Estx̱wáy̓usem
Finance & IT
The Estx̱wáy̓usem department maintains the financial and technological integrity of the Nation’s government and businesses. Its role is to assist Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of its operations. The department oversees the Nation’s budgets, internal and external financial reporting, and insurance.
The team also provides support and advice to operating departments within the Nation to assist them in accomplishing their financial objectives, and provides support to individual Nation Members with taxation, insurance, and technology.
Estx̱wáy̓usem Reception
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: finance@squamish.net
Address: 320 Seymour Blvd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2J3
Mailing Address: PO Box 86131, North Vancouver, BC V7L 4J5
Director: vacant
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Name: Estx̱wáy̓usem
“Estx̱wáy̓usem” means to look carefully and/or examine, and reflects the role Finance plays to carefully look after the Nation, its finances, and its wealth.
Services
Income Tax Returns
To ensure that Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw Members get all of the payments to which they are entitled, the Nation’s Finance staff prepares tax returns for Elders and Members on Income Assistance.
It is a requirement of the Government of Canada that all income-earners file an annual tax return. Failure to file a return will result in the stoppage of certain payments, like HST Credit payments, Child Tax Credit payments and Old Age income supplement payments.
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: tax_return@squamish.net
Insurance Claims
One of the responsibilities of the Estx̱wáy̓usem department is to manage the Nation’s insurance portfolio, including insurance for Member housing on-reserve and Nation-owned buildings. Finance staff assist Nation Members with their insurance claims to make certain that valid claims are processed as efficiently as possible.
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: insurance@squamish.net
Here are some examples of incidents that may result in a property damage claim:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water damage
- Flood
- Earthquake
- Robbery or theft
- Windstorm, hail, or ice storm
What to do in the event of property damage?
- Remain calm and take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well being of any individuals.
- Call 911 immediately in the event of a fire and smoke damage.
- Report any theft or robbery to the police as soon as possible.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to the property. This may require actions such as calling a plumber for emergency water shut off or repairs, securing the building with temporary boarding up of windows, doors etc. It is important that homeowners remove any moisture as soon as possible to prevent mold.
- If it is safe to do so, take photos of the damaged property.
- For support with renovations, Members can also contact Nexwsp’áyaḵen ta Úxwumixw (Community Operations) at 604-980-8655 and communityoperations@squamish.net (in North Vancouver) or 604-848-2200 and svcommopsworkorders@squamish.net (in Squamish Valley).
What to do after the initial property damage incident is under control?
- Contact Aislinn McCullough at insurance@squamish.net to request a property claim form.
- Complete the form and include photos of the damage if possible. You should also include receipts for any immediate repair work or other expenses you incurred as a result of the property damage (eg. staying in a hotel), and the police file number/copy of report, if applicable.
Once this information has been submitted to Nation administration, it will be reviewed and further information may be requested to complete your claim. Members are asked to submit their paperwork promptly and work collaboratively with the Nation to minimize losses and costs to the community.
No expenses are covered until the Nation and their insurers provide agreement. Any payments are subject to standard deductibles and policy limits.
Payments (Accounts Payable)
One of the most important departmental functions is the payment function. Every month we produce more than 4,000 payments for Members, vendors, and employees.
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: finance@squamish.net
Finance Planning & Oversight
We provide Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) with a financial planning function through the annual budgeting process. Throughout the year, we meet regularly with Nexwsxwníw̓ ntm ta Úxwumixw and department directors to review and identify areas for financial improvement.
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: finance@squamish.net
Reporting Services
The department provides regular financial reporting to Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw and the Band Manager, departments and to outside funding agencies and governments. Regular reporting includes:
- Annual financial statements
- Regular reports to Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw
- Regular reports to department heads
- Regular reports to funding agencies in accordance with contracts
- Other financial reports as requested
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: finance@squamish.net
Revenue & Receivable Services
Estx̱wáy̓usem makes sure that all revenues owed to the Nation are invoiced, collected, and recorded, including:
- Amounts receivable from government agencies and other funders
- Amounts receivable for rents and leases
- Amounts receivable for property taxes on reserve
- All other receipts, ensuring they are deposited in the bank and recorded correctly
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: finance@squamish.net
Procurement
The department provides support to all staff through the entire procurement and supply management cycle — from buying and paying for goods, services and construction to vendor performance management, contract management, and asset disposal.
Vendors interested in working with Squamish Nation, click here.
Phone: 604-980-4553
Email: procurement@squamish.net
Infomation Technology
Information Technology (IT) is the centralized resource for providing computers, internet, and telecom functions, and actively supports the network infrastructure, hardware, peripherals, software for the Nation’s more than 300 employees.
Manager: Wesley Wong
