Indigenous Engagement
Walking the path of reconciliation
UBC Vancouver is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The land it is situated on has always been a place of learning for the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.
In 2020, UBC launched a new Indigenous Strategic Plan, marking a university-wide response to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice. It also represents the UBC Vancouver campus’ response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
During your event your guests will notice many instances of Indigenous culture and language on our campus, including xʷməθkʷəy̓əm-language street signs, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm house posts, and Indigenous building names. Part of our hotel accommodations are in q̓əlɬaləməcən leləm̓ (Orca House), one of five buildings gifted names by the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people within the tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ (The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater) complex. The complex includes landscaping incorporating plants important to xʷməθkʷəy̓əm with signs explaining their use and names in their language, and glass canopies featuring stunning artwork by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm artist Kelly Cannell.
Territorial acknowledgements at your event
As a sign of respect events held at UBC Vancouver usually begin with an acknowledgement of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territory. Our team can advise you on protocols, provide the approved territorial acknowledgment language, or when appropriate, assist with requesting a xʷməθkʷəy̓əm representative to provide a territorial welcome at your event.
Let’s start planning
Tell us about your event and we’ll help you explore the best options.