An emotional Chief Marilyn Gabriel thanked 91原创 Township council for working to return a piece of municipal land to the Kwantlen First Nation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really emotional day for our people, to have this parcel returned,鈥� said Gabriel. Her late father, Chief Joseph Gabriel, had gone to court over the land in the past.

鈥淚 have to say, I didn鈥檛 think I would see this in my lifetime,鈥� Gabriel said. 鈥淏ut we live in a beautiful community, where we can all work together.鈥�

The land is 3.7 acres on the east side of Glover Road on Brae Island, adjacent to the main Kwantlen reserve. Although it is dedicated for park use, it has never been developed into a park and the Township had no plans to do so.

It will be transfered to Seyem Qwantlen Land Development Ltd.

鈥淚 really think this is a great outcome,鈥� said Township Mayor Jack Froese.

Gabriel said that after years of struggling, the next generation won鈥檛 have to fight for this land.

Gabriel, her husband Kevin Kelly, and their son Michael Kelly-Gabriel sang an honour song to the assembled council members and audience.