Honouring Indigenous History Month: celebrating our partnership with Musqueam

As we mark Indigenous History Month, YVR is proud to reflect on our longstanding and evolving partnership with Musqueam community—on whose ancestral and unceded territory the airport operates. Since 2017, this relationship has been guided by the Musqueam-YVR Sustainability & Friendship Agreement, a 30-year commitment built on respect, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.

Investing in the future: scholarships and opportunities

A key component of our partnership is education. Since the agreement was signed, we’ve awarded 78 scholarships to Musqueam students pursuing post-secondary education. These merit-based awards are part of a broader framework that includes revenue sharing, employment opportunities, and capacity-building efforts aimed at supporting economic development in the Musqueam community.

A platform for culture: Musqueam Markets at YVR

Throughout the year, travelers passing through YVR have the opportunity to engage with Musqueam culture firsthand through our Musqueam Markets. These vibrant gatherings showcase local vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs—bringing traditional and contemporary Musqueam craftsmanship into the heart of our terminal and supporting cultural and economic sustainability.

Creating space: The Musqueam Gathering Place

In 2023, YVR proudly inaugurated the Musqueam Gathering Place—a space designed in collaboration with Musqueam to honour cultural traditions and provide a welcoming area for ceremony, reflection, and community connection. This dedicated area stands as a symbol of our friendship and shared commitment to visibility and inclusion.

Learning together: culture, language, and awareness

From cedar weaving to painting workshops, our regular lunch and learn sessions offer immersive opportunities for airport employees to engage with Musqueam culture. These sessions help build cultural competency and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, language, and teachings.

We also stand alongside Musqueam in commemorating important dates such as Red Dress Day and the Moose Hide Campaign—raising awareness of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples and encouraging reflection and action.

Art that speaks: Musqueam works across the terminal

Musqueam culture is woven into the very fabric of our airport, with several powerful artworks on display throughout the terminal. From sculpture to storytelling, these works offer travelers a window into the enduring knowledge, values, and traditions of Musqueam people.

Visit, learn, reflect

YVR’s partnership with Musqueam continues to guide how we operate, grow, and connect with the community. This Indigenous History Month, we invite you to learn more about the Musqueam people, explore the artworks thoughtfully placed throughout our terminal, and take a moment to reflect on the rich history that shapes the land we stand on.

hay ce:p q̓ə (Thank you all)

Learn more at yvr.ca/musqueam