Henry Charles was the last surviving member of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) to have lived in what is today the endowment lands adjacent to the University of British Columbia. After his parents and siblings moved to the Musqueam Reserve, Mr. Charles remained living in the wooded area with his grandparents for five years.

Mr. Charles was a Native historian, official hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Musqueam language) speaker and Indigenous greeter. His xʷməθkʷəy̓əm name was tecelgen, which translates as "porcupine."

Mr. Charles welcomed numerous visitors and dignitaries to traditional Musqueam territories while speaking his native language, and led ceremonies for Vancouver mayors Larry Campbell, Sam Sullivan and Gregor Robertson, for the President of Portugal, the Governor of Alaska and for acclaimed scientist, writer and broadcaster David Suzuki.