About Us

Modern Profile

The Squamish Nation is comprised of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples who lived in the present day Greater Vancouver area; Gibson’s landing and Squamish River watershed. The Squamish Nation have occupied and governed their territory since beyond recorded history. Total area of Squamish Nation Traditional Territory is 6,732 sq. km. (673,540 hectares).

The Nation consists of 23 villages encompassing 28.28 sq. Km. (S, 849 hectares).The percentage of Squamish Nation Traditional Territory allotted to the people is 0.4230%. These parcels of land are scattered from North Vancouver, Gibson’s Landing to the area north of Howe Sound.

The Nation’s population is scattered among nine communities stretching from North Vancouver to the northern area of Howe Sound. 2,239 of the 3,324 Squamish Nation members live on-reserve and membership is determined by marriage and birth right.

Economic Activity

The Squamish Nation’s main source of revenue is derived from leases and Squamish owned businesses, such as the marina, Driving range, and Gas Bar. Of the Nation’s 70 leases the Park Royal Shopping Centre, International Plaza, Greater Vancouver Storage Sewage Plant, and the Capilano Trailer Part are included.

Treaty Negotiations

The Squamish Nation is seeking a resolution for the long outstanding claim to their traditional territories. Squamish Nation’s Statement of Intent to negotiate was accepted by the British Columbia Treaty Commission December, 1993. This is the first of six stages of the British Columbia Treaty Commission’s process. Presently, Squamish Nation is in the third stage of the process. (Stage Three: Framework Agreement)