East Van Nation

Urban First Nations residents in East Vancouver, B.C. Phrase was born in the streets, alleys and native housing projects in East Van. Used by urban Indigenous people referring to the group of people from different First Nations who inhabit the area bordered by Renfrew , Cambie , Kingsway and Cordova streets. Commercial Drive is the East Van Nation stronghold . Many East Van Nation people, especially those generations born in the city, adopt cultural methods from different First Nations. Fist pound is universal greeting , from kids to elders. They have as much tribal pride in being from East Van Nation as they do being from their home First Nations. They grow up together, hang together, got each others backs, drink and party together, mary and have children together, and often stay put in East Van and grow old together. East Van Nation is East Van strong.

Bro one to bro two: "I just moved here from Heiltsuk man, where you from?" Bro two: "East Van Nation." Hipster commenting on bro's tshirt: "Eat Van Nation, where's that?" Bro: "You're standing in it." Bro raising drink to bros and sisters in a park "East Van Nation! - (group in chorus) "East Van Nation...gulp."