Territory Acknowledgment
GCT respectfully acknowledges that we operate our terminals on the traditional and treaty territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), scəẁaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nations), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). We wish to acknowledge the rich history of our neighbouring Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Relations Policy
In response to Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report, GCT is committed to advancing reconciliation and pursuing shared prosperity by:
- Developing effective and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Collaborating with Indigenous peoples, local communities, governments, port authorities, and supply chain partners to build long-term, sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships.
- Identifying economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples connected to GCT’s development projects and ongoing terminal operations.
All three Global Container Terminals’ shareholders are signatories to the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) and are responsible shareholders with a principled approach to managing risk and opportunities. GCT will be guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report: Calls to Action for Business.
In support of this commitment, GCT is advancing the following principles:
Recognition – GCT recognizes the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.
Engagement – GCT will participate in good faith engagement with Indigenous peoples impacted by GCT’s assets, projects, and activities.
Inclusion – GCT will seek to identify opportunities, including by working with other partners, to increase participation of Indigenous peoples in the economy. This includes supporting inclusive initiatives aimed at increasing equitable access by Indigenous peoples to employment, training, internships, and education opportunities across the waterfront.
Partnership – GCT will seek to establish partnerships with local Indigenous, including partnerships relating to education, procurement, commercial, social, and community development opportunities.
Communication – GCT will communicate in good faith and in a transparent, timely, and respectful manner.
Environment – GCT is committed to sound environmental stewardship and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship practices into its decision-making.
Education – GCT is committed to educating its management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples and developing intercultural competency within the organization.
Honouring Tradition
The Salish Sea Spirit at GCT Deltaport “protecting our vibrant ecosystem and building stronger relationships within our community.”
The Salish Sea Spirit House Post at GCT Deltaport represents the deep roots and traditional knowledge that bonds the Tsawwassen First Nation community’s identity surrounding GCT Deltaport, symbolizing the collective commitment to stewardship, safety and conservation shared by GCT Deltaport and the Tsawwassen First Nation.
According to the traditions of the Coast Salish Peoples, a house post is raised to bring awareness to the land on which its placed. Given GCT Deltaport’s distinctive location, the Salish Sea Spirit house post acts as a beacon that tells the story of two neighbours.
This traditional work of art was crafted from red cedar by renowned artist and carver Karl Morgan of the Tsawwassen First Nation and commissioned by Global Container Terminals.
Future of Nations Scholarship for Indigenous Students
Our annual Future of Nations Scholarship for Indigenous Students scholarship program supports students from Nations whose territories interact with and neighbour GCT Deltaport and GCT Vanterm. Successful candidates demonstrate strong academic performance, community involvement, and leadership.
The first scholarship was launched with Tsawwassen First Nation in 2022 and we look forward to building on the success of our program as we work with other neighbouring Nations in the years to come.
Meet our Recipients
| Year | Student Name | Educational Program |
| 2022 | Jenna Marand | Masters of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria |
| 2023 | Isabella Corbet | University of British Columbia |
| 2024 | Application process open | |
“Scholarship programs, such as those offered by GCT Global Container Terminals, offer a transformative opportunity for students pursuing post- secondary education by removing the financial barriers that often hinder access to higher learning. Such programs provide students like myself with the chance to unlock their academic potential and pursue their dreams of post-secondary education. Thank you GCT Global Container Terminals for helping me accomplish my goals!”
— Jenna Marand, TFN Member, Graduate Student, Masters of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
“Receiving this scholarship from GCT has been an incredible boost for me at UBC. It’s more than just financial support; it’s a testament to my hard work and dedication. Thank you for believing in my potential and supporting my journey towards academic success.”
— Isabella Corbet
If you have questions about the scholarship program or would like more information, please reach out to community@globalterminals.com
2024 Tsawwassen First Nation GCT Canada Future of Nations Scholarship for Indigenous Students.
2024 Application Period:
Opens May 6, 2024, and closes August 7, 2024 at 5:00PM.