Terry Point, a Musqueam cultural adviser and Aboriginal support worker who helped “bridge cultures and communities” in Richmond, has passed away.
Point worked for the Richmond School District but he also contributed his knowledge of local Indigenous culture to the City of Richmond’s cultural events.
Just recently, he received a City of Richmond Arts Award for cultural leadership.
“He played an important and lasting role in our community to keep the Musqueam culture and heritage alive and available to all Richmond residents of all ages,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie in a letter to his widow, Ena Point. “We are honoured to have received his teachings and to have known him.”
Point, who belonged to the Musqueam band in Vancouver, had a bachelor’s degree in art and worked at the Museum of Anthropology for four years and then eight years as a researcher with the Treaty Lands and Resources Department of the Musqueam Indian Band doing public programming and outreach.
In Richmond, he gave a traditional Musqueam welcome at the 2017 and 2018 Indigenous Day celebrations, took part in the city’s 2018 Diversity Symposium and trained city staff on cultural awareness. He also led Indigenous historical and plant walking tours.
Point also contributed to Indigenous-focused programming at the City Centre Community Centre, the Children’s Arts Festival, the Richmond Arts Strategy Task Group as well as at the library.
“Mr. Point created numerous opportunities for Musqueam knowledge keepers and artists to share their history, experiences and stories through collaborations and programs throughout Richmond,” Brodie’s letter explained, adding “The legacy of his contributions will be remembered and shared.”
Point died suddenly on Aug. 13 and a celebration of life was held a few days later.
He leaves behind his wife Ena Point and three sons, Tristan, Emery and Teagan.
