To the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People,
Re: Violent Incidents in Community
With a recent increase in violent incidents among young people in our communities, we are facing difficult and challenging times. These violent incidents have far-reaching consequences for all of us. To keep our communities and our young people safe, it is important to address these incidents and related safety concerns immediately. The safety of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People is our top priority, and we take the allegations of criminal and violent behaviour seriously.
Actions currently being taken by staff
To stem the violence and prevent future incidents, staff are taking several actions.
- We have asked our Commissioner of Public Safety, Gursimran Gill, to gather details about the incidents and to work collaboratively with IFNU (Integrated First Nations Unit) and the Police to identify the individuals involved and support the ongoing investigation.
- The Police and IFNU will increase their presence and patrols in our communities over the upcoming weekends and evenings.
- As the eyes and ears of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People on community safety, the Community Safety Team (CST) will continue to proactively observe, record, educate, and report safety incidents on our lands.
- Staff continue to provide wrap around health, wellness, and healing supports to the young people and their families.
Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services)
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 604-985-4111 or Email: ayasmenmen_reception@squamish.net
North Vancouver Family Support
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 604-985-4111
Squamish Valley Family Support
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 604-362-8902
Autumn Juanicotena-Heal – Team Leader, Youth Services: 604-396-1721
Gloria Sun – Team Leader, Youth Services: 236-788-0615
For afterhours support for child safety call the Ministry of Children & Family Development at 604-660-4927. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the Help Line for Children at 604-310-1234.
Here’s how we can stand and work together – Chén̓chenstway
Keeping our people safe is ultimately the responsibility of the entire Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community. To make this happen, we need to take a stand against ANY type of violence taking place in our communities – and work together to hold each other up and to support one another.
To help us respond to the incidents and to support the investigation, we encourage you to come forward to report the crime. When you do this, you may be taking the first step in helping to prevent further crimes and to promote safety.
If you have any information about these incidents or are aware of any type of criminal or suspicious activity taking place in our community, please contact the Police. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or your local police at:
- West Vancouver: 604-925-7300
- North Vancouver: 604-985-1311
- Squamish Valley: 604-892-6100
You may also share any information related to these events with our Ta na wa Téy̓wilhay̓lhem, our Public Safety department, at 604-982-9938 or via email at public_safety@squamish.net. If you want to report anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at solvecrime.ca.
More information on how to get support
To access internal and external health, wellness, and healing supports, visit our Emergency Contacts page at squamish.net/emergency-contacts.
We will announce further details of the additional resources and strategies available in the near future.
Chet wanáxwstúmi (respectfully),
Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw
Squamish Nation Council