No One Is Illegal Statement of Support for Musqueam

We are writing to express our support and best wishes for the Musqueam people and their protection of the burial site of c̓əsnaʔəm. c̓əsnaʔəm (colonially known as Eburne Site in Marpole) is located in the heart of Musqueam’s traditional and unceded Territory and is an ancient village and burial site of the Musqueam people. This burial site is being threatened for a proposed 108 unit residential condo development and the Musqueam have now established an indefinite 24-hours a day camp and vigil at the site.

Living in the Unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Tsawwassen nations, we are witness to the devastating effects of colonialism on the land and its peoples. As non-Indigenous supporters, we recognize that the history of Canada is a racist and genocidal one, marked by the forced dispossession of Indigenous peoples’ lands and resources, the suppression of Indigenous governments and laws, and the assimilation of Indigenous cultures and identities.

We, No One Is Illegal- Vancouver Coast Salish Territories, are a grassroots anti-colonial group striving for justice for refugees, immigrants, and undocumented people. We believe that there are no “illegal” human beings, only illegal colonial governments and inhumane laws. Settler countries like Canada are built on the theft of Indigenous lands; exploitation of labour especially slave, migrant, and reproductive labour; and the global appropriation of natural resources. As multiracial settlers, migrants, refugees and people of colour struggling against racism and unjust border and immigration laws in Canada, we came four hundred years ago or yesterday and we recognize that our homes and our struggles are being built on Indigenous peoples lands. We affirm the sovereignty of the Musqueam people whose lands we reside on.

We envision and actively strive for a humanity where everyone has the right to sustenance and the ability to provide it, where we are free of oppression, misery, and exploitation, and are able to live meaningfully in relationship to one another and in reverence for Mother Earth that sustains us.

In solidarity and respect, No One Is Illegal-Vancouver Coast Salish Territories