Join The Membership Appeals Committee

The Squamish Nation Membership Appeals Committee (“Appeals Committee”) was established through the Squamish Nation Membership Code (2000) as the body responsible for reviewing appeals of Membership Committee decisions. Guided by the applicable membership criteria guidelines in the policies, the Appeals Committee makes well-informed, fair, and equitable decisions around membership. The Committee is also responsible for supplying written reasons for decisions.

In hearing appeals, the Appeals Committee considers evidence originally provided to the Registrar or Membership Committee, and must decide whether to uphold or repeal the decision of the Registrar or Membership Committee.

In Winter 2022, Member Services will be launching an engagement process to seek feedback from members on the Membership Code. The Squamish Nation Membership Code contains the rules that govern entitlement to be on the Membership List as “Member.” The Squamish Nation would like to address the sex-based biases that are placed upon the Squamish Nation Membership Code 2013 by the Indian Act. With the S-3 Act, there is an opportunity to update the Code to address these inequalities for the betterment of our people. The Appeals Committee will be integral ambassadors for promoting interest in the engagement process.

We are seeking seven (7) Squamish Nation Membership Appeals Committee Members, at least three (3) of whom must be Elders. The successful candidates will serve a 3-year term ending on September 30, 2025. This is an exciting volunteer opportunity for community-oriented, culturally-connected, and fair-minded individuals to help ensure that appeals to Membership Committee decisions are duly considered under the applicable policies.

The structure of the Appeals Committee must consist of not less than three (3) Elders and four (4) additional members.

The ideal candidate is a Squamish Nation Member who is passionate about advocating for the membership rights of Squamish People. You have commitment to and knowledge of the history, laws, customs, traditions, language and the cultural and communal life of the Squamish Nation. You are interested in genealogy and understand your family’s historic family ties to the traditional lands of the Squamish Nation. You have demonstrated interest and involvement in Squamish Nation community and culture, whether you live within or away from the community. You are enthusiastic about policy and have the ability to ensure policy guidelines are upheld in decision-making. You are a highly confidential person who can handle sensitive personal information with discretion and tact.