Musqueam

The Musqueam people are proud to welcome the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the world, to our traditional territory. We have lived on these lands and cared for them over many thousands of years, passing on customs and traditions from one generation to the next. We are a contemporary, dynamic community whose culture continues to grow and adapt. As one of the Four Host First Nations we have the opportunity to showcase Musqueam history and culture, and highlight the vibrancy and hospitality of Aboriginal people. We look forward to sharing in the positive and lasting legacies of the 2010 Winter Games.

- Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Nation

About the Musqueam Nation

The Musqueam Nation is one of the Four Host First Nations - Official Partners in the planning and hosting of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The traditional territory of the Musqueam Nation comprises much of what is now Vancouver, the University of British Columbia and surrounding areas. Most of the Nation's 1,100 members live on the Musqueam Indian Reserve, which is located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River.

The Musqueam Indian Band is the only First Nation whose reserve resides within the boundaries of the city of Vancouver. And, according to some social scientists, the Musqueam are the oldest-known residents of Vancouver.

Historically, the Musqueam people moved throughout their traditional territory using the resources the land provided for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering to maintain their livelihood. Today, the Musqueam people still use these resources for economical and traditional purposes.

The name Musqueam comes from MəӨk^wəý (m-uh-th-kwi) meaning the grass that grows beside the river. A story has been passed on from generation to generation to explain how the Musqueam people became known as the people of the river grass.

According to the story, the MəӨk^wəý flourished in some periods and could scarcely be found in others. It was noted that like the river grass, in some periods the people would flourish and in other periods the population would dwindle, perhaps due to plague or war. It was from this similarity that the Musqueam got their name.

Musqueam First Nation culture continues to thrive. Community historians and educators pass on traditions and teachings to the next generation, keeping their culture strong.

Visitors to Vancouver will see the striking beauty of Musqueam art throughout the city - from Stanley Park to the Vancouver International Airport to a number of Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games venues including the Richmond Olympic Oval and UBC Thunderbird Arena.

Learn more about the Musqueam Nation at musqueam.bc.ca.