YVR and Musqueam have had a relationship since the airport was founded in the 1930s. The current agreement is a revolutionary change in the relationship and the result of significant discussions that began in 2015. During the dialogue, the two sides identified common values – sustainability, employment and community engagement – that form and guide the basis of the agreement. “I don`t think there was an agreement on revenue sharing between an airport and a First Nations community,” Grant-John told reporters after a news conference at an airport hangar in Musqueam`s traditional home countries. “This is an incredible agreement for our community.” This agreement gave First Nations people employment opportunities at YVR. More than 90 band members are now employed directly at the airport or work on contract. Point, a band member himself, believes that the agreement and the opportunities it offers are a great example of what can happen when a large company and an Indigenous community work together. RICHMOND, BC, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ – Today, the Musqueam Indian Band (Musqueam) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) signed the Musqueam Indian Band and YVR Airport Sustainability and Friendship Agreement, a 30-year agreement based on friendship and respect to ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for our community. Elders, Musqueam Chief and Council, board of directors and business partners attended the celebration, which included the official signing of the agreement and traditional Musqueam songs at the YVR, followed by a feast, witness calls and the exchange of gifts at the Musqueam Cultural Pavilion. In 2017, the Musqueam Indian Band and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) signed the Musqueam Indian Band – YVR Airport Sustainability and Friendship Agreement with a 30-year reach. The agreement is based on YVR`s friendship and respect and commitment to working with Musqueam to achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial future.

The agreement also highlights the importance of protecting the lands and waters around Sea Island, which lies directly across the river from the band`s main reserve in south Vancouver. Some of this work includes restoring and improving land areas, reducing or mitigating aircraft noise, and identifying and protecting the band`s historic sites. The agreement was signed on National Aboriginal Day. The agreement, signed last June between YVR and Musqueam, is a 30-year agreement that recognizes the airport`s responsibility to work with the First Nations community for a mutually beneficial relationship. The agreement includes scholarships, new jobs, revenue sharing, protection of archaeological resources and support for the long-term development of YVR. On June 21, 2017, we jointly signed the Sustainability and Friendship Agreement between the Musqueam Indian Band and YVR Airport. It is a 30-year agreement based on friendship and respect to achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for our community. Part of the deal, which took two years to negotiate, is to give the Musqueam the opportunity to “work in the land where their ancestors once lived,” Point says.

The Musqueam Indian Band and the Vancouver Airport Authority on Wednesday signed a 30-year “sustainability and friendship” agreement, which could allow the band to raise up to $300 million over the life of the agreement. Read more by watching the official signing of the agreement The agreement includes a range of scholarships and new jobs, one percent of YVR`s annual revenue share, the identification and protection of archaeological resources, and support for ongoing operations and long-term development at the airport. .