Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish Announce New Protocol Agreement

The following is a joint release with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish have agreed to sign a new protocol agreement reflective of the principles, values, and traditions of the Squamish People. The Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong) Protocol Agreement provides guidance on how Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and District of Squamish meaningfully engage in advancing reconciliation. It commits both parties to the following Sḵwx̱wú7mesh principles to guide the reconciliation process:

• tkwáya7n iy nexwnew̓ítm – Listen & Engage
• wa nexwniwnen chet ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh – Follow the Ways of the Squamish
• tex̱wlám̓ ns7eyx̱ – Genuinely Care
• chet wa telnexw tina tl’a snewiyelh tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – Learn the Advice of the Squamish
• na wa nelhnilhtway ta úxwumixw – The People Go Through It Together
• we7us chet ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh siyá̓m̓in – Protect the Rights and Title of the Squamish

The agreement lays the groundwork for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that both the Nation and District will work together on. This important first step will help guide the relationship between our two governments going forward. In preparation for developing the MOU, work will begin to take inventory of the collaborative projects already in place and identify new opportunities for shared work and reconciliation.

As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the media are invited to attend the signing ceremony of the Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement between the Nation and District of Squamish.

Date: Monday, July 17, 2023
Time: 10:00 am with ceremony and signing
Location: Totem Hall, 1380 Stawamus Road, Squamish

Media are advised to arrive in advance of the start time and parking is available on-site.

Quotes

Spokesperson Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“The Squamish Strong Protocol Agreement represents who we are as a People and reflects our principles and values. Squamish is the heart of our territory with important cultural sites. It is our strong desire to use this agreement as the starting point as we work together to advance reconciliation.”

Mayor Armand Hurford, District of Squamish
“The Squamish Strong Protocol Agreement will guide how the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw and the District will work together based on our shared values and goals to advance reconciliation. We look forward to listening, engaging, learning and protecting the rights and title of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw.”

For more information, please contact:

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw: media@squamish.net
District of Squamish: communications@squamish.ca

About Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (also known as the Squamish Nation) is a unity of the Squamish Peoples with an uplifting culture, rich history, and exciting future. The Nation is an innovative Indigenous government that uses its resources to provide, guide, and protect the Squamish territory and Squamish People. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Members live in several urban reserve communities in the present-day cities of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, BC. Over 47 per cent of the nearly 4100 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members live on-reserve, and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code. The Nation has never ceded or surrendered title to its lands, rights to its resources, or the power to make decisions within its territory. Learn more: squamish.net/about-our-nation.

About District of Squamish

Inspired by nature and hardwired for adventure, the District of Squamish is the local municipal government authority servicing a growing community with a population of 24,232, inclusive of members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) upon whose traditional unceded territory we live, work and play. Nestled between ocean and mountains, and one hour north of Vancouver, the small-town setting, lush natural environment, and unmatched outdoor recreation make for a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and location for business investment. Squamish is home to a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene, post-secondary education institutions, a thriving green economy from craft food and beverage to sustainable tourism, and oceanfront development projects on the horizon. At the heart of it all is an entrepreneurial, passionate, and welcoming community who collectively strives to honour and protect the environment that defines the essence of the Squamish lifestyle.

July 14, 2023