Stewards of the land, water and sky : Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s relationship with the Burrard inlet

Abstract

This thesis investigates Tsleil-Waututh peoples’ relationship with the Burrard Inlet brought forth by community members and representatives of Tsleil-Waututh Nation as a marker of their collective identity. A modern history of massive population influx, land alienation, industrial activity and resource development resulting from the arrival of settlers from abroad has left Tsleil-Waututh peoples with limited opportunities to realize their relationship with the Inlet as their ancestors did. Situated in the center of one of Canada’s most populous regions, the coexistence of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the cities surrounding the Burrard Inlet is a reality and this study contemplates the opportunity that can be realized through cross-cultural collaboration. This study itself is one such example. The objective of this study is to move away from the tendency of the researcher to act as the expert, and instead to situate the Tsleil-Waututh community members and representatives as the experts. As a non-Indigenous researcher, I adopt an Indigenist research approach to better understand these Indigenous worldviews and to present them accurately and respectfully.