Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw Statements
Council Statements

Vancouver’s Municipal Election: What Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Expects From The Next Mayor and Council

Squamish Nation Council provided a statement regarding Vancouver’s Municipal Election.

“The City of Vancouver operates on the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and whoever Vancouver elects next, the relationship with Squamish Nation must be a priority.

The Squamish Nation–City of Vancouver Protocol Agreement was signed between our two governments in 2023. To date, Squamish Nation is the only local First Nation to have signed such a protocol with the City.

Good work has been done under the Protocol Agreement. However, this work has just begun. Whoever is elected on October 17th must reaffirm their commitment to the government-to-government relationship with Squamish Nation, implementing existing commitments under the Protocol Agreement, advancing UNDRIP, and ensuring Indigenous rights, title, and jurisdiction are reflected in City decision-making.

The City of Vancouver’s next Mayor and Council should view Squamish Nation as a key partner in addressing housing affordability, economic development, climate resilience, transportation, and other challenges facing our communities. We are addressing these challenges in a Squamish way, led by our values and principles as a Nation.

The City of Vancouver was designated as a City of Reconciliation in 2014, and endorsed the UNDRIP Strategy and Action Plan with MST in 2022 and 2024. Reconciliation requires ongoing commitment, resourcing, and capacity. We look forward to continuing this good work, together.”

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is aware of recent news reports outlining a possible expansion in capacity of the Woodfibre LNG facility now under construction in Squamish.

Click here to read the statement