Council Resolution on Public Safety
In response to the Council Resolution on Public Safety (passed November 27, 2025), our Nation’s departments continue to work together in close collaboration to support Squamish People.
Multiple public safety measures were enacted late last year and continue to be developed. Our Nation is ensuring Community stays connected, and that supports, whether medical, legal, or cultural, are in place for those that need it.
We all have responsibilities and play a role in bringing to life the vision of our Generational Plan. Part of that Generational Plan vision is a feeling of security, especially as it relates to our values of Wenáxws and Úxwumixw through respect and good relations with our lands and each other. Wenáxws and Úxwumixw guide us to work together to keep our communities strong and that in turn helps us foster a feeling of security for our people.
How to Connect to Supports
For Squamish Nation support outside of our regular hours, our main point of contact for anyone in Community is our Safety Phone Line: 604-982-9938.
This 24/7 number includes connection to People Services supports with Public Safety & People Services working closely together to provide supportive services and follow-up discussions.
Here is a closer look at some of the actions, so far, as we respond together to our Local State of Emergency:
Additional Wellness on Wheels
The Nexwnínlhewá7nem Ch’áwch’aw hén̓ xwilhem (People Services on Wheels) continues to move through the Communities in North Vancouver and the Squamish Valley. A second wellness van was purchased and will be fully operational this June. Our People Services on Wheels vehicles are not intended to be call-response vehicles, but are wellness units created to meet the growing need for accessible, culturally grounded care that meets people where they are. The vehicles provide harm-reduction supplies, emotional and mental health support, traditional medicines, referrals, and comfort items — in addition to caring, trained staff.
Crisis Response Team Mobilized
People Services staff identified seven existing staff members, including crisis support specialists, mental health clinicians, and social workers that can respond as soon as a need for Community support is identified.
Expansion of Community Safety Team (CST)
The Community Safety Team has significantly expanded its operations. The team now works from 9 am until 2:30 am on the North Shore, and from 9 am to 1 am in the Squamish Valley on a seven-day-a-week schedule. The department has transitioned several experienced part-time staff to full-time roles. The Nation’s main after-hours contact number, which is available to Community 24/7, was developed by the Public Safety Department.
Increased Surveillance
Our Communities on the North Shore and Squamish Valley are already home to more than 150 surveillance cameras, installed on administration buildings, Chief Joe Mathias Centre, Totem Hall, our schools and our Elder Centres. In response to the state of emergency, further key locations have been identified as areas for increased surveillance. Public Safety also hired an external service to conduct non-invasive surveillance for a two-month period following the declaration of emergency.
Block Watch
Communities with an active Block Watch program demonstrate a significant decrease in crime in their area. The Nation is introducing Block Watch into Community by setting up information booths at CJMC, at Nation events and raising awareness of the program to encourage Community to sign up and participate in the Block Watch program.
Increased Recreation Programs
Both CJMC and the Kw’eshḵw’shétsutay̓ (Playing Place) have expanded their hours. This means more access to the gymnasium, weight room, and Playing Place (multisport box) and increased opportunities for Community to get involved in recreation programming such as volleyball, floor hockey, drumming and singing
Here’s a link to the Spring CJMC program guide: https://bit.ly/3PqYWri
Healing and Safety Task Force
In February, Council created a Healing and Safety Task Force. The task force is required to make recommendations to Council on a range of public safety matters that will improve the quality of life, safety and health of the Squamish People. The Band Manager is chairperson of the Task Force, and with task force members will advance culturally grounded responses to the toxic drug crisis.
The Healing and Safety Task Force will meet at least once a month for at least one year, and all meetings will be open to Community Members.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing acted on Council’s Safety Resolution with a Crime Free Resident policy that strengthens building safety while supporting housing stability. We work with the First Nation Integrated Unit (IFNU) and the Squamish Nation Community Safety Team when serious safety risks arise, and since implementing these measures, critical incidents have decreased.
The Squamish Nation temporarily contracted 24/7 security at Estítkw Place and Chenkw Em̓út. Security reports consistently showed that Hiy̓ám̓ Housing staff effectively de-escalated situations, and the Nation has chosen not to renew these contracts.
Amid the toxic drug crisis, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing remains committed to harm reduction approaches that create safer homes, reduce overdoses, and prevent homelessness for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People.
Added Supports Ayás Mén̓men and Yúustway
People Services departments, Ayás Mén̓men and Yúustway, are providing counselling services and several regular group meetings. Call to reach their services during Nation office hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm: Yúustway at 604-982-7806 and Ayás Mén̓men at 604-985-4111.
Some of the weekly offerings include: Mens and Women’s and Open Talking Circles; Traditional Medicine Drop Ins and Wellness Wednesdays.