COQUITLAM, B.C., June 30, 2023 – On behalf of the City of Coquitlam, City Council extends our heartfelt support and recognition to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation) on the occasion of šxwəlməxwaʔɬ təməxw ("This is our land"!) Day being celebrated on July 1.
July 1 is a significant day of celebration for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, as it was on this date in 2020 that the Nation’s Land Code became operational. A Land Code transfers authority from the Government of Canada back to the First Nation, allowing them to make laws and decisions on how they want to see their land managed and developed on their reserve land. For kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, the passing of their Land Code means that the Nation and their members can decide how they want to develop and manage their lands and resources on slakəyánc (Coquitlam I.R. 1) and setamékmən (Coquitlam I.R. 2). This is an important step forward in the Nation’s journey towards greater self-governance and removing the limitations posed by the Indian Act. We encourage all Coquitlam residents to learn more about the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Land Code by visiting their website.
As stated in the Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous People Act: “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations.” This article acknowledges that the land is a vital part of the identity of Indigenous people, and in support of this it is important that the City support our community in better understanding these rights, as well as the rich heritage, traditions and ancestral connection of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm to these lands.
As a city committed to a journey of reconciliation, Coquitlam is showing our support for šxwəlməxwaʔɬ təməxw ("This is our land"!) Day in the spirit of collaboration and hope. Coquitlam City Council and staff are committed to supporting education on the history and legacy of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, promoting cultural awareness, and fostering opportunities for self-learning and awareness building within our community as set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #57. And now, more than ever, we are striving to strengthen our relationship with kʷikʷəƛ̓əm and other Indigenous partners by actively engaging in meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange and cooperation. By doing so, we can further develop a deeper understanding and help to support Indigenous self-determination, family and identity, economic prosperity, and health and wellness. This learning (and sometimes un-learning) will help ensure that we are walking together in a good way toward a brighter future.
As we join the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation in celebrating šxwəlməxwaʔɬ təməxw ("This is our land"!) Day, the City of Coquitlam does so with optimism and a shared aspiration for a future where reconciliation is not just a concept but a reality.
On behalf of Council and the City of Coquitlam, I hold my hands up to you on this day.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
City of Coquitlam
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.