Indigenous Relations

10 Local First Nations 

Metro Vancouver is situated within the traditional territories of 10 local First Nations: q̓ic̓əy̓​​ (Katzie), ​q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), ​kʷikʷəƛ̓əm​ (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Matsqui), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), se’mya’me (Semiahmoo), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ  (Tsawwassen), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)​​. In addition, there are many other First Nations with communities located outside Metro Vancouver t​hat also have interests within the region.

Learn more about First Nations, Aboriginal rights and interests within the Metro Vancouver region here: ​

 First Nations in the Region Facts and Stats​

Metro V​ancouver’s commitment to reconciliation

​Metro Vancouver has an important role to play in reconciliation efforts because it plays a convening role for local governments in the region, delivers critical regional infrastructure and regional plans, and serves the public.​

The Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada on Indian Residential Schools notes:

Reconciliation requires that a ne​w vision, based on a commitment to mutual respect, be developed.

This commitment is an ongoing imperative that underpins all of our work at Metro Vancouver. To realize this vision, we are continuously building awareness, striving to view our processes, projects, and plans through a reconciliation lens, and reflecting on how we can continue improving. We seek to work together with First Nations through increased opportunities for collaboration and meaningful engagement, on an early, often and ongoing basis, in order to establish positive, constructive, and long-lasting relationships.​

Metro Vancouver's commitment to fostering respect, reconciliation, and mutual understanding with all Indigenous peoples and communities was endorsed by the Board in 2015, when it adopted a resolution approving the Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada on Indian Residential Schools, as well as the following objectives:

• Liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (and by extension Reconciliation Canada)
• Raise awareness about Residential Schools
• Provide cultural competency training opportunities to public servants
• Strengthen relationships with First Nations​

Metro Vancouver continues to take initiatives to build stronger relationships with First Nations, with particular emphasis on local First Nations, by promoting ongoing dialogue and collaboration in a number of areas of interest and significance, such as:​​​​

O​ur collective role in r​econciliation

Reconciliation is a continuing and shared responsibility across individuals, communities, and all orders of government, to be willingly engaged and repair relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Metro Vancouver encourages staff, residents, and visitors in the region to reflect on the Calls to Action that they can take part in, learn about the harmful legacy and ongoing implications of structural injustices, and develop pathways to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and local First Nations communities to keep moving forward in positive ways. Individuals are encouraged to further familiarize themselves with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and British Columbia's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)

Metro Vancouver's Indigenous Relations team

Metro Vancouver's Indigenous Relations staff provide guidance, support, and training to Metro Vancouver staff, to improve processes, projects and plans. The Indigenous Relations staff advise on Indigenous engagement, policies, First Nations' interests, archaeology, as well as issues of mutual interest. The Indigenous Relations staff also support the work of the Metro Vancouver Board's Indigenous Relations Committee, including responses to pan-municipal First Nation issues.

Metro Vancouver recognizes the importance of education in developing institutional change and in understanding the unique interests, priorities, and rights of Indigenous communities, and seeks to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Agreement Call to Action #57:

We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

​To fulfil this Call to Action, Metro Vancouver Indigenous Relations staff raise awareness on these topics through training sessions, workshops, and guest presentations for staff and elected officials.

Metro Vancouver has also been actively involved in modern treaty negotiations in the Lower Mainland since 1994.​​