Shaping a New Vision for the Downtown Eastside

Central City Foundation is honoured to host a unique series of Indigenous-led workshops and a Design Charette that will help shape the future of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Together, we will explore how Indigenous knowledge plays a vital foundation of connection to this land — and how development can support decolonization by uplifting Indigenous stories of place and embedding these teachings into the design of future spaces.

About the workshops and design charette:

This invite-only series is a rare opportunity to learn directly from xwməθkwəy ̓ əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ knowledge keepers, artists and planners, and to contribute our own experiences to the design of future spaces in the DTES. These sessions are hands-on, collaborative and grounded in the worldviews of host-nation peoples.

Why this matters:

As we plan future development in the DTES, Central City Foundation is committed to elevating Indigenous leadership and community-driven solutions. A diversity of voice, lived experience and vision are essential in creating a future rooted in Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation — and a DTES that fosters connection, wellbeing and belonging for all.

Workshop themes include:

• An immersive journey through Coast Salish history, culture, and place-based knowledge
• A hands-on introduction to Coast Salish and Northwest Coast formline art and architecture
• Insight into how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) can be applied to urban and community planning
• Exploring how Indigenous teachings can shape future spaces, using Central City Foundation’s potential redevelopment projects as examples

Dates and participation:

All sessions will be held in person in Vancouver. Location details will be shared with confirmed participants.

• October 15 | 10am–3pm – Art & Reconciliation + Knowledge Keeper Workshop
• October 22 | 1pm–4pm – UNDRIP in Planning Workshop
• October 23 | 9am–4pm – Design Charette
• November 5 | 9am-12pm – Synthesis & Report Back: Toward a Vision for Community

We hope this learning series inspires you to incorporate these teachings into your own work and planning processes. If you are interested in participating in this program, please inquire via email at development@centralcityfoundation.ca