YVR and Musqueam reach landmark deal
Posted June 21, 2017 11:49 am.
Last Updated June 21, 2017 3:09 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Airport and the Musqueam Indian Band have marked National Aboriginal Day by signing a first-of-its-kind 30-year agreement aimed at bringing the two communities closer together.
The Sustainability and Friendship Agreement includes an education-to-employment path for the First Nation group, relationship managers, environmental protections, and a one per cent revenue sharing agreement, starting with $5 million this year based on 2016 revenues.
The deal is based on pillars of social, economic, environmental and governance and does not include any level of government.
“It’s probably one of the most moving days that I’ve ever been able to celebrate with our community,” band councilor Wendy John says.
“We recognize and respect that the airport is going to be here. It’s a part of our city, it’s a part of our country, but we wanted to ensure that the recognition of our people and the recognition of our contribution and growth within is acknowledged.”
The next step is to get governments to sign agreements with the band, according to John. She hopes the fruits of the agreement will help ease the concerns of anyone in the band, adding the environment and employment were important concerns among the community.
“They were as important as the revenue sharing. And I think the revenue sharing is a huge part of the commitment to ensure that we’re going to continue on,” John said.
Based on expected revenue growth, the deal could be worth between $200 million and $300 million.
“Everybody on all sides recognized it’s time,” airport president Craig Richmond says.
Richmond says they will start employment with several apprenticeships, with more jobs to come in the coming years.
