‘Now is the time for us to have a seat at the table’: Local Nations call for Indigenous representation on Vancouver Police Board

With three vacant seats on the Vancouver Police Board, the three local Nations are calling for more Indigenous representation in the organization.

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) are all looking to join the board.

Squamish councillor Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams says there’s a unique opportunity here, which aligns with the UNDRIP strategy in Vancouver, which is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the three Nations.

“There definitely needs to be meetings and dialogues and, hopefully, next steps, in regards to how we either make this happen or we look at a strategy moving forward to envision it happening in the future,” he said.

“You know, we have a huge urban Indigenous community in downtown Vancouver. I can’t speak for the other nations, statistically, for us ourselves, we have anywhere from 40 to 70 community members residing homeless in the Downtown Eastside.”

Williams says the three Nations could bring a powerful voice to the table.

“I call it being visible. At the same time, putting people on notice that we have a strong relationship, so it mitigates people from doing crime or taking advantage on our lands here,” he said.

So far, only Musqueam is in formal talks with the province.

The B.C. government tells CityNews it’s working to “appoint a representative” from the Nation to the board, “in accordance with the police service agreement between Musqueam and the Vancouver Police Department.”

The province adds the vacant positions “will be filled through the standard appointment process.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation says while it currently participates with the VPD as part of the Indigenous Advisory Committee, it does want a spot on the board “to represent our community.”

“We are open to having these conversations with the Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Police Board to move forward in a good way for the people of Vancouver, and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Now is the time for us to have a seat at the table,” added councillor Charlene Aleck, ts’simtelot, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

The three vacancies on the police board follow several high-profile departures, including Faye Wightman, who said in her resignation letter she left over conflict of interest and governance concerns with the board.

CityNews reached out to Musqueam, the Vancouver Police Board, and the City of Vancouver for comment.