasing the extent of its activities. Central to the Victoria Forum are a focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and a recognition that Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being provide valuable insights.
Our major events continue to be co-hosted by the Senate of Canada and the University of Victoria. Beginning in 2024, the Victoria Forum will be held annually on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples and set against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria, BC, Canada.
A Brief History of the Victoria Forum
2017: The First Victoria Forum
The inaugural Victoria Forum took place on November 2017, and brought together approximately 500 participants, representing different levels of governments, business, academia and civil society, to take stock of the state of diversity and inclusiveness in Canada on its 150th anniversary, and to look to the future.The final report included thirty-eight constructive recommendations and was widely distributed to leaders at different levels of government, business, and civil society.
2020: Virtual Victoria Forums
The Victoria Forum hosted a series of webinars aimed at understanding the long-term implications of the pandemic. In so doing, they layed the groundwork for the Victoria Forum 2022 by applying the lenses of Turf, Trust and Truth to a broader range of economic, social and environmental divides.
2022: Bridging Divides: Turf, Trust & Truth
The 2022 forum combined face-to-face discussions in Victoria, BC Canada, with online plenary sessions, that brought together Indigenous leaders, governments, educators, industries, youth, and grassroots organizations to create essential solutions for global growth.
2024: The Next Stage
The Victoria Forum is entering the next phase of its development, solidifying its operational framework and expanding the scope of its initiatives.
2025: Global Events
In 2025 the Victoria Forum will focus on organizing and hosting events both globally and in Victoria, focusing on developing ideas for a better world.