Memorandum of Understanding

MOU stands for Memorandum of Understanding. It is an aspirational document that is developed by two or more parties as part of expressing a desire to work together with defined principles that guide the relationship and key actions that demonstrate advancement of the MOU goals.  

The partners are doing this as part of a journey of reconciliation between Squamish Nation, the District of Squamish, and the greater community. It is a natural continuation of decades of cooperation between the two governments and builds on past agreements and project collaborations. The MOU is not a final destination – it signifies the start of deeper, more meaningful conversations and actions. The agreement is aimed at acknowledging and correcting historical injustices by building upon shared values, with the goal of a more vibrant and inclusive Squamish for all. 

The purpose of this MOU is to support the District and Squamish Nation in advancing truth and reconciliation together. It provides a framework for: 

• Co-developing shared priorities 
• Developing agreements 
• Identifying and exploring areas of collaboration  

The MOU was developed through a Government-to-Government process between the District and the Squamish Nation, building on their existing relationship and past agreements. 

The MOU is not a legally binding document; however, it is a document developed collaboratively in good faith between the District and Squamish Nation. 

This MOU builds on decades of collaboration, marking a new phase of formalized, principle-based partnership that centers on Indigenous rights and shared decision-making.

While not legally binding, the MOU reflects a commitment to mutual accountability. Progress will be monitored through oversight committees and Council-to-Council meetings.

The MOU is grounded in values shared by the District of Squamish and Squamish Nation. These principles reflect Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ways of being, decision-making, and working together in a good way. They include:

• Tkwáya7n iy Nexwnew̓ítm – “Listen and engage”: Approach this work with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to build mutual understanding.
• Wa nexwniwnen chet ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – “Follow the ways of the Squamish”: Respect and honour Sḵwx̱wú7mesh laws, traditions, and leadership.
• Tex̱wlám̓ Ns7eyx̱ – “Genuinely care”: Act with compassion, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of this relationship.
• Chet wa telnexw tina tl'a snewiyelh tl'a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – “Learn the advice of the Squamish”: Value the teachings, knowledge, and guidance of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Elders and community.
• Na wa nelhnilhtway ta uxwumixw – “The people go through it together”: Move forward in partnership, with shared responsibility and collective commitment.
• We7us chet ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh siyamin – “Protect the rights and title of the Squamish”: Centre Indigenous rights and uphold the inherent title of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people.

The MOU outlines specific Priority Activities from 2025 to 2028 that the District and Squamish Nation have committed to working on together. These activities include: 

• A formal apology from the District to the Nation that acknowledges the impacts of colonization and settlement on the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, lands and waters. 
• Co-developing a referrals management agreement to recognize Squamish Nation jurisdiction and ensure the Nation is meaningfully engaged in decisions related to land use, infrastructure, and development. 
• Collaborating on community planning, including the renewal of the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Squamish Valley Community Development Plan (SVCDP) led by Squamish Nation. 
• Expanding access to recreation services, including creating barrier-free access to inclusive recreation spaces, programs and services.  
• Establishing a Land Back Task Force to explore what Land Back could look like for public lands in the District
• Committing to pause any development on the Cheekeye Fan Lots C, 2, 9 and 10 (Brackendale Farmers Institute Park) while the District and Squamish Nation explore the potential transfer of this land to the Squamish Nation, and next steps.  

The District and Squamish Nation have agreed to create an Implementation Oversight Committee. The committee will be made up of senior staff from both governments to help advance Priority Activities and encourage ongoing collaboration. Council-to-Council meetings will be held at least twice a year to monitor progress and assess how the principles of the MOU are being upheld. 

The term “Land Back” is referenced in the MOU and means exploring possibilities for the return or co-management of public lands in a way that respects Squamish Nation Rights and Title. In broader discussions, “Land Back” has often been used to describe restoring Indigenous Governance and stewardship over Squamish lands while addressing historical injustice. 

The MOU is a starting point. It does not include immediate land transfers from the District to Squamish Nation. A Land Back Task Force will be created with a mandate to research, learn, discuss and engage with Squamish residents and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People on the topic of land back. This committee is an important step forward in inter-governmental relations. 

The District and Squamish Nation have committed to pause any development on these lots. This commitment is required now because the construction of the Cheekeye Debris Flow Barrier (currently underway) unlocks the potential to change land uses for the lands. 

They also agree to explore the potential transfer of this crown (provincially owned) land to the Squamish Nation. The potential also exists for a co-created vision and land use plan for the area.

The MOU does not change how development is approved or create new legal barriers. The District remains committed to transparency and fairness in permitting. All projects, including those from Squamish Nation, follow the same due process as other community projects. 

The Task Force will include representatives from both governments and may involve community members. Its role is to explore pathways for land return or co-management, informed by research and engagement.

No. The intent is not privatization but exploring how public lands can be returned or co-managed in ways that uphold Indigenous rights and benefit the broader community.

No. The MOU only refers to public (mostly Crown) lands and does not impact private land or residential property.  

No. The MOU does not remove access to parks or green spaces.  

The MOU includes a shared priority of creating inclusive and barrier-free recreation spaces, programs, and services for all. As part of this commitment, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People will have access to local recreational facilities and programs at a reduced cost, similar to discount programs for seniors and students. This will take some time to develop and implement and more information will be available in the coming months.   

Reconciliation is about restoring balance, correcting historical injustices, and recognizing shared values and common humanity. It means moving beyond symbolic gestures and taking meaningful steps to advance respectful Government-to-Government relationships grounded in articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and Declaration Act Action Plan. 

UNDRIP refers to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It provides guidance on how governments should recognize Indigenous rights and title and build relationships grounded in free, prior, and informed consent. It was developed as a result of the International Indigenous community advocating for the affirmation of their rights in the wake of colonial displacement, environmental degradation and other harms to Indigenous populations worldwide.  

DRIPA refers to the British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and describes how provincial law will implement UNDRIP.   

The MOU reflects a shared path forward grounded in mutual respect, recognition, and responsibility. It affirms a commitment to reconciliation by the District in alignment with both UNDRIP and DRIPA. The MOU creates space for shared planning, co-development of agreements, and recognition of Squamish Nation Rights and Title. 

Co-governance means making decisions together in areas of shared interest, respecting both legal orders and building policies that reflect both governments’ values and responsibilities.

The MOU recognizes and respects Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s inherent rights and title. It does not reduce District authority but fosters shared collaboration for mutual benefit.

Visit the District of Squamish and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw websites for updates. You can also look out for community dialogue sessions to be planned in fall/winter 2025/26. 

Yes. While the terms and Priority Activities of the MOU were established by the District and Squamish Nation as the two governing bodies committed to the partnership, the implementation of the MOU is an ongoing process that will continue to be informed by the community.  

As the MOU is implemented, community engagement opportunities will invite feedback and questions, and help ensure questions are responded to respectfully and clearly. As new information emerges, materials such as FAQs, fact sheets, and other resources will be updated to respond to community concerns. 

Updates will be shared through both governments’ websites, newsletters, public meetings, and community events.

Yes. The implementation process aims to be inclusive, with targeted outreach to Elders, youth, and other key community groups.

Progress will be tracked through Council meetings, public updates, and an annual review of key milestones, such as completed agreements, engagement sessions, and priority actions.

The MOU outlines priority activities from 2025 to 2028 but is intended to be a living document. It may be updated or extended through mutual agreement.