Mr. Speaker, there are many great places in Vancouver Quadra and none are more special to me than the mouth of the Fraser River. From its headwaters hundreds of kilometres north, to where it enters the Salish Sea, it has always been a special place for residents of Vancouver Quadra. Over the years, it was used as our highway, and now it is being used as a working river.
Many years ago, the Musqueam people, where I come from, raced in what are called the war canoe races. They raced against other first nations from Coast Salish territory, Washington State, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island. That went dormant for a number of years until Elder Dick Louis and Kelly Louis brought it back for the youth of the Musqueam people.
We now host thousands of spectators and hundreds of people from across Coast Salish territory. That is going to happen this weekend, June 13, 14 and 15, starting tonight. Everyone in the area is invited to come down and enjoy as they reconnect with their culture, share their culture with Canada and raise their hands to each and every one of them.
Hay čxʷ q̓ə.