Musqueam are a First Nations people of what is now Vancouver, British Columbia. First Nations are Indigenous (native) peoples of Canada. The traditional territory of the Musqueam surrounded the estuary of the Fraser River. An estuary is a coastal river valley flooded by ocean waters. The Musqueam lived in the region for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The name Musqueam refers to a type of flowering river grass. Musqueam translates to people of the river grass.
The Musqueam speak a dialect of Halkomelem, part of the Salish language family. Their traditional culture is based around family relationships. The entire extended family once lived together in a dwelling called a bighouse. The Musqueam also held ceremonies in bighouses. When problems arose in the community, the Musqueam assembled an unofficial government. One family member from each bighouse served as a representative to this government. The Musqueam traditionally fished, hunted, and gathered wild foods. They are widely known for their weaving, producing textiles with geometric designs.
In 1984, the Musqueam became the first native community to successfully sue the Canadian federal government. They argued that the government failed to explain the terms of a deal to build a golf course on Musqueam land. A court awarded them millions of dollars in damages.
The growth of Vancouver pushed Musqueam off their traditional lands and challenged their culture. Today, they live on three reserves around Vancouver. A reserve is a piece of land set aside for a particular people. Together, the reserves are home to a church, community center, education center, elder center, gymnasium, hall, houses, and preschool and daycare. There is only one bighouse on the reserves, where ceremonies take place. The growing Musqueam community faces a shortage of housing and space in the reserves.
The University of British Columbia is located on original and unceded (not signed over) Musqueam territory. The University has acknowledged the Musqueam claim to the land and made efforts to embrace the group. They have flown the Musqueam flag, installed Musqueam art, and started a scholarship program.
