8. Christ Church Cathedral

Organization Information

Organization Name

Christ Church Cathedral

Mission and Vision of Organization

We envision a Cathedral which is radically inclusive, restlessly inquisitive, intentional, and inspired. This is a place that is called to lead and to serve, in communion and in community, with healing, reconciliation, and love, living out Christian mission. Together, we look to the power of Christ for the transformation of each person, this city, and the world.

We recognize our history and traditions, while seeking renewal and growth in spiritual depth and size. Curious and adaptable, this chorus has room for all voices. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whomever you love, and regardless of what you may bring or are searching for, you are welcome here.

For more information, visit: https://www.thecathedral.ca/pages/about

Guiding Principles + Values

Cathedral Food Philosophy

Christ Church Cathedral uses food to nourish its communities in ways that cultivate connection, holistic health, and community resiliency by honouring the agency, creativity, dignity, intellect, and worth of all who come to the table.

The following statements summarize the ways in which the Cathedral community seeks to live into its food philosophy, in all aspects of parish life:

• Food is at the core of who we are and what we do. Our philosophy of food is rooted in the biblical traditions of Sabbath, Shalom, and Eucharist, and expressed in the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion.
• Food provides far more than nutrition. It is a vehicle for connection, and an engine for social inclusion, and has the opportunity to address deeper needs such as meaning, beauty, and hope.
• Growing and sharing food cultivates essential attitudes of abundance and hospitality, of mutuality and resilience, of thankfulness and celebration. Food roots us in the land and in community. Food connects us across generations, cultures, and socio-economic divides.
• All members of our community have a right to food based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."

For more information, visit: https://www.thecathedral.ca/about/food-philosophy

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Vienne Chan
• Email: [[1]]
• Phone: 236.886.3154
• Address: 690 Burrard St Vancouver
• Website: thecathedral.ca

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
• Best time(s) to contact: Afternoons

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• In person, Email, Google Meet

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential School system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Between 2007 and 2015, the TRC travelled across Canada and heard from more than 6,500 witnesses. The TRC hosted 7 national events across Canada to engage the Canadian public, educate people about the history and legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system, and share and honour the experiences of former students and their families.

In June 2015, the TRC held its closing event in Ottawa and presented the executive summary of the findings contained in its multi-volume final report, including 94 Calls to Action to further this important work.

Christ Church Cathedral and Reconciliation

Christ Church Cathedral is actively pursuing the ongoing and difficult work of reconciliation, and a history of this work can be found here. Recognizing the trauma and stigma of faith communities due to the involvement of the Anglican Church in the Indian Residential School System, we believe we have a responsibility to the education of learning and unlearning, leading to raising awareness for our community and our sphere of influence.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our sit-down community food programs have shifted to a takeout model. Depending on the COVID-19 situation, we hope to return to sit-down food programs in January. Through the fall, we aim to lay the foundation for an engagement approach to including our congregants, volunteers, and food program guests in conversations about Truth and Reconciliation. How might these conversations shift our approach to food, food programming, and community-building around a shared table?

We anticipate that the primary audience for the students' project will be our food program volunteers.

Will the project work for the students be online, in person, or a combination?

• Combination

Main Project Activities

• Project activities will be discussed and determined with the community partner. We are open to hearing students' ideas!
• Potential activities could include survey design and implementation, blog post for the Maundy Blog, research and literature review of other faith-based organizations' approaches to implementing the 94 Calls to Action and/or similar reconciliation work
• Find partnerships for further education of the Cathedral and our community as a whole through workshops

Main Project Deliverable

• Students will present their work/findings in early December

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Knowledge and understanding of colonialism and the Indian Residential School System
• Interest and/or experience in community engagement
• Comfort working within a faith-based context

Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)

• Knowledge and understanding of colonialism and the Indian Residential School System
• Experience with community engagement planning and implementation

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• To be determined with community partner

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• Yes

If a criminal record search is required, when should the process be initiated?  

• Before the first community partner meeting

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

• Flexible

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• TBD

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

• The Residential School System
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Diocesan Ministry - Indigenous Justice

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

• Working in Good Ways (practical strategies for community engaged learning practitioners working with Indigenous communities)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba
• Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC
• Understanding OCAP (short video)
• The First Nations Principles of OCAP (2 page summary)

• Other materials (TBD) to be shared at the first community partner meeting