A ground-breaking deal was signed Wednesday morning between the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) and the Musqueam Indian Band.
Under the terms of the 30-year agreement, which was sealed in a hangar at YVR’s south terminal, the VAA will: fund up to 10 scholarships per year at $10,000 each for Musqueam members to attend recognized educational institutions or training programs; provide apprenticeships and new employment positions within the VAA and create a revenue sharing arrangement between YVR and Musqueam to the tune of one per cent of the airport’s annual revenue going to the band.
In terms of the latter of the benefits, based on 2016 figures, the revenue given to the Musqueam would be approximately $5 million, to be funded through YVR’s non-aeronautical revenue, as opposed to the Airport Improvement Fee.
As for the environment, YVR said it will “work with Musqueam to identify areas in and around Sea Island for restoration and enhancement, in accordance with a recent study.”
YVR will also hire a relationship manager from Musqueam to “further develop the relationship.”
Before Musqueam’s Chief Wayne Sparrow signed the deal with the airport’s president and CEO, Craig Richmond, Sparrow’s sister and former band chief, Wendy Grant-John, gave an emotional speech.
“This agreement is a significant and historic event for all British Columbians,” Grant-John said.
“This is not so much about us, but for those who went before us. Chief Johnny addressed the Royal Commission in 1913 and he delivered three paragraphs that are right at the heart of every Musqueam.
“He said, ‘All the game and fish has disappeared; it is the white man who came to this country and destroyed our game and our fish…this is the grievance I bring to the commission today.’
“When I read those words, I knew we had a new beginning here…This is at the end of two years of negotiations and it’s one of the most emotional days I’ve ever had.”
Sparrow said the main point of the agreement was “friendship,” adding that he has had to reassure doubting members in his Musqueam community about the deal.
“…but I believe the words of the (VAA) board and of Craig’s (Richmond) staff.”
Richmond, talking of “deepening ties” with the band, said VAA, as a non-profit organization, re-invests “all the proceeds back into the community and we want to share that success with the Musqueam.”
The deal is officially named “The Musqueam Indian Band - YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement.”
“This agreement provides Musqueam with important education and employment opportunities at YVR, a voice in future development, environmental enhancements and restoration and financial support that will allow our people to continue to grow our economic foundation and reinvest in our community,” added Sparrow.
Richmond said that the move was an “exciting way forward with our friends” that’s “not only good for our business - it is the right way for YVR to move forward in the community we serve.”
As well as the scholarships, apprentiships and revenue sharing, the Musqueam and YVR will work together to identify and protect archeological resources on Sea Island and both parties will appoint members to sit on a “Musqueam – YVR Committee” to facilitate ongoing communication, monitor the implementation of the Agreement and “evaluate new joint business opportunities.”
Additional details about agreement are outlined on the airport’s website at YVR.ca.
