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

The flight was organized in partnership with Air Canada and the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), a national non-profit established by First Nations for First Nations. It carried delegates to the coalition’s 8th annual conference, a key event focused on Indigenous participation in major project development.

Onboard the Boeing 777 were nine Indigenous flight attendants and an Indigenous pilot, joined by Indigenous ground crew at the gates. A departure event was marked by a traditional Musqueam welcome and a ceremony onboard, honouring the cultural significance of the moment. Remarks were delivered by Mary Point, YVR’s Director of Indigenous Relations; Jim Hemsworth, Manager of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at Air Canada; and FNMPC board members led by Steve Saddleback.

“I had such good feelings in my heart as we shared protocol with our Indigenous friends from across the nations — and when they responded with their teachings,” added Mary Point. “I felt a sense of the way it once was, before the airport was here… a true sense of connection as we wished them all “nem̓ ʔewəɬ - Safe Travels - Bon Voyage.”

This moment is a testament to what’s possible when organizations work together to create opportunities and elevate Indigenous voices. At YVR, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect our shared values and help build a more inclusive future for aviation in Canada as we walk a path of reconciliation and learning together.

Photo: Célian Genier, Air Canada 

The MOU signing signals the beginning of a new partnership, one that acknowledges the power of unique perspectives, accountability, and a shared vision to support the development of a sustainable Indigenous tourism economy, thus supporting the economic recovery of B.C.

The surrounding principle of the MOU is collaboration, including opportunities for cross-promotion to Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry, data and knowledge sharing, as well as leveraging market intelligence. The partnership also provides a framework that will improve connections among respective industry and community partners, including, First Nation communities and organizations.

During the celebration event, ITBC and YVR revealed an interactive kiosk, visually highlighting the vibrant Indigenous tourism experiences throughout the province. The kiosk will live at YVR as a welcoming installation for visitors and locals, alike.

“We are thankful for our new partnership with YVR and their ongoing commitment and collaboration to support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs. We're working together to encourage the exploration of Indigenous tourism experiences in B.C. and promote a responsible and respectful return to travel. Thanks to YVR for starting our partnership off in a good way by giving ITBC's new interactive kiosk a home at the airport. The installation welcomes travellers and residents of B.C. to engage with our vibrant Indigenous cultures," said Brenda Baptiste, Chair of ITBC.

ITBC and YVR welcomed special guests and partners, including representatives from Musqueam, who share their collective vision to witness the official signing of the MOU and the traditional exchanging of gifts between Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority and Brenda Baptiste, ITBC Chair of the Board.

“As we continue to implement a safe and measured approach to welcoming back travel and tourism in our region, we’re thrilled to initiate a new partnership that will look at how we better support British Columbia’s rich and diverse Indigenous tourism industry into the future,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR, we are all about connections. As we have learned working with Musqueam, whose traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory YVR is on, Indigenous peoples in British Columbia maintain deep connections to the lands, waters, animals, and supernatural realms of their unique Territories. We look forward to combining our efforts to advance these vital connections on all fronts to advance new opportunities for tourism that contribute to the success of our Indigenous communities.”

Today’s announcement builds on YVR’s commitment to Indigenous tourism in Canada, which is also demonstrated through the airport’s signing of a historic MOU with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada last year.