In Vancouver, an indigenous people is reclaiming part of the city. Attack on Swedish parliament planned – Islamists arrested in Germany

Long before the Canadian city of Vancouver existed, this area was inhabited by indigenous peoples. Little by little, their land was stolen, for example to build railways – and under the guise of goodwill, their people were transported to other places where they had to build a new livelihood. Now these indigenous peoples are taking back some of what was stolen from them.

The Squamish Nation, the First Nation government of the Squamish people, will now create its own district in the middle of Vancouver on just over 10 hectares. First Nations is the umbrella term for more than 600 different indigenous tribes that make up Canada’s indigenous population. This district will be called “Sen̓áḵw,” which means “the place at the head of False Creek.” False Creek is the name of the approximately two kilometer long bay in Vancouver.

It should look like this

More than 6,000 rental apartments and 11 high-rise buildings are planned, which will be built in different phases. Much to the dismay of some (non-indigenous) residents who, among other things, consider the planned buildings too large.

Because the land on which construction is to take place does not belong to the city, but is part of an indigenous reserve, Vancouver’s building laws do not apply there and the city has no influence on what exactly is built. Lawsuits from the neighborhood were dismissed by the court.

Public space will be created on more than 7.5 hectares, including restaurants, fitness centers, shopping facilities and childcare.

The project’s website also states that it aims to use the Burrard Street Bridge to create “new outdoor sports and leisure facilities that can be used all year round by residents and the general public.”

And public transport must also be adapted to new needs. The aim is to promote the region’s “economic and cultural growth” through a “multimodal transport network”. In concrete terms, water bus and ferry services will be expanded and mobility by bicycle will be promoted.

(anb)