Whose traditional territory is Vancouver on?

Whose traditional territory is Vancouver on?

The city of Vancouver sits entirely on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of three specific Coast Salish Nations. The Musqueam people have historically occupied a vast area spanning from the Fraser River delta to the downtown peninsula. The Squamish people maintain deep connections to the Burrard Inlet, False Creek, and the Howe Sound region. The Tsleil-Waututh, known as the "People of the Inlet," have long stewarded the waters and shores of the Burrard Inlet.

These nations have maintained continuous cultural, spiritual, and economic relationships with this territory for thousands of years. Before European contact, the region supported complex societies with sophisticated governance, trade networks, and resource management systems. Recognizing these territories is not merely a historical acknowledgement but a recognition of ongoing Indigenous presence and rights. Today, these nations continue to exercise their sovereignty and advocate for the protection of their ancestral lands and waters.

How to perform a land acknowledgement correctly

A land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded a specific region. When visiting or living in Vancouver, it is standard practice to acknowledge the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. This practice serves as a reminder of the colonial history of Canada and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

To perform a respectful acknowledgement, follow these steps:

• Research the specific location, as territories can overlap or change depending on the precise neighborhood.
• Use the correct Indigenous names for the nations, such as xʷməθkʷəy̓əm for Musqueam.
• Speak from a place of sincerity rather than reading a generic script.
• Acknowledge that the land is unceded, meaning it was never legally transferred to the Crown.
• Focus on the relationship between the people and the land rather than just the geographic location.

Why is the term "unceded" important?

The term "unceded" is central to understanding the legal and political landscape of British Columbia. Unlike much of Canada, where the government signed historic treaties to acquire land, the vast majority of British Columbia remains under unceded territory. This means the British Crown never obtained legal title to the land through formal agreements with the Indigenous inhabitants.

Because these lands were never surrendered, the legal status of the territory remains a subject of ongoing negotiation and court cases. Indigenous nations argue that their inherent title to the land was never extinguished by colonial authorities. This reality influences modern land-use planning, resource extraction projects, and municipal governance. By using the term unceded, individuals and organizations acknowledge the unresolved legal status of the land and the persistence of Indigenous sovereignty.

Common mistakes when acknowledging Indigenous land

Many people make errors when attempting to be respectful, often due to a lack of deep understanding. One common mistake is treating the acknowledgement as a "check-box" exercise to be completed quickly without genuine reflection. Another frequent error is mispronouncing the names of the nations or using outdated colonial terminology that does not reflect the preferences of the communities themselves.

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your acknowledgement remains respectful:

1. Do not use past tense when referring to Indigenous peoples, as they are contemporary, living cultures.
2. Avoid generic phrases like "all Indigenous people" and instead name the specific nations of the area.
3. Do not ask Indigenous individuals to provide an acknowledgement for you, as this places an emotional burden on them.
4. Avoid performative gestures that are not backed by meaningful action or learning.
5. Do not assume that an acknowledgement is a substitute for building a real relationship with local communities.

How to learn more about local Indigenous history

Engaging with the history of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations is a rewarding process that deepens one's connection to Vancouver. There are numerous ways to educate yourself beyond simple statements. Many local cultural centers, museums, and public archives provide extensive resources on the history of the Coast Salish peoples.

You can start your learning journey by visiting the following resources:

• The Musqueam Cultural Centre, which offers exhibitions and educational programming about their history and language.
• The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, which provides deep insights into the traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
• Official websites of the three nations, which often contain historical timelines and current policy information.
• Public library collections that feature works by Indigenous authors and historians from the region.
• Community events that are open to the public, such as cultural festivals or lecture series hosted by local Indigenous organizations.