40th Anniversary of the Cherry Tree AIDS Memorial [ link | image ]
40 years ago this October, early activists planted three Sakura (Cherry Blossom) trees in a slightly out of the way spot near X̱wáýx̱way/Stanley Park. Honouring some of the first HIV/AIDS deaths in the country, the grove is the oldest known AIDS memorial. At the time it was planted, fears of vandalism meant the site stayed only known through word of mouth.
Ribbon Community and Cocksure Performance invite you to gather with us to mark this significant anniversary as a time to reflect on half a century of local HIV/AIDS activism and look ahead to the future it made possible.
Join us for food and community connection opportunities starting at 3:30 pm at the cherry trees at Devonian Harbour Park on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Formal proceedings, including invited remarks and readings, will begin at 4pm and are planned to wrap up by 5 pm.
Location: Devonian Harbour Park, 1929 W Georgia St, Vancouver, B.C. | map
Date and time: Mon, Oct 20, 2025 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Organizer: Sarah Chown, (604) 696-4655, sarahc@ribboncommunity.org
Tickets (free): link