Chief Wayne Sparrow

Chief | Musqueam Indian Band; Board Chair | Musqueam Capital Corporation

Chief Wayne Sparrow (yəχʷyaχʷələq) has served as elected chief of Musqueam Indian Band since 2012, after serving as an elected councillor beginning in 1995.

He is board chair of Musqueam Capital Corporation (MCC), the economic development arm of Musqueam, and sits on the Musqueam Fisheries Commission, which he chaired from 2000-2020.

During his time as chief, the MST Development Corporation (MSTDC), a business partnership between Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, has acquired substantial property holdings of over 20 million square feet, including the Jericho Lands and Heather Lands.

Chief Sparrow leads Musqueam in signing precedent-setting agreements that renew and strengthen relationships between Musqueam, neighbouring First Nations, governments, industry and other partners. Under his leadership, Musqueam signed a 30-year agreement with YVR in 2017, and in 2021 signed a relationship agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Both of these agreements recognize Musqueam’s ongoing stewardship of their lands and waters, and also prioritize economic, education and training opportunities for members.

In 2022, Chief Sparrow was awarded the Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for his work advancing economic reconciliation and supporting youth and adult athletic programs.

In addition to his success in forging relationships and advancing Musqueam’s vision, Wayne is also a commercial fisherman and cultural ambassador.