Remembering Our Past for a Better Future

Join us in marking twenty years of legacies of apologies for anti-Chinese Discrimination and learn how commemoration of the past can help us shape a better future!

This event in the "Beyond Pender" 2026 series brings together team members behind the City of Vancouver and City of Burnaby’s apologies for anti-Chinese discrimination to reflect on and share their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned from the process.

You’ll also gain insight into some of the material and logistical challenges of commemoration planning. Speakers will also consider how acts of historical redress can be implemented outside of formal apology processes and in engagement with impacted communities and individuals. The panel will be followed by a Q&A, offering an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and connect with others.

Guest speakers:

• Lisa Codd, Heritage Planner at City of Burnaby
• John Atkin, civic historian, author and heritage consultant
• Dr. Henry Yu, UBC History Professor