Indigenous Peoples & Reconciliation

The City of Burnaby has created a new division, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The Director, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, manages this division and oversees the development and implementation of a framework for reconciliation in consultation and cooperation with the Host Nations on whose land the City of Burnaby is located, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations, as well as the urban Indigenous Peoples who live in Burnaby.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

The City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples and has initiated formal government-to-government relations with the Host Nations.

We’re committed to building and maintaining positive and meaningful relationships with Host Nations and Indigenous Peoples who live in Burnaby, to understand the truth in Truth and Reconciliation and to advance Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

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To acknowledge the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the original stewards of theses lands, the City of Burnaby has established the Matriarch's Garden at Burnaby Village Museum, and developed school and public programs at the Burnaby Art Gallery and Burnaby Village Museum that incorporate and feature Indigenous content. 

The City has also created an Indigenous Learning House at Burnaby Village Museum. The Museum's educators work closely with Host Nations, Indigenous artists, Elders and knowledge keepers to develop Indigenous curriculum and materials for museum visitors. 

June marks an opportunity for us to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples and to learn about their histories, cultures, languages and ways of life. On June 21, the City recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day with a community event celebrating Indigenous Peoples history, culture and art. 

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the City sponsors an annual City of Burnaby Hope and Health Community Camp. The camp promotes ReconciliACTION and is an opportunity to engage children and youth in reconciliation. 

The City features regular displays of Indigenous public art and informational displays in the lobby at City Hall, and invests in Indigenous public art throughout the community. The Shadbolt Centre also features performances by Indigenous Peoples throughout the year. 

In 2022, the City also partnered with the Burnaby School District to support the efforts of a Grade 6/7 class at Westridge Elementary, who came up with the idea to put reconciliation into action through the installation of a new crosswalk near their school, designed by local Indigenous artist, Atheana Picha.

This work, throughout the City, has informed other related City processes and programs and has formed a cornerstone of the City's reconciliation efforts, including creating staff guidelines that inform and actualize territory acknowledgment at City events and in civic documents.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report Call to Action #57 calls upon all levels of governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This professional development supports the advancement of reconciliation efforts at a local government level. 

In collaboration with Host Nations, Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers, the City of Burnaby is working to implement this work and provide authentic learning opportunities to leadership and staff, to develop cultural awareness, understanding, empathy and cultural safety at all levels.