Several members of the Musqueam Nation have taken over a piece of land near the Arthur Laing Bridge, they claim is an ancient burial site.
Work is underway on a residential and commercial development along the banks of the Fraser River, but the Musqueam say human remains have already been unearthed.
Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip says urgent action is needed to protect the burial grounds.
“Now the Musqueam people have established a permament prescence,” says Phillip.
“The community has decided that this site will remain closed and shut down until such time as the Province of British Columbia is prepared to come to the table and discuss a resolution to this situation.”
Phillip says the Musqueam people are prepared to discuss a ‘land swap’ with the various levels of government.
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