25 Years of Dialogue: Why This Work Still Matters Today

For twenty-five years, Centre for Dialogue has been a home for people who believe in curiosity, listening, and collaboration. It has been a place where complex issues are met with compassion rather than division, and where people can come together across differences to build shared paths toward change. This anniversary reminded us that dialogue is not passive. It is an active practice that requires commitment from real people who choose it again and again. 

A Legacy Shaped by Conversation 

The Centre for Dialogue exists because individuals, foundations, corporations, and government partners believed in a bold idea. They imagined a dedicated home where communities could come together to explore solutions, navigate challenges, and strengthen democracy through meaningful engagement. Their investment shaped the first purpose-built dialogue centre in North America. More importantly, it shaped a culture.

This legacy has been carried forward by our staff, Fellows, students, alumni, dialogue practitioners, partners, and community members. They have experimented, innovated, and created programs that reflect our mission. They have convened conversations on climate, democracy, reconciliation, belonging, and the many social issues that continue to shape our world. Their work is the reason the Centre for Dialogue remains trusted, relevant, and resilient.

Rooted in Belonging and Shared Purpose

Our celebration honoured these foundations, but it also did something deeper. It created a space where people reflected on their own journeys, shared memories, and connected across generations. The evening was filled with real stories. People spoke about learning to listen differently. They spoke about communities rebuilding trust. They spoke about the moments when dialogue helped them gain an understanding they did not have before.

There were quiet moments when the room felt fully present. There were moments of laughter that reminded us that dialogue is as much about relationship as it is about ideas. Many left feeling renewed and reminded that belonging is possible when people feel seen and welcomed.

This feeling is at the heart of the Centre for Dialogue’s work. Our programs are built on the belief that when people gather with intention, they can imagine better futures together. The celebration brought that belief to life.

Thank You for Being Part of This Community

We are grateful for everyone who has walked with us. Whether you attended the event, collaborated on a project, supported a program, or simply engaged with our work, you played a part in this legacy. Your involvement strengthens our mission.

We also welcome those who are just beginning to connect with us. Dialogue grows when new voices join the table. We are honoured to share this next chapter with you.

Looking Ahead to the Next 25 Years

This milestone called us to look forward with intention. The voices in that room, echoing those across our programs, asked us to bridge the memories, lessons and wisdom of the past with the new and exciting perspectives of the present to build towards opportunities for the future. The work of dialogue will continue to evolve, and the Centre is committed to meeting the needs of communities with care and accountability.   In the next chapter, we will continue to focus on:

• Creating spaces where people feel safe, supported, and welcomed

• Strengthening democratic engagement in a rapidly changing world

• Leaning into leadership opportunities within SFU

• Designing programs that uplift lived experience and community knowledge 

• Promoting belonging across differences

• Fostering leadership in young people and emerging practitioners

• Supporting institutions that seek to build trust through meaningful engagement

• Helping communities navigate complexity through connection rather than division