REPORT TO COUNCIL
SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL COMMUNITIES
December 17, 1996
INFORMATION
1. Term Report
The Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities was formed
by Council on March 29, 1994, to replace the Special Advisory Committee
on Race Relations. The Committee has fifteen members. On February 1,
1995, Council approved the following mandate and goals for the
Committee:
MANDATE
To act as a conduit towards forging and enhancing cohesive values
in Vancouver's diverse communities and to promote harmony through
cultural communities involvement.
1995-96 GOALS
- To promote and increase welcoming and inclusion of cultural
communities in neighbourhoods and communities of Vancouver.
- To facilitate the communication between, and the influence of,
cultural communities on the business of the City of Vancouver.
- To promote sensitivity, fairness and effectiveness of City
policies, action plans, strategies, services, programs and systems
that impact cultural communities.
The Committee has had a productive year with work ongoing in
several key areas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Implementation of the "Barriers to Bridges" Neighbourhood
Development projects; now an annual endeavour. Appendix B sets out
the neighbourhood development projects that have been approved in
this program.
- Creating cultural harmony by opening up a dialogue with the media,
particularly the Vancouver Sun. Important progress is occurring
with a renewed emphasis by the Sun on reporting a diverse range of
cultural issues and groups. Liaisons with other groups were
formed, such as the Immigrant Services Society, on a media project
to better inform reporters and journalists of the cultural
communities around them.
cont'd
Clause No. 1 cont'd
- Discussion occurred on the graffiti problem in relation to ethnic
minorities, gays and lesbians. The Police Department was involved
and the Committee articulated its concerns. This remains an area
that requires the formulation of a specific initiative.
- The first ever Cultural Harmony Awards were bestowed this year in
recognition of citizens and organizations that encouraged
cross-cultural understanding. In 1996 Mr. David Diamond was the
award winner in the Individual Category, and in the Organization
Category, the winner was "Early Childhood Multicultural Services
Society". The Committee hopes, with appropriate funding, to pursue
this as an annual project.
- The Committee continues to consistently express a considered
opinion on various government policies that impact our communities.
- The Committee frequently receives delegations from, and liaises
with, other Departments of the City of Vancouver.
- The Annual March 21 event to commemorate the International Day for
Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year the ceremony was
held in the Council Chamber with the Mayor presenting a
declaration. A community reception followed.
The following issues were discussed and have been addressed in the
recruitment of new Committee members:
- Mandate and Membership
The Committee agrees that the pro-active role they have been
playing and the ability to initiate projects to promote cultural
harmony has been beneficial to the Community. The Council's choice
of Committee appointees from diverse backgrounds and cultural
communities is essential to the Committee's ability to realize
their mandate to act as a conduit towards forging and enhancing
cohesive values in all of Vancouver's diverse communities. The
members commitment of 4-8 hours per month is crucial to progress of
the Committee's work plan.
cont'd
Clause No. 1 cont'd
- Staff Support
The staff support we currently receive from the City Clerk's Office
and Social Planning Department has provided valuable assistance to
the Committee in pursuit of its work plan and goals.
SUMMARY
In summary, the Committee believes given its limited resources, its
achievements are notable. However, the potential remains to be more
effective in promoting cultural harmony.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
The Committee recognizes Council's continued support for the
Cultural Harmony Award and International Day for Elimination of Racism
and requests consideration be given to continued funding for the
"Barriers to Bridges" Neighbourhood Development Projects. In
reappointment of the Committee, Council may wish to consider retaining
some members from the previous term to provide for a dynamic membership
while still maintaining continuity.
(signed) "Eleanor Atienza"
Chair, Special Advisory Committee
on Cultural Communities
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The City Manager submits the foregoing for INFORMATION.