Aboriginal Community - Coast Salish First Nations

Vancouver is bounded by three local First Nations who have lived in this area for thousands of years. All three are members of the Coast Salish Nation, they include Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.

» Full size version of this map (present day location of Coast Salish Nations in the Vancouver area). Note: Reserve areas are approximate and not to scale. » Traditional territories map (Joho Maps)

The traditional territories of the three nations are overlapping, and today they each are based out of their own reservation land in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and partly into West Vancouver. The only one located in Vancouver proper is the Musqueam Band which is located south of Marine Drive near the UBC Endowment Lands. In addition to the local First Nations, Vancouver’s Aboriginal population is also comprised of Métis, Inuit and First Nations drawn from across Canada and North America.

Traditional Territories, Reserves, Populations

• Musqueam First Nation is located just south of Marine Drive near the UBC Endowment Lands, with a 1.91 square kilometre reserve.
  
• Squamish First Nation’s largest community is in North Vancouver at the end of the Lions Gate Bridge it has 28 villages on 28.28 square kilometres. (www.squamish.net)
  
• Tsleil-Waututh (Burrard Band) First Nation’s largest community is in North Vancouver just east of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge.

Each of the three local First Nations has a rich history and culture that is tied to the land that is their traditional territories. None of these First Nations have signed a treaty ceding their traditional territories. All three are at some point in the six-step BC Treaty Process. More specific information can be found at the BC Treaty Website.

Members of the local First Nations were instrumental in helping to make the Storyscapes Project a great success. The City of Vancouver realizes the importance of acknowledging and recording their unique history with and knowledge of the land that is now known as Vancouver. It is a part of our history that must be told.

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Other Information

More detailed information about the local First Nations' history, traditional territories, culture, community initiatives, current news, Leasehold Agreements, their place in the BC Treaty Process, Band Chief and Councilors names, and contact information can be found online at:

• www.musqueam.bc.ca
• www.burrardband.com (Tsleil-Waututh First Nation)
• www.squamish.net
• www.nautsamawt.org - Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council - Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) includes the First Nations of Chemainus, Halalt, Homalco, Klahoose, Malahat, Nanoose, Sliammon, Snuneymuxw, Tsawwassen and Tsleil-Waututh.

Additional contact information for Aboriginal serving organizations can be found in the Directory of Context and Social Services, as well as on our Weblinks page in the Tools & Resources section.

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