July 23, 2025

Burnaby, BC – səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and the City of Burnaby have signed a historic agreement, outlining a process for government-to-government engagement for projects in Burnaby.

“This is an important step forward for the City of Burnaby and səlilwətaɬ,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “This engagement agreement acknowledges the importance of communication, collaboration and the inherent value of cultural and traditional knowledge of these territories.”

“I raise my hands to the City of Burnaby for their tremendous efforts in working with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) staff and leadership in developing this historic agreement, which integrates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into the City’s processes and represents a strong commitment to uphold our inherent rights,” said səlilwətaɬ Chief Justin Sky George. “The agreement provides funding for TWN to participate in the review of City projects and we look forward to even closer collaboration and meaningful engagement with the City’s new Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation team.”

The agreement formalizes a process for səlilwətaɬ to participate in the review of City-led projects within Burnaby – creating an avenue for engagement throughout the planning, construction and/or implementation phases of projects that have the potential to impact səlilwətaɬ rights or title.

Signing this engagement agreement builds on efforts to maintain a government-to-government relationship built on trust, mutual respect and aligns with the goals of reconciliation.

Since 2016, the City has taken several actions to promote Truth and Reconciliation, including:

·       Creating a new division within the City, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, which oversees the development and implementation of the City’s reconciliation strategy and framework in consultation and cooperation with the Host Nations on whose land the City of Burnaby is located.

·       Establishing Indigenous-focused educational spaces such as the Matriarch’s Garden and Indigenous Learning House at Burnaby Village Museum.

·       Hosting Indigenous public art displays, performances, and events such as National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Hope and Health Community Camps.

·       Signing a co-management agreement with səlilwətaɬ for Barnet Marine Park in June 2025.

Learn More about the City of Burnaby: Indigenous Peoples and Reconciliation