The ThunderBlogs

The imagery observed during a stroll to the South West Marine Drive locality can tentatively counter any previous impression of Vancouver as a prosperous city, where the wealthiest share streets with the underprivileged.

The sight of beautiful houses with high-clipped hedges and expensive cars parked in garages dominated the scene around Dunbar’s narrow and noiseless street. One could sense an air of affluence in the surroundings.

Within a few blocks from this attractive spectacle, the scenario drastically changed when “Musqueam Nation” signs hanging from light poles emerged.

At just meters from well-off houses, untidy mobile homes with plastic fences came into view. A feeling of abandonment became evident to the eye in the streets composing the nation.

Some domiciles appeared to be heavily neglected, with wrecked vehicles parked in their backyards. More than ten pairs of rubber boots lying outside some residences were apparent at times, and they all seemed to belong to different persons living in the same households.

Right in front of the impoverished homes at the nation, a golf course was visible: The Musqueam Golf Course and Learning Academy.

Aboriginal residents of different ages (mostly children) affably interacted on the streets along 51st Avenue, breaking the silence felt minutes before on the richer side.

“There are around 600 hundred people currently living in this nation, but around 1,500 Musqueams inhabit the greater Vancouver area,” said K. Louis Point, director and board member at the Native Education College and a resident of this neighborhood. Many community members caringly greeted Point as she passed by, showing great affection and respect towards her. “Everybody knows me around here, as you can see, because I have lived here since I was 14 years old and I am active in the community,” she said.

A connection between the Aboriginal Adult Learning Centre at the nation and the University of British Columbia seemed to be a source of pride for the community. “ At our institution, you can study various languages and receive 6 credits from UBC,” Point said. “The reserve manages the Musqueam Golf Course and a Native Adult Learning Centre,” she said.

Likewise, according to Point, some divisions of the Musqueam reserve have been leased out to the government, and tax money collected from these residences returns to the reserve’s management council.

She eagerly extended an invitation to an upcoming aboriginal welcoming ceremony at the Native Education College, which can possibly foster a better understanding of the contrasting realities citizens experience around the South West Marine Drive area.