Musqueam Creek and Cutthroat Creek are very important to Musqueam for traditional, cultural and recreational reasons.
In recent years, high levels of bacterial contamination has been identified in creek waters, including E.coli and fecal contamination. Because of the serious risk to humans, pets, freshwater environments, and the surrounding ecosystem, the creeks have been closed since 2019.
Creek Monitoring Project
To work towards a solution, the Musqueam Lands Department received project funding and is now working with consultants Arcadis.
The funding is provided through the Canadian government’s Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative (TCEI) and means Musqueam can increase creek monitoring, purchase important equipment, and train more of our members to conduct monitoring.
The goals of the project are:
- identify and understand the source of contamination
- study the cumulative impacts, especially on Musqueam’s health and safety
- identify ways to reduce contamination so Musqueam can safely use the creeks, as our ancestors have for thousands of years
- build Musqueam’s capacity to independently monitor the water quality of our creeks.
How will we accomplish these goals?
- Water Sampling: Examine the level of contaminants through water testing.
- Monitoring: Keep a close watch on contamination levels and cumulative effects on the creek environments and community.
- Evaluation: What does this mean for the health and safety of the community? What steps can we take to restore the health of the water and land?
How to get involved
There are a number of opportunities for Musqueam to participate in the project and provide knowledge or concerns around the creeks’ closures and the impact from the contamination.
Community Pop-Up
Find us at the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 21 to learn more about the closures, share your experiences with the creeks and how you would like to preserve them for future generations.
Complete a Virtual Survey
You’re invited to take a short survey (5-10 minutes) to provide your input on how you have used the creeks in the past and how you would like to use them in the future.
Click here to complete the survey.
Creek Walk
In the fall, we will host a creek walk for youth and elders to engage directly. Check back here for more information on registration in the coming months.
Join the steering committee
One of the biggest roles will be the steering committee, which will work closely with the project team to share knowledge and provide guidance that will direct the project.
We are seeking band members with relevant experience, knowledge and insight into the cultural and ecological values of the creek. Potential steering committee members may include community health advocates, elders, youth, and people who use the creek for ceremonial bathing.
- Time commitment: monthly meetings from July – November 2024, online and/or in person, plus 1-2 creek walks
- Honouraria: $200/meeting
- 5 positions available
As part of the committee, you will join us on a creek walk to share your aspirations and concerns regarding the creeks. If you have mobility concerns, we have alternatives for you to share knowledge.
To expand your knowledge on cumulative effects and how they impact us, you will have the opportunity to take free Cumulative Effects training by Environment Canada. There may be other opportunities to engage throughout the process.
How to apply for the Steering Committee
Submit an expression of interest to Kim A. Guerin, Lands Governance Officer. Send via email to [email protected], or hand deliver to the band office
Deadline to submit is Wednesday, July 5.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. They are a global business that is dedicated to improving quality of life.
Arcadis has experience working on a variety of types of projects, including water optimization, environmental restoration and climate adaption.
