Last Friday, March 15, marked a significant occasion for Musqueam as we warmly welcomed David Cohen, the US Ambassador to Canada.
The visit underscores the importance of Musqueam’s diplomatic relations, while also providing an opportunity to showcase Musqueam’s rich cultural heritage and engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing the community.
During the morning meeting, Chief Wayne Sparrow welcomed Ambassador Cohen and engaged in fruitful discussions, alongside Musqueam staff Ed John, interim CAO, and Leona Sparrow, liaison to UBC.
Later, Counsellors Gordon Grant and Michelle Point, along with Alexa McClaren, in-house legal counsel, joined the conversation.
On Twitter, Ambassador Cohen expressed gratitude to Chief Sparrow and his team for the warm reception. He highlighted Musqueam’s leadership in charting a path toward greater economic inclusion and equitable development, while also maintaining a steadfast commitment to preserving the band’s culture and language.
This acknowledgment speaks volumes about the strides Musqueam has made on its journey toward reconciliation and sustainable growth.
Proudly showcasing Musqueam’s histories and traditions, our representatives emphasized the long journey undertaken to commence the path towards reconciliation.
While both parties acknowledged the progress made, they also highlighted the significant gaps that still need to be addressed.
One such challenge discussed was the pressing issue of housing scarcity within Musqueam reserve, hindering the ability for more Musqueam community members to reside in their community.
However, amidst these challenges, the meeting was characterized by warmth and friendship.
Reflecting on Ambassador Cohen’s visit, let us reaffirm our dedication to preserving our cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and working towards a future of prosperity and harmony for all of Musqueam.
This article was written by Cindy Jimenez, executive assistant to Musqueam’s Liaison to UBC.
