Ninety Afghan refugees were welcomed with open arms by Musqueam elders when they arrived at Vancouver International Airport last week.
The group who arrived at YVR on Feb. 3, were greeted with a welcome song and cedar brushing by Musqueam elders, as a way to ensure a fresh start and safe path on the next steps in their journey, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It was hoped the ceremony — as a step toward reconciliation and part of YVR’s Friendship Agreement with Musqueam — would share a glimpse of Musqueam history and culture, and encourage the newcomers to learn more about Indigenous people in Canada, IRCC said.
“Musqueam is proud to welcome newcomers to our territory. Through our relationship with YVR, we are able to showcase our culture and connection to the lands and waters that many refugees will now call home,” said Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, in a statement.
“Together, we can demonstrate the mutual respect that is a building block for reconciliation in Canada.”
Over the past week, nearly 460 Afghan refugees have arrived in Canada on 20 different commercial flights, said federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
“It is extraordinary to watch our communities welcome some of the world’s most vulnerable,” he said in a statement.
In the past week, newcomers from Afghanistan landed in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, according to IRCC.
Last month, a plane carrying more than 200 Afghan refugees landed at YVR. That group was the largest to arrive in B.C. since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last August.
To date, 7,550 Afghan nationals have arrived in Canada.
