The History of Amalgamation
On July 23, 1923, 16 Indian Bands, with a combined population of 412 Members, united into the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Amalgamation created the conditions for the success of the Squamish People today with a population that has grown to more than 4,000 Members
2026 Event Details for Nation Members Thousands of Years of History
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh history and the connection to the territory span thousands of years, long before Amalgamation. Archaeological evidence dates back 8,600 years, while oral history tells of the Squamish People’s enduring connection to these lands.
The path toward Amalgamation took many years to conclude, with some sources mentioning up to thirteen years. Members and chiefs of the sixteen bands unanimously agreed to unify with the goal of overcoming feelings of inequality or disagreement among Squamish People, ensuring good government of the Nation, and consolidating all properties, interests, and accounts held in trust into a single entity for the benefit of current and future Members.
Longhouse History
Prior to settlers arriving in Greater Vancouver, Squamish People lived in family units in multi-family housing, often called longhouses. Most families had dual residencies, moving depending on the season for harvesting.
Creation of Reserves
Between 1876 and 1888, reserve lands along Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet were allotted and surveyed. Reserve locations were established at village sites or traditional food gathering sites, with a total of 26 reserves assigned for use by the Squamish People. All remaining land was claimed as Crown land.
In the years that followed, various reserve lands were leased or sold for industrial sites, and residents were moved off the land as surrounding cities expanded. In 1911, amendments to the Indian Act allowed the Crown to purchase urban Indian reserves without the consent or approval of the people living there.
The Road to Amalgamation
Between 1913 and 1922, Andy Paull began representing the interests of various Squamish People to the Canadian government. Working with Chief Harry, he wrote proposals for Amalgamation and acted as an interpreter.
Chiefs from several villages appealed to the government to stop transactions that did not recognize family ties and the sharing of resources. These appeals, along with the call for the Amalgamation of villages into one Nation, were unsuccessful.
During 1922 and 1923, several sales and expropriations of reserve land generated substantial revenue for certain Sḵwx̱wú7mesh communities. Because only those living on the land being sold received the profits, this contributed to feelings of unfairness and inequality. Amalgamation appeals and discussions among Sḵwx̱wú7mesh leaders and government officials took eight years to conclude, with the final two years of negotiations and meetings proving critical in the movement toward one unified Nation.
Prayer of Amalgamation
On January 26, 1923, during a community meeting attended by recognized Sḵwx̱wú7mesh chiefs and government officials, the “Prayer of Amalgamation” petition was approved. It was signed by seventy-six Squamish People and the chiefs of the sixteen Indian bands.
Squamish People United
On July 23, 1923, sixteen Indian bands, with a combined population of 412 Members, were united into one Squamish Nation, or Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. All properties, interests, and accounts held in trust were to be treated as belonging to a single entity of the Squamish People.
A Dynamic Force
Amalgamation created the conditions for the success of the Squamish People. Today, the population has grown to more than 4,000 Members, and the government has evolved over time. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw continues to be a dynamic force in the region, rooted in its traditions while striving for great things over the next 100 years.
wa iy̓ím ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong).
Amalgamation Day Photos
Each year, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw comes together to celebrate Amalgamation Day, honouring the unity of the sixteen Squamish communities and the strength of our Nation. Browse highlights from the 2025 celebration below.
