Why Reconciliation Matters in the Maritime Industry  

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 urges businesses to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for reconciliation. For the maritime sector, it means working in partnership, building trust, and creating economic and cultural opportunities for Indigenous communities. 

With so much of our industry taking place on traditional territories and waterways, reconciliation and Indigenous participation is essential for a resilient and prosperous waterfront economy.  

Here’s a look at where that journey has taken us so far. 

Building Awareness and Commitment Education and Reflection 

• In 2021 when was established for September 30, the BCMEA Board were the first amongst the industry to recognize this day as an official statutory holiday. Since then, as �鶹 deepen their understanding of this history, the BCMEA remains committed to advancing reconciliation through meaningful action.  

A Public Commitment Through Art 

• BCMEA unveiled a mural titled “Oceans Together” at its Vancouver Dispatch Centre. 

• Created by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth in consultation with Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the mural features two orcas alongside a marine vessel in traditional Coast Salish style. 

• The artwork was unveiled in a Musqueam-led ceremony, reflecting BCMEA’s respect for cultural protocols and its commitment to reconciliation. 

As BCMEA CEO & President Mike Leonard explains: 

“The mural pays homage to this rich cultural heritage … and represents the collective commitment of BCMEA and its members to reconciliation.” 

Education and Reflection 

Training and internal discussions continue to help staff and members better learn the truths and understand reconciliation as an ongoing responsibility. To date, the BCMEA continues to: 

• Mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with public reflections on Indigenous contributions and the importance of awareness in the workplace. This includes participating in a symbol of hope, reconciliation and commitment to better future.  

• Develop a Reconciliation Awareness & Program, Indigenous-led workshops for our leadership team and members, that include training and cultural experiences.  

• Expand cultural awareness training opportunities for BCMEA staff and members through our partnership with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.  

Why It Matters 

These actions are a start to realizing our commitment, but their impact is real: 

• Trust: visible commitments help build stronger relationships. 

• Cultural safety: integrating Indigenous voices and perspectives makes workplaces more inclusive. 

• Sector leadership: by taking action, the BCMEA sets an example for other organizations, including our members across the waterfront to do the same, or more.  

Reconciliation requires listening, learning, and taking action. The BCMEA’s work is an early but important step in building stronger relationships with Nations. 

As an industry rooted in the lands and waters of this province, it’s our shared responsibility to keep moving forward together. 

Learn more about how the BCMEA is supporting reconciliation initiatives here.  

The post Navigating Reconciliation: BCMEA’s Journey of Respect and Partnership  appeared first on BC Maritime.

This inspiring local artist is known for blending contemporary design with traditional Coast Salish artwork, creating striking images packed with symbolism and deep meaning. His transformational, hand-painted mural was installed on north-facing wall on Franklin Street, just off Clark Drive last year and was officially unveiled in a special ceremony in early 2025. 

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The mural titled “Oceans Together” depicts two orca whales swimming alongside a marine vessel, rendered in a neotraditional Coast Salish style using ovoids, trigons, and crescents. At its core the image symbolizes the sharing of our oceans. The orca whales, travelling with their family, represent our respect for nature, while the marine vessel symbolizes the maritime industry that connects B.C to the world. 

For generations, Indigenous communities have shaped the maritime industry with their knowledge, skills and cultural traditions. The Musqueam people have lived in the Fraser River estuary, including much of Metro Vancouver, since time immemorial. Darryl himself has strong links to the coast as his father was a Local 1 marine worker. 

Darryl was chosen following input from the BCMEA, ILWU and representatives from Indigenous communities. His stirring artwork has been chosen by many organizations and causes including the Orange Shirt Society, SeaSpan, the Vancouver Canucks and the Vancouver International Marathon Society.  

The mural project was undertaken as part of the BCMEA’s commitment to elevate efforts on the path to reconciliation, in recognition of the principles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92. 
 
The mural contributes to the BCMEA’s and our members ongoing dedication to advance reconciliation, acting as a visual reminder to encourage all to engage and learn about Indigenous contributions to the maritime sector.  It represents the legacy of the maritime industry and our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the interconnectedness of our communities and the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples as we work towards a shared future.  

We hope his latest creation at the Dispatch Centre will cause you to stop, admire and reflect on the rich connections between Indigenous peoples and the maritime community. 

The post New Indigenous Mural at the BCMEA Dispatch Centre Depicts Deep Coastal Connections   appeared first on BC Maritime.