Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations’ flags raised at Brockton Point

The flags representing three Indigenous Nations’ are now a permanent fixture at Brockton Point in Stanley Park.

Flags representing the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) were raised Tuesday.

Today the ⁦@ParkBoard⁩ made an important first step in decolonization and reconciliation with the flying of the flags of the ⁦⁦@musqueam⁩, @SquamishNation⁩ and ⁦@tsleilwaututh⁩ at Brockton Point (spapəy̓əq). I look forward to our next steps together. pic.twitter.com/KZyZxeECZ9

— Scott Jensen 諸葛丹心 (@ParkBoardScott) May 16, 2023

It “is the first time the local Nations’ flags have been permanently raised in a park in the City of Vancouver,” a news release reads.

Previously, the Canadian flag, Union Jack, and British Columbia’s provincial flag were raised but were taken down in 2017 due to aging infrastructure.

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Read more: Vancouver host Nations’ flags to be raised at Stanley Park’s Brockton Point

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Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow says this is a significant step.

“Today’s raising of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh flags at Brockton Point is a significant milestone in establishing a new relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Park Board and ensuring the truth is remembered. Musqueam looks forward to continuing this collaborative work with Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and the Park Board to recognize our ancestral connections to this land and shared commitment to reconciliation,” he said.

“because it’s our home.” MST flag raising at Brockton Point Pápiyek. @ParkBoard Six years planning, thousands of years in the making. pic.twitter.com/DBhgc0rBkg

— Tom Digby 狄弼 (@ThomasDigby1) May 16, 2023

“The raising of our flags today is another way to demonstrate to the outside world that our people are deeply connected to these lands and waters. Raising these flags encourages the broader community to learn more about our history, culture, and traditions. We have always been here, and we will always be here. These flags clearly represent that this is the shared territories of our three Nations,” Squamish Nation Chief Wilson Williams added.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas adds that it is a step toward reconciliation.

“The raising of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation’s flag, alongside the flags of our relatives Squamish and Musqueam, at spapəy̓əq Pápiy̓eḵ is a step towards reconciliation. Displaying our flag at Stanley Park, a place enjoyed by the local community and visitors throughout the year, is one way that Tsleil-Waututh Nation is putting the face of our Nation back on our traditional territory.”