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),
scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). In addition, there are many other First Nations with communities located outside Metro Vancouver that 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 Vancouver’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 new 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
In 2022, the Metro Vancouver Board
renewed its commitments, and identified reconciliation as a Strategic Priority in its updated 2022-2026
Strategic Plan:
Reconciliation
Metro Vancouver will continue building and strengthening respectful and reciprocal relationships with local First Nations. Metro Vancouver will also continue to engage meaningfully with First Nations on plans, programs, and projects.
The Strategic Plan also identifies among its priority actions:
Strengthen government-to-government relationships with First Nations by building trust through genuine collaboration, creating a mutually respectful space for meaningful dialogue and outcomes, and creating opportunities for Board-to-Nation relationships to thrive.
Learn more about Metro Vancouver’s commitment to reconciliation and related activities in the video below:
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:
-
Cultural planning and co-operation agreements
On February 18, 2020, sə́lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation and Metro Vancouver signed a co-operation agreement that will protect and enhance təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations while raising public awareness of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation's cultural history with the area. It is hoped that further such agreements will follow for other Regional Parks.
A park renaming ceremony and celebration followed on October 8, 2021.
Belcarra Regional Park Cultural Planning and Co-operation Agreement
Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Metro Vancouver Sign Co-Operation Agreement for Belcarra Regional Park
təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park Renaming Ceremony
-
Community to community forums
Our collective role in reconciliation
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.