Construction paused at Vancouver airport after possible Musqueam artifacts found – BC | 24CA News

Canada
Published 10.08.2023
Construction paused at Vancouver airport after possible Musqueam artifacts found – BC | 24CA News

Construction has paused at Vancouver International Airport after the invention of what could possibly be Musqueam artifacts at a piece website on the southern half of Sea Island.

The Musqueam Indian Band has been notified of the Aug. 2 discovering within the space encompassing YVR’s South Airfield. The airfield was present process common upkeep work on the time, and the “material resembling artifacts” was noticed by the onsite archeological staff.

The gadgets have now been despatched to an authorized archaeology and heritage lab for technical assessments to find out their origin.

“We found some stone implements, some tools, some bone fragments from birds and animals,” Tamara Vrooman, president of the Vancouver Airport Authority, instructed Global News.

“We’re working with Musqueam to make sure we’re sharing the knowledge that we have to make sure that we treat those artifacts with the respect and the treatment that they deserve.”

Story continues beneath commercial

No flights are anticipated to be impacted by the pause in building, she added.


Click to play video: 'Musqueam Indian Band holds celebration of life for Wayne “Gino” Odjick'

Musqueam Indian Band holds celebration of life for Wayne “Gino” Odjick


The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm have occupied the unceded land on which the airport now lies since time immemorial.

Vrooman stated YVR is devoted to defending the recently-discovered artifacts, and that the airport has developed protocols for probability historic finds in collaboration with the First Nation.

“Musqueam – our elders, knowledge holders, and staff – will work together with YVR to do the right thing. We recognize this is an important process and are committed to continuing to walk this path together with YVR,” stated the nation’s chief, yəχʷyaχʷələq Wayne Sparrow, in a Wednesday news launch.


Click to play video: 'Aging Musqueam Elders Centre gets federal funding for renovation'

Aging Musqueam Elders Centre will get federal funding for renovation


YVR signed a friendship settlement with the Musqueam Indian Band in 2017, and greater than 100 members of the First Nation now work on the airport.

Story continues beneath commercial

On the identical day they revealed the invention of the artifacts, the pair collaboratively opened a brand new Musqueam gathering place close to the bags carousel within the home arrivals space. The house options displays that may assist travellers be taught extra concerning the First Nation’s historical past and tradition, along with a hand-carved, 10-metre canoe created from a 600-year-old crimson cedar log.

&copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.