About Us
The Laurier Institution envisions a world where diversity is valued and everyone is included.
A nationally registered charity founded by a group of local changemakers in 1989, The Laurier Institution works with partners to ignite collaboration, deepen shared learning, and inspire action around equity, diversity and inclusion. Our research and educational initiatives are supported by our generous donors and sponsors, members, and project-based funding. We welcome inquiries about potential collaborations and other opportunities aligned with our mission and values.
The Laurier Institution operates from the area known as Vancouver, BC on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
As a non-profit, non-partisan organization we aim to shift from solutions that meet the needs of the few to those that meet the needs of the many. We draw from our differences and actively involve everyone’s ideas, knowledge, lived experiences, and perspectives to maximize safe and thriving communities.
Vision
We envision a world where diversity is valued and everyone is included.
Mission
We work with partners to ignite collaboration, deepen shared learning, and inspire action around equity, diversity and inclusion.
Values
- Inclusion – We believe that everyone has a right to be welcomed. We are deliberate in shifting from solutions that meet the needs of the few to those that meet the needs of the many. Together we work to overcome exclusion and promote participation. We draw upon our differences and actively involve everyone’s ideas, knowledge, perspectives, approaches and styles to maximize a safe and thriving community.
- Courage – We are committed to push the boundaries, to have tough conversations and wrestle with difficult issues to advance our vision even if it creates discomfort. We are open to move through our fears, to make difficult choices and take specific actions that we know may be complex, challenging, uncomfortable and we will lead by example.
- Intention – We are purposeful in our words and actions, and seek opportunities to collaborate and build partnerships. We know that we must actively listen and speak up in ways that are meaningful. We will incorporate our learnings into the creation and delivery of our programs and services and we will seek continuous improvement.
- Integrity – We uphold integrity in everything we do, and embody our principles in our work and are accountable to our members, funders, collaborators, participants, and partners. Integrity is the foundation on which we build a transparent, just, and diverse community. Even when faced with difficult decisions and hard choices, we strive to do the right thing.
- Respect – Respect is a key component for a safe, healthy, and connected community. It promotes opportunities to have open discussions about what is important about diversity and inclusion. It lets people know they are valued for who they are and that their role is important. Infusing our work with respect includes an understanding that this work takes place on lands that have been, and continue to be, stewarded by
Indigenous people.
History
Names of Members of Founding Laurier Board of Directors (1989)
Back row (standing):
Felix Ts’o, Maurice Copithorne, Orest Kruhlak, Carole Taylor, Peter Maddocks, Bryan Williams
Front row (sitting):
Ken Georgetti, Bev Nann, Milton K. Wong, Les Little
1989 to Today
The Laurier Institution was founded in 1989 by business and community leaders to advance and disseminate knowledge about the economic and social implications of Canadian diversity.
