ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ

Honouring the Past & Shaping the Future

Understanding B.C.’s deep Indigenous coastal history

Since time immemorial, First Nations have maintained a deep and enduring connection to B.C.’s waterways. Coastal waters have served as vital lifelines for Indigenous peoples, and are central to traditional knowledge, cultural practices and community identity. Spanning over 25,000 km of coastline, B.C.’s rich history and culture are intricately connected to its waterfront and to the First Nations stewardship of our shared waters.

A strong and resilient maritime sector depends on the connectedness of First Nations to our traditional waterways that B.C.’s maritime sector operates. By recognizing the deep relations these Nations share with the land, air, and waterways, we forge a pathway of reconciliation that honours both the past and the promise of tomorrow.

A testament of maritime collaboration and shared commitment

BCMEA Unveils The ‘Oceans Together’ Mural

Created by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth, the ‘Oceans Together’ mural transforms the BCMEA Dispatch Centre into a symbol of unity, inclusivity, and cultural safety. This mural installation is part of a broader initiative by BCMEA to reflect the deep Indigenous history and cultural richness of Vancouver’s coastal communities. The mural stands as a landmark representing BCMEA and its members’ collective commitment to reconciliation.