Breaking Bread | Building Bonds 2: Truth and Reconciliation (Vancouver, B.C.)
On Monday, March 24, 2025, the Foundation for a Path Forward hosted Breaking Bread, Building Bonds 2: Living & Acting on Truth and Reconciliation—a landmark multifaith, multicultural, and intergenerational gathering at FraserView Banquet Hall in Vancouver. Building upon the success of the inaugural event, this year’s gathering welcomed over 600 guests representing more than 20 Indigenous, cultural, and faith-based communities, underscoring a growing commitment to deepen reconciliation efforts across British Columbia.
The evening brought together leading voices from across sectors for meaningful reflection and action-oriented dialogue. With the support of partners such as Our Grandmother Earth, the Association of Neighbourhood Houses, AMSSA, the Strong Cities Network, and sponsor Brian Jessel BMW, the Foundation for a Path Forward led a powerful evening of conversation, cultural celebration, and collective learning.
Keynote addresses and panels explored practical pathways to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with guest speakers including Deputy Premier and Attorney General Hon. Niki Sharma, Minister of Community Safety and Integrated Services Hon. Terry Yung, and Norm Leech, Executive Director of Our Grandmother Earth and Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. Their messages highlighted the need for sustained community collaboration, Indigenous sovereignty, and the dismantling of systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups.
Musqueam leader Mary Point opened the evening with a territorial welcome and reflections on Indigenous presence and resilience. MP Taleeb Noormohamed, Councillor Mike Klassen, and other dignitaries echoed the need to support First Nations-led initiatives and build trust through concrete action. Panelists like Pastor Gilford Monrose from the Mayor’s Office in New York City, Penny Appeal Canada CEO Fawad Kalsi, and Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan added interfaith perspectives, grounding the conversation in shared values of justice, compassion, and healing.
A highlight of the event was the soft launch of the Hate Incident Reporting and Mental Health Support Toolkit and Campaign, developed in partnership with SACH (South Asian Community Hub), Project FALAH (Facilitating Advancement in Life, Addiction, and Mental Health), and the Foundation for a Path Forward. This toolkit, rooted in trauma-informed practice, is now available to support communities experiencing racism, Islamophobia, and hate-related trauma—especially among vulnerable populations.
Cultural performances and Indigenous storytelling added to the emotional depth of the evening, while the communal meal—including Iftar—served as a symbol of shared nourishment and mutual respect across cultures and faiths. The hall echoed with conversations, laughter, and heartfelt connection as attendees built new relationships and reaffirmed old ones.
The Foundation for a Path Forward, a national organization committed to social cohesion, anti-hate programming, and mental health equity, was proud to host this historic event. Co-founders Tariq Tyab and Yusuf Siraj emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to sustained partnerships and cross-sector collaboration in service of reconciliation and community wellness. They also highlighted recent initiatives such as the Drugs and Gangs Public Safety Forum co-led with KidsPlay Foundation, and the Foundation’s collaboration with SACH on the anti-hate outreach toolkit and campaign.
The Foundation extends its deepest thanks to the Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage, Our Grandmother Earth, AMSSA, Brian Jessel BMW, and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses for their generous support. Special gratitude also goes to the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House team—Mimi Rennie, Huda Bolbolan, and Julie Diesta—and the many volunteers who made the evening a success.
As the evening drew to a close, one message was clear: breaking bread is more than a shared meal—it is a call to action. From faith leaders and frontline workers to policymakers and elders, each attendee left with a renewed commitment to fostering truth, mutual understanding, and long-term reconciliation in their communities.
The Foundation for a Path Forward looks forward to continuing this important work—and invites all who were part of the event to stay engaged, share resources, and keep the momentum going. The journey of reconciliation belongs to everyone.