Sale of c̓əsnaʔəm (Marpole) Site to Musqueam Indian Band Finalized

By Bob Joseph

c̓əsnaʔəm - Musqueam Marpole Village Site - has moved a quantum leap in its path to becoming an interpretive park. This ancient burial site, considered one of the largest, pre-contact middens in BC, will no longer be the sad sight of urban disarray. In early October, 2013, after 18 months of negotiations between the Musqueam Chief and Council, Musqueam community members, the Century Group, and the Province of BC finalized the sale of the two acre parcel to the Musqueam Indian Band.

In October 2012, we first wrote about the timeline and efforts of the Musqueam Indian Band, including a marathon 100 continuous days of protest and occupation, to have the sacred burial site, declared a National Historic Site in 1933, protected. The Band and supporters at that time had achieved a momentous milestone when the development permits for a complex of 108 condominiums were cancelled.

In a press release regarding this latest milestone, Chief Wayne Sparrow, states: “As Chief of the Musqueam Indian Band, I am pleased with the outcome. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Musqueam members and supporters who drove this process on the ground level. It is our teachings to always protect the interests of our membership, including our lands, history, and culture. The successful resolution of the development plans for these lands demonstrates First Nations and private property owners can work together to understand each other’s interests, and conduct business in a respectful way.”

In a joint statement with the Musqueam, Sean Hodgins, President, Century Group, said “It took some time to get this outcome, but I appreciate the determination of the Musqueam leaders and their perseverance in working with us to reach an agreement. They followed through on their promise to me when I agreed to halt work – that they would pursue a purchase in good faith – and they followed through and they acted honourably.”

The planned interpretive park, which will be a celebration of the Musqueam-Coast Salish heritage, with cultural and discovery centres, would be open to all.

It’s good to see that a long, complicated and sometimes tense situation can be resolved through negotiations and patience. Congratulations to Chief Sparrow, the Musqueam members, Century Group and the Province of BC on achieving a successful outcome.

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