On June 18, 2025, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and the City of Burnaby took an important step towards reconciliation by signing a co-management agreement for Barnet Marine Park, which is located along the shores of səlilwət (Burrard Inlet). This agreement formalizes a partnership between Burnaby and səlilwətaɬ to jointly oversee the management and stewardship of the park.
“saltaɬ (Barnet Marine Park) has been a culturally important area to səlilwətaɬ since time immemorial. Our Barnet Marine Park co-management agreement with the City of Burnaby allows us to enact our steadfast commitments to enhancing the wellbeing of our lands, waters, and culture for the benefit of current and future generations. My hands are raised to the City of Burnaby for working together with us in good faith, helping us strengthen the face of səlilwətaɬ on our traditional territory.”
– Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
“It is an honour for the City of Burnaby to be able to walk together on the pathway to reconciliation with the səlilwət people. This work is essential in helping us find the way to lasting and meaningful reconciliation.”
– Mayor Mike Hurley, City of Burnaby
Barnet Marine Park is a culturally, environmentally, spiritually, and historically significant area in səlilwətaɬ traditional territory. Currently managed by the City, the park will now be co-managed with səlilwətaɬ, to protect and enhance the natural beauty and cultural significance of the park for generations to come.
The co-management agreement creates opportunities for the City and səlilwətaɬ to work together to develop the recreational use and enjoyment of the park by members of the public and the səlilwətaɬ people. It will also increase public awareness of, and celebrate səlilwətaɬ cultural history and the significance of the park and surrounding area to the Nation.
During a ceremony at Barnet Marine Park on June 18, the City marked the occasion with the gift of a pair of wolf eco-sculptures to səlilwətaɬ, which were installed facing the water and will be on permanent display at the Park.
Planted together by səlilwətaɬ Elders and youth with Mayor Mike Hurley and City councilors, these sculptures symbolize Burnaby’s commitment to work and grow together to advance reconciliation. səlilwətaɬ Elders chose the design of two wolves because in historical recounting, Creator transformed the Wolf into the first Tsleil-Wautt people on the shores of səlilwət (Burrard Inlet), giving səlilwətaɬ family linkage of belonging to the wolf clan.
This gift symbolizes the shared commitment to working together based upon mutual respect and collaboration.
For more information, media may contact:
Lindsay Marsh, Communications Manager
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
communications@twnation.ca
