Codes, Laws & Bylaws
Election & Referendum Law
On December 18, 2018, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) voted to formally approve and accept the decision of Members in the referendum on election reform that took place December 6, 2018. This approval marked the most significant and comprehensive change to the Nation’s elections and governance since 1981, and came into effect at the General Election on September 26, 2021.
- Seven elected Councillors plus one elected Chairperson (instead of sixteen elected Councillors, with two Co-Chairs elected internally by Councillors);
- Designated Councillors to represent the Squamish Valley, the North Shore, and outside of our communities;
- A ban on outside money in candidate campaigns, including a ban on union or corporate donations;
- Candidacy requirements to be eligible to run; and
- A new initiative whereby Members can call a referendum on subjects of their choosing.
Election & Referendum Law (approved by Membership on December 6, 2018. Consolidated as of May 31, 2025)
Election & Referendum Regulation (approved by Membership on November 5, 2019. Amended June 3, 2025 and July 9, 2025)
Electoral Commission
Drug and Alcohol Free Zones On-Reserve
To promote and support more family-friendly environments on-reserve, in 2016 Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) approved an order to designate certain areas of reserves as drug- and alcohol-free.
Public intoxication or consumption of alcohol in the areas identified in the document below is not permitted. The Liquor Control and Licensing Act is enforceable on-reserve and the Nation has requested the local police enforce it and reinforce community safety in these areas relating to any drug or alcohol use.
View the zonesBylaws
Squamish Nation Fireworks Bylaw
A Fireworks Bylaw was established in 2024 to regulate fireworks on all reserve land. This bylaw applies to all Members and non-Members on Reserve, and it prohibits the possession, storage, promotion, sale, purchase, and discharge of fireworks on reserve at any time.
For full details on the Squamish Nation Fireworks Bylaw, click here.
Bylaw for the Preservation, Protection and Management of Fish
This bylaw outlines the regulations and restrictions Sḵwx̱wú7mesh members must observe when fishing within Sḵwx̱wú7mesh waters. The bylaw details what fishing tools can and cannot be used, the size of nets, and outlines the type, size, and ages of fish which can be harvested from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh waters.
Any Nation-appointed Fishery Officer can enforce the provisions of this bylaw and any person violating the bylaw is liable to fines of up to $1,000. To see the entire bylaw for the Preservation, Protection and Management of Fish, please click here.
Squamish Nation Animal Control Bylaw
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s (Squamish Nation’s) Animal Control Bylaw outlines the rules for the licensing, control, welfare, and destruction of dogs and other animals on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lands.
Enforcement of this bylaw includes sharing information with Community about responsible dog ownership and licensing. Dogs found running loose, or unlicensed, or that have inflicted an unprovoked bite on a person or another animal will be seized and impounded.
For full details on the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s Animal Control Bylaw click here.
Squamish Nation Trespass and Nuisance on Reserve Bylaw
This bylaw regulates trespassing and nuisances on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Reserve Lands. The bylaw addresses vandalism, removing natural resources, interfering with Reserve use by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh persons, erecting or excavating without authorization, discarding waste, and generally causing nuisance to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People.
It is a contravention of this bylaw to obstruct, interfere with, or hinder any authorized employee, officer, or agent of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) in carrying out their duties and responsibilities under this bylaw.
For the complete bylaw, please click here.
Sen̓áḵw Zoning Bylaw
Financial Administration Law
On October 20, 2022, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) approved to repeal the Squamish Nation Financial Administration By-Law 2019, and enact a Financial Administration Law (FAL). The FAL is a set of governance and finance practices that informs decision-making by Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw and Nation employees with regard to financial matters. It covers administration, financial management, capital projects and asset management, and more.
On December 15, 2022, the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) reviewed the Nation’s FAL and granted certification. This provides the opportunity to become a member of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA). Benefits include being able to apply for New Fiscal Relationship 10-year grants as well as access financial products and services that the FNFA offers at competitive rates.
Nation Updates
Approval given for Second Floatel in Squamish
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Council approved the second floatel following a review process under the Squamish National Environmental Assessment Agreement (SNEAA) -- the first Indigenous-led environmental assessment of its kind.
Unveiling the Squamish Valley Community Plan
We are unveiling The Valley’s Plan next month, a first of its kind in the Squamish Valley. It gathers all plans (past, present, future) and clearly explains what we would like to accomplish in the Squamish Valley over the next 10 years.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution Project Update
During the past two years, we’ve collected input from our community-- at events, family dinners, and through online surveys -- about what should be in our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution.