One hazard that presents a unique threat to Vancouver because its magnitude and timing are so unpredictable is a major earthquake. While we are lucky to experience earthquakes infrequently, we know from Indigenous histories and geological analyses that major earthquakes are a part of the long-term story of this region. It is only a matter of time until a damaging earthquake strikes Vancouver. In the face of such a threat to people’s health, lives, and belongings, what does heritage matter? While none of the materials covered at this activity touch on the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, this Reading Room provides us with a chance to reflect on this event and underscores the importance of discussing this topic.

In this first of a two part Reading Room,we dive into a speculative near (or distant future) to ask: if a major earthquake strikes Vancouver, what is left of its heritage?

Answering these questions together will give us the opportunity to explore what forms of heritage are at risk, what should be restored in the aftermath, and who decides. In the aftermath of disaster, who rebuilds whom? The people or the places that are special to them? When disaster strikes, saving lives is always the first priority. But what we find in examples from Canada and around the world is a complex relationship between people, their heritage, and the hazards they face. Through short readings, videos, and podcasts, we will discover some ways in which the special places and practices that people value can serve as catalysts for disaster recovery and restore intimate connections to place. What lessons can these examples hold for Vancouver, as we face the potential for damaging earthquakes?

Please note that there is reading and preparation associated with the event. Although the readings are not dense, they are crucial to creating a lively and informed discussion; they take between 30 mins to an hour to complete. After you sign up we will send you an email with the material we will be discussing during the Reading Room and a link to the Zoom call for the event. If you cannot attend or choose not to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. As this event has limited space, we want to ensure that everyone who wants to participate has a chance to participate. As this is a small event, filling up all the seats makes a difference and helps to ensure a lively and engaging discussion. We often hold repeat session of Reading Room events if you would like to participate at a later date.

We are very aware that such discussions are best done in person in small group settings in order for everyone to share their opinions. Because we want to provide all participants an opportunity to speak, we will provide a maximum of sixteen spaces, divided into two groups led by discussion leaders.

This activity is supported by the University of British Columbia's Public Scholars Initiative. UBC PhD candidate Jonathan Eaton will serve as one of the guest discussion leaders for this event. Jonathan is an anthropologist whose research focuses on the relationships between people, heritage, and place when it comes to disaster planning in Vancouver.