Ayás Méńmen Child & Family Services is pleased to open registration for several upcoming summer activities. Click on the links below to download the brochure for each program:
🛶 K’ÁNATSUT T’UKW’ Mini Canoe Journey
🚲 Summer Bike & Scooter Safety Session
If you have any questions, contact Hailey Jacobs at hailey_jacobs@squamish.net or (604) 360-0501
On behalf of the Board, I am very pleased to share with Squamish Nation Members the appointment of Bernd Christmas as our new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nch’kaỷ Development Corporation. The appointment follows a competitive Canada-wide candidate search and thorough review process.
Bernd was previously the Managing Partner of the Bernd Christmas Law Group, specializing in corporate and commercial law as well as Indigenous Peoples law. As an Indigenous lawyer, former CEO of the Membertou Band of Nova Scotia, and as a negotiator for several First Nations bands, Mr. Christmas brings a deep understanding of Indigenous perspectives as well as extensive experience on national and international boards and commissions. Other significant experience includes the CEO and General Counsel of Gitpo Storms Corporation, a Partner at the law firm of Cassels Brock LLP, and the position of Senior Vice-President and National Aboriginal Practice Leader at Hill & Knowlton Canada.
We would also like to thank Toby Baker for his service as CEO and Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Development, in particular his leadership on the Sen̓áḵw project.
Please join with us in welcoming Bernd Christmas.
Mindy Wight
Board Chair, Nch’kaỷ Development Corporation
Download the full announcement from Nch’kaỷ Development Corporation
Yesterday, 550 Squamish members cast their ballots in the Affordable Housing Land Designation Referendum. Here are the results:
Question 1: Yes: 458 No: 89 Spoiled Ballot:1
Question 2: Yes: 474 No: 77
Question 3: Yes: 465 No: 80 Spoiled Ballot: 1
Thank you to everyone who made time to vote by mail or in person. We can now move forward with developments on three parcels of land that will provide hundreds of new affordable housing options for Squamish families, and get us closer to our goal of bringing all Squamish people home within a generation. Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society will be sharing more details about next steps on these projects in the coming weeks.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Cowessess First Nation, which has signed the first Coordination Agreement under the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. Under the Miyo Pimatisowin Act, Cowessess First Nation affirm their rights and jurisdiction over child and family services for all Cowessess citizens and establishes their holistic, traditional, and culturally-based healing model: Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge. We wish them strength and wisdom as they resume their rightful place in the affairs of their children and families. We anticipate that this will be the first of many coordination agreements as Indigenous communities reassert their inherent right to care for their own children and families.
The Squamish Nation through Ayás Mén̓men programs and services, guide, protect, and provide for our families and children according to our Chiyaxw (Squamish traditional values and culture). From June to December 2021, the Ayás Mén̓men Project Team are engaging our membership by presenting what this unique opportunity means for our Nation and seeking community input on affirming our own inherent rights and jurisdiction over child and family services.
Our current progress includes:
-Presentations to council;
-Consultations with our hereditary Chiefs;
-A survey, 45+ responses to date;
-And continued Family meetings, focus groups, and workshops.
Please check the weekly Syetsm newsletters for updates or email AmmComm@squamish.net for more information.
A reminder to all members to come out and vote in our Affordable Housing Land Designation Referendum this Wednesday, July 28 from 9 am to 8 pm. At the polls, members will be asked to vote about three separate sites proposed for affordable housing.
This landmark vote could help the Nation create hundreds of new affordable housing options for our members and bring us closer to meeting our goal of bringing all Squamish people home within a generation. Learn more at BringSquamishHome.com
IMPORTANT VOTING DETAILS
When to vote:
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 between 9 am and 8 pm
After you cast your ballot, pop by the Voting Parties happening between 4 and 8 pm outside both polling stations to enjoy some fun, food and music to celebrate our Nation coming together.
Where to vote:
Totem Hall, 1380 Stawamus Road, Squamish)
Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
What to bring with you to the polls:
Photo Identification
Not mandatory, but encouraged.
Your Ballot (if possible)
In June, all members with up-to-date addresses on file with the Nation were mailed voting information packages that included a blank ballot.
A friend, family member or neighbour:
Not mandatory, but we want to encourage as many members as possible to have their voice heard in this referendum.
Visit BringSquamishHome.com to learn more about the land designation, project and development plans and benefits of bringing affordable housing to our people.