Wayne Sparrow

Any land deals that result from a recently signed agreement between the Musqueam and Canada will not affect private property, or provincial or municipal lands, the First Nation says. “Because these discussions are between Musqueam and Canada, only federal Crown lands are ever considered for potential land transfers or other negotiations,” the Musqueam Indian Band said. The First Nation added that the rights recognition agreement signed on Feb. 20 does not provide the Musqueam legal title to land. It also noted that the agreements don’t constitute a treaty or land claims agreement. But in an interview Tuesday morning, Chief Wayne Sparrow appeared to say that municipal and private lands could be on the negotiating table within Musqueam territory, just not under the latest agreement. …Nearly two weeks ago, the Musqueam signed three deals with Canada that recognize the First Nation’s Aboriginal rights… in an area that encompasses Greater Vancouver.