Musqueam Indian Band and Canada Reach Historic Agreements Advancing Aboriginal Rights and Collaborative Management of Waters and Resources in Vancouver Area

Vancouver is witnessing a landmark moment in reconciliation today as the Musqueam Indian Band and the Government of Canada ink a series of groundbreaking agreements.

These historic deals formally recognize the Aboriginal rights of the Musqueam people and strengthen their leadership in fisheries, environmental stewardship, and marine emergency management.

For a community whose connection to the land and waters stretches back thousands of years, this is more than paperwork—it’s a tangible affirmation of their heritage and authority within their traditional territories.

Three Agreements, One Vision

The agreements signed today mark a new chapter in Canada’s nation-to-nation relationship with Musqueam.

They include:

šxʷq̓ʷal̕təl̕tən A Rights Recognition Agreement – This agreement formally acknowledges Musqueam’s Aboriginal rights, including title over their traditional territory, and lays out a framework for implementing these rights incrementally.

It reinforces the nation-to-nation relationship between Musqueam and Canada.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Stewardship & Marine Management Agreement – Through this agreement, Musqueam knowledge and stewardship practices will guide joint decision-making on marine management.

Collaborative working groups will ensure that the waters and natural resources of Musqueam territory are protected for future generations.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Fisheries Agreement – This deal enhances Musqueam’s role in shared fisheries management.

It provides funding for access, vessels, and gear, supporting Musqueam leadership in sustainable fisheries within their traditional lands.

A Decade of Collaboration

These agreements didn’t happen overnight.

They are the result of more than ten years of negotiation, dialogue, and mutual respect.

Musqueam leaders emphasize that traditional governance practices—snəw̓eyəɬ and šxʷtəhim̓, or manners and customs—continue to guide relationships, decision-making, and legal frameworks within the community.

Chief Wayne Sparrow described the signing as “a step forward in our path to reconciliation,” recognizing Musqueam’s expertise in marine and fisheries management and highlighting the innovative, collaborative nature of these agreements.

Voices from Leadership

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty, said the agreements demonstrate that “reconciliation is not just words, but action.”

She emphasized that Canada’s commitment to Musqueam’s Aboriginal rights strengthens the foundation of a collaborative, nation-to-nation partnership.

Wendy Grant-John, Musqueam’s lead negotiator, noted that these deals reflect the resilience of the Musqueam community and the importance of continuing traditional governance practices while charting a shared path forward.

Other government leaders, including ministers of Fisheries, Transport, Environment, and Defence, highlighted the practical benefits of the agreements, from safeguarding fisheries and ecosystems to improving marine emergency management.

Deep Roots, Strong Future

The Musqueam people are the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, whose traditional territory encompasses the mouth of the Fraser River and modern-day Vancouver.

They have lived on these lands since time immemorial, maintaining their language, culture, and customs.

The signing of these agreements builds on prior milestones, including the Musqueam Self-Government Agreement and the Revenue Sharing Agreement for Vancouver International Airport.

By integrating Musqueam knowledge into governance and stewardship, these agreements reflect a broader commitment to Indigenous-led conservation, sustainable development, and legal pluralism—a framework that respects both Musqueam laws and Canadian law.

What’s Next?

Implementation is the next crucial step. Joint working groups will begin the collaborative management of fisheries, waters, and environmental resources within Musqueam territory.

The agreements also open avenues for future partnerships in climate resilience, economic development, and cultural preservation.

Monitoring progress and ensuring that these agreements translate into tangible outcomes for the community will be essential in the months and years ahead.

Summary

Today’s agreements between Musqueam and Canada represent a historic milestone in recognizing Aboriginal rights, enhancing stewardship, and fostering true nation-to-nation collaboration.

They combine centuries-old knowledge with modern governance practices, strengthening fisheries management, marine safety, and environmental protection.

For Musqueam, this is both a reaffirmation of their deep connection to the land and a step toward a sustainable, shared future with Canada.