Organizational Structure Improvements
- November 30, 2022
Org Chart | Divisions | FAQ | Info Session Q&A
Overview
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is on an exciting path of re-building – rekindling our language and cultural practices, increasing own-source revenues, and expanding the range of services provided to Members. As our Nation continues to build capacity to support this vision, we have outgrown our current organizational structure.
This is why we are pleased to be sharing with you upcoming improvements to the organizational structure which will improve access to the services and programs the Nation delivers.
As of April 2023, the existing departments will be realigned into four divisions:
- People Services
- Territory & Culture
- Community Services
- Corporate Services
Each of these new divisions will be managed by an Executive Director, who will report to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Organizational Chart
This new structure will help to improve the services we deliver to the community. We expect greater coordination, communication, and collaboration between the departments which will facilitate better, more holistic services that give Members the support they deserve, on- and off-reserve.
As part of the Nation’s commitment to the protection and revitalization of our language, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim names are being developed for the four divisions.
Divisions
Programs and services provided by People Services will create wrap-around supports for the health and well-being of Members.
This division will include:
- Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services)
- Yúustway (Health & Wellness)
- Ta7lnew̓ás (Education, Employment & Training)
- Ts’ixwts’ixwnítway (Member Services)
Territory and Culture will focus on protecting the lands, waters, and resources while also honoring the sacred connection between language, culture, and territory.
This division will include:
- Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓íyelh (Language & Cultural Affairs)
- Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ (Rights & Title)
Community Services will focus on providing the physical infrastructure needed to support our people living together in healthy, safe communities.
This division will include:
- Ta na wa Shéway I7x̱w ta Úxwumixw (Planning & Capital Projects)
- Public Safety
- Community Lands
- Ta na wa Ch’áwat ta Sx̱wéx̱wel (Squamish Valley Operations)
- Nexwsp’áyaḵen ta Úxwumixw (Community Operations)
- Sen̓áḵw Operations
Corporate Services are the essential administrative supports needed to operate a modern and efficient Indigenous government.
This division will include:
- Chén̓chenstway (Human Resources)
- Estx̱wáy̓usem (Finance)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Communications
- Legal Services
Frequently Asked Questions
This new organizational structure will be effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year, April 2023.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is on a path of Nation re-building – reclaiming jurisdiction, gaining control over the territory, rekindling Squamish language and cultural practices, increasing own-source revenues, and expanding the range of services provided to Members. It is important to have a modern and efficient organizational structure that has the capacity to support this vision and plan.
Having four overarching divisions will help to improve the services we deliver to the community. We expect greater coordination, communication, and collaboration between the departments facilitating better, more holistic services that give Members the support they deserve. We also expect that the new organizational structure will improve access to services for Members on-reserve and off-reserve.
No, not at this time. Members can continue to contact the various departments and programs as they already do.
The job descriptions for these positions are currently being developed and recruitment will take place from December 2022 to April 2023.
The Nation is focused on hiring and retaining the best talent, including creating a succession pathway for existing managers and Directors to move into more senior roles within the organization.
Chief Administrative Officer Sheldon Tetreault, Council Chairperson Khelsilem, and Chief of Staff Peter Baker will host a virtual info session to provide an overview of the administration structure, key roles and responsibilities, and how these organizational changes will strengthen the capacity of Squamish Nation government.
It will take place via Facebook Live on January 12, 2023 at 6:00 pm.
If you have any further questions after the session, please contact Colleen_Guss@squamish.net.
Facebook Live Information Session
On January 12, 2023, Chief Administrative Officer Sheldon Tetreault, Council Chairperson Khelsilem, and Chief of Staff Peter Baker hosted a Facebook Live to present an overview of the administration, key roles and responsibilities, and how this organizational structure strengthens the capacity of Squamish Nation government, now and for the future.
If you missed the live, you can watch it here. The slides from the presentation are also available, here.
Q&A from January 12
Questions about the organizational structure and roles & responsibilities
The Nation is focused on hiring and retaining the best talent. This includes creating a succession pathway for existing managers and Directors to move into more senior roles within the organization. The Executive Director positions will be an open competition, and Members and current employees who feel that they are qualified for the roles are encouraged to apply.
Recruitment for these positions will be starting in early 2023.
These changes are required to support the Nation as it grows and builds capacity for the future. The cost to hire four Executive Directors will be less than 1% of the annual operations budget. We anticipate that this investment will increase and improve the program and services for our Squamish people.
The positions are currently being evaluated and placed on the Squamish Nation’s salary grid by Chén̓chenstway (Human Resources). Once that is determined, the salary ranges for the new positions will be included in the job postings.
A constitution gives voice to our own vision of self-determination. The implications of a constitution for individual Members and the Nation as a whole will be evaluated as part of the constitution development process. More information about the constitution development process will be presented at the People’s Assembly in March.
Links to the documents that were mentioned during the Facebook Live are available below:
Having four overarching divisions will help to improve the services we deliver to the community, on- and off-reserve. It will ensure that departments with similar mandates or programs and services are working together so we expect to see greater coordination, communication, and collaboration between them.
We anticipate that having four divisions will make it easier for Members access the services they need. The intention is to have a single point of contact for each division to improve response times to requests and inquiries, and so that Members will not have to navigate the system on their own.
The current organizational structure is no longer sustainable or suitable to meet the growing needs of the Squamish Nation. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw 2026, our Strategic Plan, outlines an ambitious plan for the next several years. The new organizational structure will build capacity to implement this vision.
A gap analysis was completed which identified, for example, that one concern is managing succession within the organization. If the person in the CAO role or a Director role moves on, the current structure leaves a gap which makes the transition to a new person filling the role more difficult. This can often set back progress in projects. The new structure will streamline the reporting structure, find efficiencies through increased department collaboration and communication, and deliver better value for our people.
The Band Manager, who is elected by Membership, is there to act as a community advocate and liaison for the Squamish people. This impartial advocacy role provides Membership with the access and right to be heard on important issues impacting their lives. The role does not include any financial or administrative authority.
You can contact the current Band Manager, Bianca Cameron at Bianca_Cameron@squamish.net
Members that are employed with the Nation have several resources and programs available to build leadership skills and education necessary for management roles. For example, the Nation offers leadership skill development training through comprehensive workshops offered by leading experts. Some of the workshops offered include a variety of leadership topics, such as Essential Skills for Emerging Leaders, Change Management, Project Management, Conflict Management, Building & Leading High Performing Teams.
Other opportunities include on the job training, educational leave options and tuition reimbursement that provide the time to work on professional development and certifications that improve skills and education while employed at Squamish Nation.
There are additional opportunities for training and education for all Members through Ta7lnew̓ás (Education, Employment & Training). Learn more.
Questions about other departments and topics
Ta na wa Shéway I7x̱w ta Úxwumixw (Planning & Capital Projects) works with Google to update on-reserve addresses and ensure that they are searchable. As this process can take time, the department also currently has a student supporting them to manually update addresses on Google Maps. Once those changes are inputted, it usually takes about two weeks for them to be reflected on Google Maps.
Ts’ixwts’ixwnítway (Member Services) provides emergency financial support to Members and works with other departments, organizations, and agencies to provide other services and resources. Call 604-982-7610 or mss@squamish.net to speak with an intake officer. For after-hours emergencies, phone 604-505-3776 or email Joe_Kwan@squamish.net.
In the event of a house fire or extreme weather event (flooding, landslides, or power outages), there is assistance available for affected Members, both on- and off-reserve. Please contact David Harrison, Manager, Emergency Planning & Response, at 604-374-2687 or emergencyresponse@squamish.net.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is building and will manage a number of new affordable housing projects in North Vancouver and Squamish Valley. Each project will exclusively house Members, with different groups given priority. For example, Chenḵw em̓út, on Mathias Road, will include 95 new units for independent Elders, youth, and families.
For more information please contact info@hiyamhousing.com or visit bringsquamishhome.com.
