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 Language

The Squamish people are the Native Indians who speak the Skwxwú7mesh Snichim, Squamish language. Today the term Squamish Nation is often used to describe this group of Coast Salish people, however in the long ago their was no word for “nation” and the Squamish simply called themselves Squ-HO-o-meesh, “the Squamish People”. The Skwxwú7mesh Snichim although critically endangered is still a vital part of the Squamish peoples culture.