The journey towards reclaiming Indigenous identity at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park began in 2020 when Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Metro Vancouver signed a co-operation agreement to protect and enhance the park for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations while raising public awareness of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s cultural history with the area.
Funding received from the 2022 REEL Earth Day Challenge played a crucial role in planning and delivering two community engagement events in September and November 2023. These events brought Tsleil-Waututh Nation members together in the park and in their community to discuss what reclaiming Indigenous identity means to them. The ideas, knowledge, and feedback shared during the engagement events resulted in emerging priorities related to cultural visibility, stewardship of the land, and improved access to the park.
The installation of the Welcome Pole, completed in November 2023, was one such priority project that stands as a tangible symbol of the shared commitment to cultural preservation and celebration. Metro Vancouver will continue to work with Tsleil-Waututh Nation to implement other priorities projects on an ongoing basis.