Community Initiatives

The Nation is undertaking a number of exciting projects and initiatives. Community engagement activities will be posted regularly on this page including events, surveys, and other feedback opportunities.

We want to hear from you.

The Nation is committed to engaging Members in a meaningful way as we address issues and make changes that will affect current and future generations. Below you will find current community initiatives. Click on a tile to learn more and find out which projects are looking for your feedback and input. This page will be updated as projects progress and new ones begin.

chet kw’enmantúmi (we thank you) for taking the time to share your thoughts. We value your input and involvement.

Active Projects

Additional Projects

This section includes community initiatives that not currently seeking input. This may mean projects that have ended or initiatives that are reviewing, or have reviewed, the information provided by Members and will report back on next steps.

The Nation is developing Úxwumixw 2050: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Generational Plan, to enable our community to build a roadmap to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and improved governance.

To learn more about the project visit squamish2050.net.

To continue the proud tradition of building homes on our land and meet the Nation’s strategic vision of housing every Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Member within a generation, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) requested that the Housing Policy be updated.

Staff from Ta na wa Shéway I7x̱w ta Úxwumixw (Planning & Capital Projects), Ts’ixwts’ixwnítway (Member Services), Nexwsp’áyaḵen ta Úxuwmixw (Community Operations), Ta na wa Ch’áwat ta Sx̱wéx̱wel (Squamish Valley Operations), Wa Ns7eyx̱ ta Temíxw (Community Lands), and Hiy̓ám̓ Housing are working together on this important project.

Learn more

The lacrosse box facility at Xwmélch’sten served the Nation lacrosse teams, individual players, and residents for many years. In 2021, it was determined that this facility was at the end of its lifecycle and needed to be replaced.

The former lacrosse box site will now serve a new purpose and is being redeveloped to offer housing for Nation Elders, families, and youth.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Nick Guidobono, Manager – Capital Projects at Nick_G@squamish.net or 604-904-7474.

Building our Elder’s Program for our Elders by our Elders

Starting in January 2022, the Squamish Nation Elder’s Program with support from Ts’ixwts’ixwnítway (Member Services),  actively connected with Elders, youth, and community – living within and outside of the community – to hear what you wanted for the future of your Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh síiyuxwa7 (Squamish Nation Elders) Program. Based on your input the team created a meaningful and inclusive Elder’s Program Plan, for present and future generations, that is rooted in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh values and culture.

The revamped Elder’s Program was launched in October 2023. We look forward to updating you on the progress of the implementation in 2024.

If you have any questions about this project, contact the Project Planning Team at eldersproject@squamish.net or 604-987-4646.

In 2019, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw passed a motion recognizing that we are in a climate emergency. Urgent action is needed to protect and strengthen the rights of the Squamish People, advance self-determination, protect quality of life, and enhance the health of our community. In order to build a sustainable and resilient community, the Nation is developing the Wa Lhkwáyel Skwiyíńtsut (Climate Action Strategy).

Learn more

Between July and October 2022, we asked Members to answer questions about health, housing, jobs, education, language and culture, and other aspects of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh life.

Overall, we heard from roughly 1 in every 3 Members, and every generation was well represented in the census answers. chet kw’enmantúmi (we thank you) for the high levels of participation!

Learn more

Squamish Valley does not currently have a longhouse for ceremony/cultural use. As such, the Nation, through Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council), has set aside funds for the development and construction of a longhouse for our communities in the area.

On August 18, 2020, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw requested a Needs Assessment be completed by Ta na wa Shéway I7x̱w ta Úxwumixw (Planning & Capital Projects). In May 2022, the Needs Assessment Report was approved and a Business Case was requested to be completed.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Nick Guidobono, Manager – Capital Projects at Nick_G@squamish.net or 604-904-7474.

In 2020 leadership and senior management identified the need for a centralized administration and community services building on the North Shore, and an expanded administration facility in the Squamish Valley as a top priority for the Nation.

The building on the North Shore will become the face of the Nation: a vibrant one-stop centre that tells the story of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and where Members can access department services under one roof. In the Squamish Valley, leadership wants to understand what Member priorities are for St’á7mes as it expands under the Addition to Reserve (ATR) process finalized in 2021.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Nick Guidobono, Manager – Capital Projects at Nick_G@squamish.net or 604-904-7474.

Nation Updates