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.
Themes
Turf
Turf
Trust
Trust
Truth
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.