wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
Squamish Nation Constitution

wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh is the name given to the Nation’s project to develop a constitution. The project was formed from a mandate from the Squamish People through Resolution 1-2022 at the People’s Assembly held in November 2022.

Visit the Constitution Project Website

About the project

The goal of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution Project is to get all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh stélmexw to participate in deciding our way of being a nation. This is a chance to make sure we always do things that are true to our ways, our culture, and our strengths. A constitution is an agreement that outlines and defines the relationship between us, Squamish People, and our nation’s government. If we vote yes it becomes our highest law.

From the beginning, the Project Team has designed the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution Project to be transparent, welcoming, and open. The Constitution is something we will create together for the benefit of all of us. Your voice matters just as much as anyone’s, and our Constitution will affect you as much as it affects any another Sḵwx̱wú7mesh stélmexw. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to get involved.

The Constitution Project exists because Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People voted for it at the People’s Assembly in November 2022. It will be created by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, independent of elected Council, and with input from all of us. As Paítsmuḵ (Dave Jacobs) said when he proposed the creation of a Squamish Constitution, it will be “for us, by us.”

The Constitution will be drafted by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People over a four-year period. This includes the creation of the Constitution through Gatherings, working groups, feedback sessions, orientations, and finally a vote in Spring 2027 on whether or not to adopt the Constitution that we create together.

Your voice matters. We want the Constitution Project to represent our community and to support future generations of Skwxwú7mesh People. That’s why it’s so important for every single Nation person to help shape the Constitution.

Learn more at constitutionproject.net

2027 Referendum

 The constitution will be brought to the people in a referendum in 2027.

 

 

Working Group

We are pleased to announce that ten Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members have accepted invitations to serve on the s7ulh kwis úxwumixw (Our Way of Being a Nation) Working Group:

  • Tsúnumut, Brad Baker
  • Shilsút, Peter Baker
  • Sisolia, Donna Billy
  • Paitsmauk, Dave Jacobs
  • Monica (MJ) Jacobs
  • Syeta’x̱tn, Chris Lewis
  • Syexwáliya, Ann Whonnock
  • Jessie Williams
  • Jonny Williams

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the Working Group include, but are not limited to:

  • Guide the development of the constitution.
  • Provide direction for the development of the work plan.
  • Monitor performance against established goals and objectives.
  • Engage with the community to understand their interests, concerns, and aspirations for a constitution.
  • Organize and mobilize Members to participate in the constitution referendum.
  • Ensure that reporting, monitoring, and accountability obligations are met.