Community Accord

Written in 2008 through a collaborative process led by the Good Neighbours Committee, the Vanderhoof Community Accord reaffirms our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of all people. By signing the Accord, we commit to taking concrete action to build a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community—one in which all people can live, work, play, and prosper together.

The Community Accord has been signed by key community stakeholders, including: the District of Vanderhoof, Saik’uz First Nation, the College of New Caledonia, School District No. 91, the Rotary Club of Vanderhoof, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (Electoral Area F), and the Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce, and many individuals from across the region.

In 2024, the Good Neighbours Committee reopened the Accord for review, inviting the community to reconsider and update its language to reflect the changes and growth that have taken place since its original signing.

Listen to the Diversity Project lead Charlyne Smilinski (CNC) describe the Community Accord, live on The Wolf:

For context, here is the 2008 Vanderhoof Accord:

Reaffirming our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women.

Desiring to promote realization of the principles contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination, and in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical disability. The Community of Vanderhoof in order to create a welcoming and inclusive community desires to support the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the fullest degree.

Believing that promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic communities contributes to the political and social stability of the Vanderhoof community.

Emphasizing that promotion and realization of the rights of culturally and linguistically diverse peoples is integral to the development of our society and strengthens friendship and cooperation among the Vanderhoof community.

Recognizing the need for all community members to recognize and respect effective implementation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom with regard to the rights of persons belonging to different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic communities within Vanderhoof.

We Proclaim This Community Accord

In recognition of Vanderhoof as a vibrant, diverse and progressive community in which all people live, work, play and prosper together we the undersigned representatives of Vanderhoof’s varied communities undertake to:

• Promote respect for diversity across our community
• Seek opportunities to work together to reaffirm our similarities as human beings and the fundamental principles that unite us as community members
• Advocate for the elimination of racial and religious intolerance
• Reject all forms of racial and religious denigration, violence, harassment and unlawful discrimination

In endorsing this declaration, I, ______________________, [along with other signatories representing the District of Vanderhoof, Saik’uz First Nation, College of New Caledonia, School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes), Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce, Regional District Bulkley Nechako Area “F”, and the Vanderhoof Rotary Club] accept responsibility to comply with these principles.

__________________________________________
at Vanderhoof, BC

___________________________________________
Date