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<figure id="figure-c102vji21kmc0mil31"><img id="c102vji21kmc0mil31" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/31w9NNo2jwQXDZtXVFtfpVBLCwmNzqGns1cZFoo3frv76eZprDxAKov9Qer6y66l.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/31w9NNo2jwQXDZtXVFtfpVBLCwmNzqGns1cZFoo3frv76eZprDxAKov9Qer6y66l.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>On June 11, 2025, over 100 community members gathered at UBC Robson Square for the Vancouver Police Department Hate Crime Forum—an evening dedicated to education, awareness, and collaboration in the face of rising hate and discrimination. The forum brought together law enforcement, legal experts, and the public for a rare and open conversation on how hate-motivated incidents are identified, investigated, and prosecuted in Vancouver.The Foundation for a Path Forward was honoured to support this vital initiative at every stage, working closely with VPD’s Diversity, Community, and Indigenous Relations Section (DCIRS) to ensure that the event reached and reflected the diversity of the communities it aimed to serve.The forum featured keynote remarks by Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow, as well as presentations from VPD hate crime investigators, Crown Counsel specializing in hate crime prosecution, members of the Major Crime Section, and representatives from Victim Services. Attendees were invited to learn not only the legal definition of hate crimes under Canadian law, but also how cyber hate is investigated, what supports are available for victims, and what proactive programs the VPD runs to prevent hate in the first place.<figure id="figure-jzmjwocchlmc0mjanb"><img id="jzmjwocchlmc0mjanb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fOmmKaR6y9cIwiFC74WVg6WcirQ5IXlaNW7UlAT6ceV8cA4M8IbG5uVcD3hva74.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fOmmKaR6y9cIwiFC74WVg6WcirQ5IXlaNW7UlAT6ceV8cA4M8IbG5uVcD3hva74.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The atmosphere was both educational and deeply human. For many in attendance—including faith leaders, NGO staff, educators, and local residents—the forum provided a safe and welcoming space to ask questions, share concerns, and begin to build trust with police representatives. This wasn’t just about policy—it was about people.The Foundation for a Path Forward played a key role in the forum’s success. As a trusted community partner, the Foundation helped drive strong attendance through targeted community outreach, digital promotion, and multi-faith mobilization. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Foundation activated its network across Vancouver, extending invitations to faith leaders, cultural organizations, and grassroots groups. Its outreach efforts helped ensure a rich tapestry of lived experience and cultural insight was present at the event.Recognizing the importance of digital visibility, the Foundation also implemented a focused Meta (Facebook and Instagram) campaign to promote the forum, ensuring the event was seen by thousands across the region and generating meaningful community engagement.<figure id="figure-4u5ok5tl92mc0mkqto"><img id="4u5ok5tl92mc0mkqto" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23ZfvaTmQDy9jWNshNinxSNQ5PeXGJh4wC4N9ESGZjWpy0RyQ9tnmh8cwEOY2AI5.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23ZfvaTmQDy9jWNshNinxSNQ5PeXGJh4wC4N9ESGZjWpy0RyQ9tnmh8cwEOY2AI5.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Throughout the evening, many attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity and openness with which hate-related issues were addressed. Presenters walked the audience through complex questions—What qualifies as a hate crime versus a hate incident? How are digital threats pursued? What happens when someone reports?—in language that was accessible, practical, and deeply necessary.From the opening remarks to the closing conversations, the tone of the event remained anchored in collaboration, education, and prevention. The Foundation was proud to support the VPD in creating a space where communities could engage directly with law enforcement—not in conflict, but in partnership.<figure id="figure-vlowh9rjc5mc0mlik1"><img id="vlowh9rjc5mc0mlik1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eLBvYS9hrhIAupkBOZ7gXkrPtQ7ccosqWkcmZ1fcIL3TLU0M5IqEbqjqtPOjisT.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>As hate continues to evolve in both form and frequency, the Foundation for a Path Forward remains committed to standing alongside institutions like the VPD to ensure communities are not just protected, but empowered. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive Vancouver—one rooted in justice, mutual respect, and collective resilience.

Foundation Collaborates with VPD on Their First Hate Crime Forum

<figure id="figure-biq4hquj8vfmc0jkhbm" class=""><img id="biq4hquj8vfmc0jkhbm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eJmIt056rB8trwDXnm351WPBYBK6QO5sgt8cJleZnXG3JfozbjuESDbMOPznCRg.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eJmIt056rB8trwDXnm351WPBYBK6QO5sgt8cJleZnXG3JfozbjuESDbMOPznCRg.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>On June 9 and 10, 2025, the Foundation for a Path Forward hosted municipal leaders, public safety officials, researchers, and civil society partners at Brampton, Ontario, for a landmark Strong Cities Network (SCN) Conference. Co-organized with the City of Brampton and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, the two-day gathering focused on city-led responses to hate, polarization, and extremism across the Peel Region, offering a uniquely local lens on global challenges.The event opened at Brampton Council Chambers with a Smudging Ceremony and land acknowledgment led by Regional Councillor Gurpartap Toor, reminding participants of the Indigenous foundations upon which discussions of equity and reconciliation must rest. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Strong Cities Executive Director Eric Rosand delivered opening remarks, setting the tone for an urgent yet collaborative convening shaped by shared responsibility and hope.In the opening panel, community safety practitioners and civic leaders explored the pressures facing Peel communities—from rising digital hate to the cascading effects of international conflicts. Speakers from Victim Services of Peel, CIVIX, and the City of Brampton unpacked how local polarization is often shaped by wider social and geopolitical dynamics, challenging cities to adopt agile, coordinated approaches rooted in care and accountability.The following session brought together actors across government levels and sectors to examine whole-of-society strategies for prevention. Featuring voices from Peel Regional Police, Public Safety Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities, the discussion reaffirmed the value of inter-agency coordination and community-based trust-building, especially during times of global uncertainty.The day concluded with a vibrant networking reception in Brampton City Hall’s atrium and conservatory, where local organizations showcased their prevention work, and attendees made meaningful cross-sector connections.<figure id="figure-au2lbczszmmc0lch9x"><img id="au2lbczszmmc0lch9x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aVmy0SzQU2n1yBRxeA6d7rN153rD7zYHxXevo1Vc8kTJ7sDAALvj2I2ChfxrN56d.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aVmy0SzQU2n1yBRxeA6d7rN153rD7zYHxXevo1Vc8kTJ7sDAALvj2I2ChfxrN56d.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The second day unfolded at Alderlea, a historic heritage venue in the heart of Brampton. Opening remarks by Marlon Kallideen, Eric Rosand, and Tariq Tyab, Co-Founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward, framed the day’s sessions around action, data, and local storytelling. Their remarks were followed by a keynote from Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, who emphasized the province’s commitment to community safety and hate prevention.A compelling presentation by Councillor Rowena Santos highlighted Brampton’s diverse demographics and cultural richness, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on the city’s social fabric. This was followed by Caroline Wade of the Strong Cities Network, who offered an evidence-based overview of the digital hate landscape in Peel—one that increasingly blurs the boundaries between online incitement and offline harm.One of the most powerful moments of the conference came during the panel on Understanding the On- and Offline Hate Landscape, moderated by Councillor Michael Palleschi. Panelists, including Dr. Barbara Perry, Abokar Mohammed, Feras Ismal of Peel Police, and Yusuf Siraj, Co-Founder of the Foundation, brought forward insights on how hate manifests, multiplies, and metastasizes across platforms and communities. They emphasized the need for tech literacy, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed support to guide local responses.This momentum carried into a focused presentation from Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Councillor Toor, spotlighting regional anti-hate initiatives already underway. A subsequent panel discussion explored policy and programming innovations from across the region, featuring experts from Safe City Mississauga, the City of Brampton’s Equity Office, and the Interfaith Council of Peel.Participants then engaged in breakout sessions designed to surface five concrete steps that could be taken to enhance Brampton’s anti-hate ecosystem—whether through policy, training, communications, or partnerships. The groups’ brief-backs highlighted the need for sustainable funding, clearer communication channels between communities and institutions, and improved data collection on hate incidents.The day closed with reflections on next steps and a networking lunch, leaving space for both momentum and relationship-building. Through every session, the Foundation for a Path Forward played a central role in guiding discussions, anchoring them in local expertise and lived experience, and amplifying strategies that blend prevention with inclusion.<figure id="figure-m82raruejcmc0lda5j"><img id="m82raruejcmc0lda5j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/29YrhV94Fvs0xtyRL8WZsvHo3UyCMWKgj8kyE3ERcTewJklZS04xmjIZNyFCwtI2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>By hosting this important gathering, the Foundation helped solidify Brampton’s place as a national leader in municipal responses to hate and extremism. As Strong Cities continues to foster global partnerships and local resilience, the Foundation remains committed to supporting Canadian communities in building safer, more cohesive futures—one city at a time.

Foundation Hosts the Strong Cities Network Conference in Brampton, Ontario

<figure id="figure-88m7be7mdmmc0golj7"><img id="88m7be7mdmmc0golj7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31Jz3oqrcrWtX127wmS7Lb5TIBfAX55QEotyWtsFW3IEk5DLaGiWdA3bbrCE8tm2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31Jz3oqrcrWtX127wmS7Lb5TIBfAX55QEotyWtsFW3IEk5DLaGiWdA3bbrCE8tm2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>From May 14 to 15, 2025, the Foundation for a Path Forward proudly joined mayors, municipal leaders, civil society actors, and national officials from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for the Strong Cities Regional Workshop on Advancing City-Led Strategies to Prevent Hate, Extremism, and Polarisation. Hosted at the Kenzi Rose Garden Farah Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco, the two-day workshop was organized by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue’s Strong Cities Network and supported by the European Union through the STRIVE Cities Initiative.The Foundation’s presence in Marrakech underscored its growing international engagement and its commitment to community-based solutions for preventing hate and extremism. Represented by Founder Tariq Tyab, the Foundation contributed to a global exchange of strategies and insights grounded in lived experience, community partnership, and digital resilience.<figure id="figure-iu2o0hu4vcmc0glqm4" class=""><img id="iu2o0hu4vcmc0glqm4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fEeWJ8q6UH1J5BNzIAqXgyBWY8bc8PmnthEFkXQg7eyzHqmNguojcJbp3cU8IAir.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 15% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="15%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fEeWJ8q6UH1J5BNzIAqXgyBWY8bc8PmnthEFkXQg7eyzHqmNguojcJbp3cU8IAir.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 15% 100%;"></figure>The workshop opened with remarks from Mohamed El Idrissi, Deputy Mayor of Marrakech, and Eric Rosand, Executive Director of Strong Cities. Their welcome set the tone for a series of interactive, multilingual sessions held in Arabic, French, and English, designed to foster collaboration across borders and cultures.One of the event’s key strengths was its structure—blending high-level plenary panels with case studies, breakout discussions, and strategy-building sessions. Early sessions spotlighted the regional threat landscape, with mayors and local officials from Libya, Iraq, and Tunisia discussing city-level responses to challenges such as digital radicalization, climate-driven displacement, and political unrest. These conversations emphasized the importance of embedding prevention work within local governance, rather than treating it solely as a security issue.Another highlight was the session on national-local cooperation (NLC), where speakers explored how cities and national governments can collaborate on prevention efforts. Guided by a six-pillar framework—trust, inclusivity, coordination, communication, capacity, and sustainability—this discussion laid the groundwork for practical and scalable collaboration across jurisdictions.<figure id="figure-4kwfa64e6mc0gp2jq"><img id="4kwfa64e6mc0gp2jq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3atsVbeXUcPu7uFTgXSbHN5rKnTW7KO89YnmlYqSvrPb0mDMqoDGCQqy9AIJmYnC.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 90%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="90%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward was featured prominently in Plenary Session 4: Enhancing Digital Resilience at the City Level. In this session, Tariq Tyab presented Canada’s local response to digital hate and online harms, drawing on the Foundation’s work in combating misinformation, promoting digital literacy, and empowering racialized communities. Alongside officials from Rabat and Libya, Tyab offered real-world insights into the role of municipalities in mitigating online threats before they spill into offline violence.Sessions throughout the two days covered a wide spectrum of prevention strategies. A plenary on youth engagement spotlighted Strong Cities’ Young Cities initiative and examples such as Fes’ adoption of a Youth Council, while a subsequent panel on urban planning highlighted how inclusive city design can protect public spaces and counter hate-driven violence. A powerful session on empowering women local leaders offered space for dialogue on gender-based threats, representation, and the unique contributions of women to peacebuilding and resilience.Participants also worked together in breakout sessions, including case studies on crisis management and early warning mechanisms. These exercises allowed municipalities to exchange tested practices and develop new recommendations tailored to their local contexts. The workshop closed with a forward-looking plenary in which participants reflected on learnings and outlined next steps, solidifying a shared commitment to building safer, more inclusive cities.Throughout the event, the Foundation for a Path Forward shared lessons from its Canadian context—particularly around online hate, youth resilience, and community trust-building—while learning from peers across the MENA region. The conversations and partnerships forged in Marrakech reaffirmed the global relevance of local leadership in preventing polarization.<figure id="figure-4t93yyfw0omc0gmopo"><img id="4t93yyfw0omc0gmopo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1fCVCRGBS7vdpDaf0qFGDPqGJ43k5K0e4naDobcFmrA317seSkRwEww8pSG5WCze.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1fCVCRGBS7vdpDaf0qFGDPqGJ43k5K0e4naDobcFmrA317seSkRwEww8pSG5WCze.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;"></figure>As Strong Cities continues to convene and connect cities around the world, the Foundation looks forward to deepening its contributions to this international network. The workshop was not only an opportunity to share strategies, but also a reminder that community safety is inseparable from equity, inclusion, and collaborative governance—values the Foundation remains committed to advancing, both at home and abroad.

Foundation for a Path Forward Participates in Strong Cities Regional Workshop in Marrakech

Read the full report here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPj45lLJ1Gx4o6OXRwBwPklnW2NSWq4H/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPj45lLJ1Gx4o6OXRwBwPklnW2NSWq4H/view?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener">Public Safety Forum on Guns, Drugs, and Gangs Impact Report</a><figure id="figure-u3n19sivcdm9h9tfvb"><img id="u3n19sivcdm9h9tfvb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9ZSkevmprRhHwl6dMw1Vgdog1poXIsX9vXzqVrmMT7Z3ymNu7czx4laRy5YtRDLI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9ZSkevmprRhHwl6dMw1Vgdog1poXIsX9vXzqVrmMT7Z3ymNu7czx4laRy5YtRDLI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure>On March 26, 2025, over 550 community members—half of them youth—gathered at the Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey for a groundbreaking Public Safety Forum on Gangs, Drugs, and Guns. Co-hosted by the Foundation for a Path Forward and KidsPlay Foundation, and supported by SACH and Moving Forward Family Services, the forum addressed the deepening crisis of gang violence and fentanyl-related harms facing the city’s youth.With leadership from all levels of government—including the Hon. Garry Begg, Hon. Terry Yung, Jessie Sunner, Amna Shah, MP Randeep Sarai, and Surrey Councillor Rob Stutt—the forum tackled urgent issues such as mental health, systemic racism, marginalization, and intergenerational trauma. Government officials stood side by side with grassroots leaders like Kal Dosanjh (KidsPlay) and Tariq Tyab (Foundation for a Path Forward), reaffirming their commitment to youth-focused, community-led solutions.Key themes included the psychological toll of hate and exclusion on marginalized youth, how systemic discrimination increases vulnerability to gangs and substance abuse, and the importance of culturally grounded, inclusive prevention programs. Powerful testimonies from speakers like Shenan Charania, Mindy Bhander, Yusef-Andre Wiley, and Dr. Randy Gill brought real-life experience into sharp focus, showing both the risks youth face and the hope that community engagement offers.The forum was more than dialogue—it offered direct support. Twenty youth received $5,000 in bursaries on the spot to pursue extracurriculars, and service providers connected families to real-time counseling, mentoring, and outreach programs.This collaborative event also marked the start of a broader movement, bridging policy-makers with community voices. As one of the largest anti-gang/drug gatherings in Surrey’s recent history, it reinforced a powerful truth: when community, government, and frontline advocates work together, meaningful change is possible.Read the full report here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPj45lLJ1Gx4o6OXRwBwPklnW2NSWq4H/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPj45lLJ1Gx4o6OXRwBwPklnW2NSWq4H/view?usp=drive_link">Public Safety Forum on Guns, Drugs, and Gangs Impact Report</a>

Public Safety Forum on Guns, Drugs, and Gangs

<figure id="figure-zq020y8egm9bkni6m"><img id="zq020y8egm9bkni6m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39LoWVhuqvpxEGhfuUjY06rOSf1nP6vg1SIuictw6xMxbRkJ8FyrEfiDyqBf5Atv.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39LoWVhuqvpxEGhfuUjY06rOSf1nP6vg1SIuictw6xMxbRkJ8FyrEfiDyqBf5Atv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>On Monday, March 24, 2025, the Foundation for a Path Forward hosted Breaking Bread, Building Bonds 2: Living &amp; 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.<figure id="figure-f56gtpyg2mm9bkoxif"><img id="f56gtpyg2mm9bkoxif" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23sOgvL8rAwtG4vgpteWAcWKERAao0crrUIK9kOrVIGQ0eoEdjNCa6JW1b6WEKeu.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23sOgvL8rAwtG4vgpteWAcWKERAao0crrUIK9kOrVIGQ0eoEdjNCa6JW1b6WEKeu.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-i7mdluyjkom9bkyzpa"><img id="i7mdluyjkom9bkyzpa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9m6w1TfwajpowSIkruOps8d1jOchfbmbQqVuvquikjKURkrg3hb6RWlmwTTLEg8J.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9m6w1TfwajpowSIkruOps8d1jOchfbmbQqVuvquikjKURkrg3hb6RWlmwTTLEg8J.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-ry4qz2juvm9bl71cc"><img id="ry4qz2juvm9bl71cc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1yjN3nBiCKBUwk8dvgEU89J8qeoTwUKjHQ177tT0WRLYN634ZKvytf4GUcrCAx6x.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1yjN3nBiCKBUwk8dvgEU89J8qeoTwUKjHQ177tT0WRLYN634ZKvytf4GUcrCAx6x.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-ozjmjv9lvrm9br3v4h" class=""><img id="ozjmjv9lvrm9br3v4h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0EtXdq6A2z3Tl1m6qlnOpYdi3CYjH4OtpaAwPVyBQl5tf1jtFvXUKcZsuAYPP4Dc.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0EtXdq6A2z3Tl1m6qlnOpYdi3CYjH4OtpaAwPVyBQl5tf1jtFvXUKcZsuAYPP4Dc.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-upptj33jbum9blg4a7"><img id="upptj33jbum9blg4a7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/97EvBZjQNvMxp8ttAp76i4KhrtYNmgy332NkcLlVgidyTbBGoGNh2u7MtMNY7kTd.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/97EvBZjQNvMxp8ttAp76i4KhrtYNmgy332NkcLlVgidyTbBGoGNh2u7MtMNY7kTd.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-cg1m6iwv1em9h71xp3"><img id="cg1m6iwv1em9h71xp3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/388A4bxIuxx9LcGC3jwLpeCV7WLQsZWfcTbYAD5QPRjTSITSlZ6y1OqRxWLfqMS8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/388A4bxIuxx9LcGC3jwLpeCV7WLQsZWfcTbYAD5QPRjTSITSlZ6y1OqRxWLfqMS8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-8h48ljs0hm9h71a8u"><img id="8h48ljs0hm9h71a8u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aCL2tx8ocjsnAnMmmD3gIpKNVzngTnG5ufmBFpUjkkRBi2nq5rSUHs24fjeAsYm.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aCL2tx8ocjsnAnMmmD3gIpKNVzngTnG5ufmBFpUjkkRBi2nq5rSUHs24fjeAsYm.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.<figure id="figure-wauumj3lcfm9h7775q"><img id="wauumj3lcfm9h7775q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38n6vEFgNNWefKhm5NzploqhRZwKAnJTTpgFD3holtoSEecvnoUgNsu2fViZEjSz.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>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.<figure id="figure-5vpvreq56m9h72jhv" class=""><img id="5vpvreq56m9h72jhv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23WQwJxTHiTX65mm85YY7KYJIPemSBkn2vUEPIQzbRuIxqUEhRAjTYnI6l3CHVoi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23WQwJxTHiTX65mm85YY7KYJIPemSBkn2vUEPIQzbRuIxqUEhRAjTYnI6l3CHVoi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>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.

Breaking Bread | Building Bonds 2: Truth and Reconciliation (Vancouver, B.C.)

<figure id="figure-gemxps17mbm84k9xzv" class=""><img id="gemxps17mbm84k9xzv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19E5MjL04k0pKT7h11T5aLbRjnnJb9fgVd7y3XAweDatQys7ewzAZiDLZijMPlHL.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19E5MjL04k0pKT7h11T5aLbRjnnJb9fgVd7y3XAweDatQys7ewzAZiDLZijMPlHL.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>High Ground 2025, the twentieth edition of the annual civic governance forum, gathered elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders from across Canada to engage in transformative discussions on public safety, climate action, political polarization, digital hostility, and community resilience. Held from March 7-8 at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver, the event brought together progressive mayors, councilors, regional directors, and school trustees to explore the theme Tipping Points: Navigating Turbulent Times—a deep dive into whether the current state of political, social, and environmental affairs is truly unraveling or if it simply feels that way.The Foundation for a Path Forward played a critical role in shaping the dialogue on digital hostility and political safety, with Co-Founder Tariq Tyab leading the workshop Cyber Hostility and Political Figures: A Crisis in Mental Health and Equity. This session examined the increasing threats of online hate and harassment against public figures, exploring strategies for fostering a more resilient and inclusive political landscape. Other key speakers in this session included Ankita Goyal, Research and Communications Coordinator at the Centre for Civic Governance, and a range of experts working on issues of equity and digital safety. The discussion underscored the urgent need for structural interventions to safeguard politicians and civic leaders from the growing toxicity of digital spaces.The forum opened with a territorial welcome delivered by Carleen Thomas, Acting Principal of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour. This was followed by an insightful fireside chat featuring Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, and George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit, moderated by Jonathan Fowlie, Chief Member Impact and Experience Officer at Vancity.Workshops throughout the forum provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on policy and community-led solutions. In From Eco-Anxiety to Action: How Local Leaders Can Implement Meaningful Climate Solutions, Abbey Piazza from Youth Climate Corps BC and Ian Picketts from the District of Squamish tackled ways municipalities can address environmental challenges with practical solutions. The toxic drug crisis was another major focus, with Amanda Erickson, Cindy Lise, Daniel Snyder, Leslie Payne, and Michelle Staples offering insights into Leveraging Community-Municipal Partnerships to Respond to the Toxic Drug Crisis.Day two featured discussions on equity and advocacy, including Coalition Building in the Energy Transition Era, with insights from Andrew Williamson, Janet Andrews, Jessica Mcilroy, and Rita Steele, and Being an Active Bystander: What To Do and When To Do It, led by Mary Trentadue, Nadine Nakagawa, and Trudi Goels. Another standout session, Housing as a Human Right, featured contributions from Amy Lubik, Bailey Waukey, Rowan Burdge, and Véronique Sioufi, who examined policy strategies to ensure secure housing for all.A key focus of the conference was the role of women and gender minorities in leadership, with a dedicated session featuring Mary Trentadue, Nadine Nakagawa, and Trudi Goels sharing their experiences and strategies for overcoming systemic barriers in politics. These conversations reinforced the need for intentional policy changes to support women and marginalized communities in leadership roles.The forum’s final plenary, Political Polarization, Division, and the Rise of Conspiracy in British Columbia, brought together Erin Blondeau from the Climate Emergency Unit, Evan Balgord from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, and Kay Kearley from the BC Flying Squad Against Transphobia. Moderated by Susan Kim, Councillor for the City of Victoria, this session examined the rise of disinformation and radicalization in public discourse and governance, offering strategies for civic leaders to counteract these challenges.High Ground 2025 reaffirmed its role as a crucial space for civic leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build a more resilient and forward-thinking society. The participation of the Foundation for a Path Forward highlighted its commitment to tackling digital hate, strengthening public safety, and fostering inclusive governance. As municipalities across Canada grapple with increasingly complex challenges, the conversations and partnerships forged at this forum will be instrumental in shaping future policies and community resilience strategies.

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