UBC Vancouver is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. The land it is situated on has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.
Musqueam Elder Larry Grant Welcome Message
Why We Acknowledge Musqueam Territory
It is common at UBC events to begin with an acknowledgement of Musqueam territory. Why? Watch this short video of Linc Kesler, professor emeritus, First Nations and Indigenous Studies, and former director of the First Nations House of Learning, to learn more.
Key Initiatives
The Musqueam Indian Band and the University of British Columbia have partnered on a number of important initiatives, some of which are featured here.
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Memorandum of Affiliation
In 2006, Musqueam and UBC formalized relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Affiliation.
UBC Guidelines: Acknowledging the Musqueam People at Ceremonies and Events
Prepared by UBC Ceremonies and Events Office in conjunction with the Musqueam Protocol Office
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Bridge Through Sport
Bridge Through Sport is a partnership between UBC and the Musqueam Indian Band offering a range of programs, including a yearly soccer tournament.
Musqueam 101
Musqueam 101 is a weekly non-credit university-level seminar held at Musqueam. [Paused due to Covid-19]
Musqueam housepost at Allard Hall
The Musqueam Housepost, qiyǝplenǝxʷ (Capilano), is installed at the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Language Classes
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is a Musqueam language credit course co-developed by the First Nations and Endangered Languages Program and the Musqueam Indian Band.
Connecting Communities: Principles for Musqueam-UBC Collaboration
This report by Aaron Lao discusses the principles and procedures that UBC faculty and staff should consider when contemplating relations with the Musqueam Indian Band.
Musqueam post installed at UBC
The Musqueam and UBC acknowledged their developing partnership with the dedication of a striking cedar post installed prominently on the Vancouver campus.
UBC Aboriginal Centennial
As part of UBC’s centennial celebrations (2015-16), the First Nations House of Learning released UBC Aboriginal Centennial. This site provides information on the university’s interactions with Aboriginal people and communities over time, including the “hidden history” of how UBC’s early development “obscured the long presence of Musqueam from the memory of all but Musqueam itself.”
c̓əsnaʔəm leləm̓: New Totem Park House Name
c̓əsnaʔəm leləm̓ joins həm̓ləsəm̓ and q̓ələχən as house names at Totem Park Residence. These individual place names were formally provided to UBC by the Musqueam and each carry an important story from their territory.
Musqueam street signs at UBC
Musqueam street signs were installed in partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band to give a bilingual experience while travelling on campus and acknowledge the linguistic heritage of the UBC Vancouver campus.
Musqueam flag raised at UBC
The flag of the Musqueam Indian Band was permanently raised at UBC Vancouver, thus formally signifying the university’s recognition of the Musqueam upon whose traditional, ancestral and unceded lands it is located.
Musqueam First Nation Scholarship
To acknowledge the strong relationship UBC has with the Musqueam First Nation, the President’s Office has created a community-based scholarship to support students from the Musqueam First Nation studying in their undergraduate, post baccalaureate and graduate studies. The award is valued up to $5,500 annually and renewable for up to 4 years.
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Musqueam art installation on campus
Ten cast bronze pieces created by Musqueam artist Brent Sparrow, collectively known as ʔəlqsən (Point Grey), were recently installed on concrete pillars lining the walkway separating the UBC Bus Exchange from the new MacInnes Field.
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Musqueam Resource Guide: UBC Library
Visit Musqueam: Land Beneath Our Feet, a UBC Library resource guide curated by Xwi7xwa Library. The guide hosts information on Musqueam history and related topics.
Learn more
Paged Updated: August 7, 2024