Reconciliation of the Indigenous Peoples

In the community of Vancouver, British Columbia, there are many indigenous groups that have survived the harmful treatment of colonization and the growth of British Columbia. The main indigenous groups are the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Coast Salish Peoples. About ninety-five percent of the land that Southwestern British Columbia was built over is unceded land largely owned by these three indigenous groups that survived many hardships, with the forced assimilation of residential schools being a very notable interference in their cultures (Henderson and Wilson 15). There is no doubt that these groups have lived on these lands for thousands of years because of the evidence shown by many archaeological journals and historic sites such as the Great Marpole Midden (Parks Canada par. 1). In addition to the forcefully taken land, these indigenous groups still practice their cultural traditions, but large parts of their cultures are fading away. An example is the Squamish language which is endangered because those that are most fluent in the language are the elders of the communities who are dying off (Griffin par. 19). The populations of the indigenous groups have been heavily diminished from several thousands to 1500, 3600 and 500 people identifying as members of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Peoples respectively (Statistics Canada). Although much damage has been done to these groups, they have decided to put aside their anger to find new ways to move forward. In the spirit of reconciliation, all Canadians should help strengthen the bonds with these indigenous groups to preserve their unique cultures and to repair the damages dealt.