BudgetTalks

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Budget Cycle | Engagement

Each year the Nation develops a budget which outlines operating revenue and expenditure, cash flow, and capital expenditures. In other words, the budget sets out how much money the Nation expects to receive and how much to spend to provide programs and services as well as invest in our Members’ future.  

From programs and events, to strategic projects and staffing costs, the budget outlines all resources required for the next fiscal year. Members are invited to participate in shaping the direction of the budget and gain an understanding of how it benefits them, as well as future generations. 

Scroll through the timeline below to learn more about the budget cycle and get involved in the development of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Budget.

tem tsá7tsḵay̓ (April) - tem kw’eskw’ás (June)
Education
The process begins with sharing the current year's budget after it is approved by Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council).

Highlights are shared publicly while the more detailed and confidential Budget Memo is available for Members to view at www.squamish.net/finance-budgets (login access only).

The budget is also presented at the second People’s Assembly of the year.
tem tsá7tsḵay̓ (April) - tem kw’eskw’ás (June)
tem ḵw’élemexw (July) - tem cháyilhen (September)
Input
Members are invited to help shape the next year's budget through a variety of engagement opportunities.
tem ḵw’élemexw (July) - tem cháyilhen (September)
tem p’í7tway (October) - etl’ím lhḵaych’ (December)
Planning
Directors begin writing their budget proposals and work with Estx̱wáy̓usem (Finance) to finalize them.

The feedback collected during engagement activities is provided to Directors to help them understand Members' priorities.
tem p’í7tway (October) - etl’ím lhḵaych’ (December)
tem lhawt’ (March)
Approval
The budget is presented to Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw for approval.

Then the cycle begins again!
tem lhawt’ (March)

Engagement Opportunities for Budget 2023/24

Huy chexw a (thank you) to everyone who completed the survey. A summary of the responses is available to read here and will be provided to Directors to assist with planning their department budgets. 

Everyone who completed the survey was offered the opportunity to enter into a draw for a gift card. The winners are Ron Joseph, Chief Leanne Joe, Vernon Joseph, Andrew Joseph, and Renia Baker.

Huy chexw a (thank you) to everyone who took the time to join one of our facilitated discussion groups in November 2022. There were two sessions for Elders, one for Members of any age, and one for Nation staff. 

Highlights of what was heard can be viewed here. The report will be shared with the Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) Finance & Audit Committee as well as department Directors to assist in preparing their draft budgets for 2023-2024.