MUSQUEAM TERRITORY - Musqueam First Nation members and supporters have blocked condo construction at the site of an ancient burial ground.  Construction at the site, on Vancouver's west side, was slated to start this morning. Workers and the 'owner' of the property were turned away when they showed up at 1338 SW Marine Drive around 7:30 this morning.

Musqueam spokesperson Aaron Wilson says the protest is a grassroots response after talks with the condo developer broke down. He stressed that the demonstration is peaceful.  The developer had planned to start digging up intact burials (undisturbed since they were originally placed there by Musqueam ancestors) on the c̓əsnaʔəm (Marpole) Midden and Village site today. Protesters vow to stay until the development plan by Magnum Projects for "HQ concrete homes" is stopped. 

The Musqueam consider the c̓əsnaʔəm midden to be "one of the most meaningful storehouses of the history and culture of our people." Elders say there is evidence of continuous occupation of the midden for more than 4,000 years. Last week, the Musqueam chief and council passed an unanimous resolution demanding that the developer  "cease and desist all work at the site until such time that a joint resolution can be found."

The Musqeaum maintain Aboriginal rights and titles over the land, although the lot is held in fee simple by another party. Initial work on the site unearthed an intact burial. The Musqueam tried to protect the site under the Heritage Conservation Act, but the BC Archaeology Branch issued a permit allowing the developer to continue.

more information at: Stop the destruction