Advisory Committees
Advisory Committees provide a unique and valuable opportunity for interested Members to learn more about the Nation’s governance, and to provide important feedback to help guide decision making.
Advisory Committee Nomination Form Advisory Committee Application FormAdvisory Committees provide a unique and valuable opportunity for interested Members to learn more about the Nation’s governance, and to provide important feedback that will help guide decisions that affect our community.
An Advisory Committee is composed of ten Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members appointed by Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw to provide advice on issues or matters as determined by Council. Two Councillors are present at meetings to act as liaisons between Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw and the Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committees do not exercise authority over Nation administration, staff, or Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw. Still, they may make requests to Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw for relevant information and resources required to fulfill their respective mandates.
Advisory Committees
The Budget & Finance Advisory Committee comprises ten Members to advise Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw and associated entities on various matters related to budget and finance in the Nation. The Committee’s role is to provide a direct link to support Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw. This Committee plays an integral role in ensuring Members’ perspectives are included in various finance projects, initiatives, policies, and the annual budget. The Committee will attend presentations and review informational materials developed by the Nation’s various departments and entities, and provide feedback.
The Elders Advisory Committee comprises ten Members over the age of 55 to advise Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw on various matters related to the Nation’s work. The Committee’s role is to provide a direct link to support Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw. This Committee plays an integral role in ensuring the Nation’s Elders are included in various projects, policies, and programs. The Committee will attend presentations and review informational materials developed by the Nation’s various departments and entities, and provide feedback.
The Housing Advisory Committee comprises ten Members to advise Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw and associated entities on various matters related to housing in the Nation. The Committee’s role is to provide a direct link to support Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw. This Committee plays an integral role in ensuring Members’ perspectives are included in various housing-related projects, initiatives, and policies. The Committee will attend presentations and review informational materials developed by the Nation’s various departments and entities, and provide feedback.
The Youth Advisory Committee comprises ten Members under the age of 25 to advise Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw on various matters related to the Nation’s work. The Committee’s role is to provide a direct link to support Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw. This Committee plays an integral role in ensuring the Nation’s Youth are included in various projects, policies, and programs. The Committee will attend presentations and review informational materials developed by the Nation’s various departments and entities, and provide feedback.
Eligibility Requirements
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is committed to incorporating the perspectives of all Members of from our diverse community. We encourage a broad cross-section of applicants that reflect this rich diversity, including persons with disabilities, and Members of different ages, gender identities, and backgrounds.
Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) will endeavour to achieve balance in the selection of Advisory Committee members by considering:
- gender,
- age,
- on-reserve/off-reserve residence, and
- background, experience, and demonstrated interest.
Applicants must be a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Member in good standing. “Good standing” means an individual that does not owe any money to the Nation. Or if they do owe money, they have entered into a written agreement with the Nation for the repayment of that money and is not delinquent in any payments under that agreement, and has no lawsuit against the Nation that has not been concluded, settled or dismissed.
Employees of the Nation who work in fields or areas related to the Advisory Committee’s mandate are ineligible.
Applicants cannot have any Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw or court-ordered restrictions on them related to Nation officials or employees.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate relevant experience or knowledge, abilities, and skills related to the mandate of the Advisory Committee.
Nomination by a community group working on the Advisory Committee’s mandate will be considered an asset, as is familiarity with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture and identity. Some knowledge of the Nation’s bylaws or policies will be regarded as an asset.
Applicants should be able to serve for the full term of the appointment (two years).
Time requirements vary among the committees. The minimum expectation is a single two hour meeting per month with up to four hours of reading and material review. Please review these estimates to ensure that you have sufficient time to devote to the Advisory Committee.
More Information
Applicants may be self-nominated or nominated by others or organizations.
Unless otherwise specified in the Advisory Committee description, appointees serve in their private capacities and not as representatives of a nominating organization.
Individuals who are presently members of the Advisory Committee may be re-appointed to that Committee.
Successful candidates will serve without remuneration. These are volunteer positions.
Nation Updates
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw History Book For Sale
We are excited to announce that tiná7 cht ti temíxw (We Come From This Land) will be published in early January 2024! The book is intended to be a snapshot – a collection of some of the multi-faceted stories and histories that are held by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People and a starting point for future conversations.
Squamish Strong Protocol Agreements Signed
As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, we are pleased to announce the Nation is signing a Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement with the City of North Vancouver, District of Squamish, and the City of Vancouver respectively.
New Squamish Nation Residential Tenancy Regulations for Sen̓áḵw
Today, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw announces that the protections in the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act (BCRTA) will be in place for the Sen̓áḵw development and for future on-reserve housing developments.