Signature of a collaboration agreement between Ocean and Musqueam

In January 2023, Musqueam and Ocean Group signed a collaborative framework agreement intended to realize maritime opportunities within Musqueam territory, and potentially beyond.

Historic signing of a Collaborative Agreement between the Musqueam Indian Band (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) and Group Ocean

This agreement provides for commitments that will prioritize economic and social benefits for Musqueam, and contracting opportunities for Ocean Group.

These includes ability to develop initiatives that lead to career opportunities for Musqueam members both on the water and ashore.

The first such initiative involved the training of five Musqueam members as bridgewatchpersons, in collaboration with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Marine Campus.

The successful participants are now undertaking an onboard internship for eventually being hired by Ocean Group.

In terms of other inclusive strategies, Ocean Group has committed to a fuel supply agreement with Nation Clean Energy Inc., another Musqueam partner. This includes the supply of low-carbon renewable fuels.

Ocean Group hopes to establish further lasting, meaningful, and successful business relationships with other coastal First Nations, using similar collaborative framework agreements, as it does with Musqueam.