Burnaby was granted its charter of incorporation on September 22, 1892. The municipality is situated on the ancestral and unceded territories.

The Lower Fraser Valley has been inhabited by humans for approximately 10,000 years, shortly after the retreat of the last glaciers. However, the present configuration of the Fraser River and the sea levels’ height didn’t stabilize until at least 5,000 years ago, resulting in Burnaby’s unique landforms and lush native vegetation.

Throughout the year, the ancestors of several local Coast Salish Nations peoples used many locations around Burnaby as seasonal food gathering and campsites and as sites for family gatherings, cultural, or spiritual activities.