On August 31, 2021, Tsleil-Waututh Nation members took staff from the Province of BC for a tour of Say-Nuth-Khaw-Yum, the Indian Arm Provincial Park. Our cultural leaders spoke about importance of protecting park and significance to our Tsleil-Waututh people.

The park’s area is a key place of cultural and spiritual significance where our people have practiced our culture since time immemorial. Historically, summer villages and spiritual sites lined every accessible point along the shore, with large winter villages located in the southern area of Say-Nuth-Khaw-Yum / Indian Arm. The village of Inlailawatash, occupied by generations of our Tsleil-Waututh people at the outlet of the Indian River, was an area of numerous fish and hunting camps that supported our well-being and ways of life.

The park, co-owned by Tsleil-Waututh Nation and BC Parks, is led under a Park Management Plan developed with the Park Management Board in 2010, with equal representation from the Province and our Nation. The plan is committed to implementing principles such as collaboratively monitoring the park to maintain natural diversity of vegetation, wildlife, and habitats (especially the elk population), water quality, enhancement of public safety and park facilities, trails, marine areas, invasive plant populations, and effects of climate change. The plan also works towards developing opportunities to support Tsleil-Waututh’s economic initiatives and in increasing public education towards protecting the area for future generations.