Initiatives

The ReconciliACTION Oak Bay network and its members are involved in a variety of projects that aim to advance the process and goals of Truth and Reconciliation in our community. Here are some of those currently being planned or underway:

 
Community-based research course 
The Oak Bay Heritage Foundation is partnering with the University of Victoria on a community-engaged research course. Upper year students will undertake research on the area currently known as Oak Bay under the guidance of a professor in the faculty of Humanities and with the ultimate aim of a full collaboration with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The research projects will be shared widely with the community. For more information: Bronwyn Taylor, Oak Bay Heritage Foundation
 
Marina/Spewhung (Turkey Head)
The process to develop a new 30-year lease for these publicly owned buildings, lands and waters represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore the possibilities for economic partnership or collaboration with the Songheees and Esquimalt Nations and advance Reconciliation in Oak Bay. ReconciliACTION Oak Bay is asking Council to pause the process to allow this exploration to happen in a meaningful way. For more information: Bruce Kilpatrick, Community Association of Oak Bay
 
“Oak Bay Reads”
A community-wide initiative currently in the planning stages that will use readings and discussions to examine the truth behind the current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly in this territory, and to identify effective action we can take toward Reconciliation. For more information: Rev. Michelle Slater, Oak Bay United Church
 
Sno’uyutth Day
Since the Sno’uyutth Welcome Pole was raised on the grounds of Oak Bay High School  in November 2015, every November 22 has been declared Sno’uyutth  in Oak Bay as a way of continuing to “Spread Good Energy”  and supporting the work of building meaningful relationships between the Oak Bay community and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. For further information about this year’s plans and activities: Community Association of Oak Bay at oakbayconnector@gmail.com
 

UVic Living Lab Project 
UVic Living Lab Project is a community-campus-schools project and network which supports eco-cultural restoration, land-based learning and Indigenous resurgence. It is involved in a range of learning and engagement activities. For more information: Maeve Lydon, Program Director at mlydon@uvic.ca or  https://livinglabproject.ca/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Watch this space over the year for more information about observances planned for Sept. 30, 2022. For more information: contact@reconciliACTIONoakbay.ca