A Reflection of What I Learned About the History and Culture of The Musqueam Indigenous People in the Past Month.
The Musqueam people have a rich heritage deeply connected to their ancestral lands along the Fraser River. Their name, which translates as "People of the River Grass," highlights their longstanding relationship with the abundant grasslands along the riverbanks, which is central to their culture and traditions (Musqueam Indian Band, n.d.). Learning about their history through various sources, particularly the documentaries C̓əsnaʔəm: The City Before the City (2017) and All Our Father’s Relations (2016), deepened my understanding and appreciation of their vibrant culture.
Central to Musqueam traditions is a profound respect for the land and waterways. Salmon fishing, in particular, has historically shaped their lifestyle, providing sustenance and forming the foundation of their cultural identity. Their traditional fishing methods, including reef-net fishing, embody sustainable practices that emphasize harmony with nature. The Musqueam people traditionally took only what was needed, ensuring future generations could continue to benefit from abundant natural resources (Musqueam Indian Band, 2021). Unfortunately, in the past two centuries, the traditional way of living of the Musqueam people has slowly been disrupted. European buildings destroyed the natural habitat along the riverbank, and pollution and overfishing significantly reduced the salmon population in the Fraser River (All Our Father’s Relations, 2016).
The history of C̓əsnaʔəm also made a very deep connection with me. It revealed that on the land that I reside on, there was a prosperous urban center built thousands of years before my arrival, giving me a very imposing feeling. Hearing Musqueam voices recount stories of their ancestors living and thriving on this land long before settlers arrived provided a powerful reminder of the continuous presence and resilience of the Musqueam community (C̓əsnaʔəm: The City Before the City, 2017).
While researching on the Musqueam Indian Band website, I also learned that historically, longhouses were vital spaces for Musqueam society, serving as communal hubs for ceremonies, storytelling, and family gatherings. Elders shared important teachings and cultural narratives here, passing down knowledge through generations (Musqueam Indian Band, n.d.). Today, these stories still play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and identity, especially in the face of external pressures and modern challenges.
I was also disheartened to hear the accounts of the survivors of Residential Schools. When I heard Larry in All Our Father’s Relations say that one of his talented cousins was gaslighted into believing that he was stupid and could not achieve anything great, I instantly recalled Nazi leader Joseph Goebbels’s notorious quote: “A lie told a thousand times becomes the truth.” The residential schools must have been so brutal to instill this level of trauma. However, I am delighted to see that despite these struggles, the Musqueam people have continuously demonstrated remarkable resilience, actively engaging in cultural revival initiatives such as language revitalization programs, educational outreach, and advocacy to protect sacred sites (Musqueam Indian Band, 2021).
Exploring additional online resources further enriched my perspective on Musqueam culture. According to the Musqueam Indian Band website, community-driven initiatives like language revitalization programs and cultural education are ongoing, strengthening their heritage for future generations. The Musqueam people's efforts toward reconciliation and educating the broader public about their culture are vital in promoting recognition and respect (Musqueam Indian Band, 2021).
Overall, reflecting on Musqueam culture and history—through both the documentary and supplementary sources—has helped me appreciate their amazing heritage as well as their admirable level of resilience. Learning about the history and cultures of the Musqueam people highlights to me that it is our collective responsibility to acknowledge their enduring strength and cultural richness. Without their resilience, we would never be able to learn about such an epic history.
References
All Our Father’s Relations [Documentary film]. (2016). Directed by Alejandro Yoshizawa. Canada: Right Relations Productions.
C̓əsnaʔəm: The City Before the City [Documentary film]. (2017). Directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers. Canada: Moving Images Distribution.
Musqueam Indian Band. (n.d.). Our Story & Culture. Retrieved from https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/our-story-culture/
Musqueam Indian Band. (2021). Culture & Language Revitalization Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/culture-language