Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓
Rights & Title
Squamish Connect Office & Contact Details
Phone: 604-982-0510
Email: consultation_rightsandtitle@squamish.net
Address: 415 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1A7
Director
Kathleen Edwards
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw holds Indigenous Rights & Title in lands and waters within its territory, which are recognized and affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982, DRIPA within the Province of British Columbia, and in the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Nation has a long-standing and sacred responsibility to the lands and waters of its territory, which covers more than 670,000 hectares in what is now known as British Columbia, Canada.
Since Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw has never signed a treaty with the Crown, or otherwise ceded its lands or rights, the department exists to protect, preserve, and manage the Nation’s rights and title interests, including all of its lands, resources, and cultural heritage.
The following key objectives underlie the department’s work in protecting and advancing the Nation’s Rights & Title interests:
- Developing and advancing the Nation’s land and marine use vision.
- Protection and management of the lands and waters of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory in a manner consistent with the Nation’s traditional and cultural use needs.
- Assertion of the Nation’s role as a distinct level of government in its territory with authority to govern and manage land use.
- Improvement of the Nation’s cultural prominence within its territory, including language and naming prominence.
- Engagement with Membership to keep them involved and informed.
- Revitalization of the connection between Members and youth and the Nation’s language, culture, tradition, and territory.
- Improvement of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw representation in key industries in the Sea to Sky corridor, including commercial recreation and tourism.
- Securing quality training and employment opportunities for Members and youth.
Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ could be interpreted as ‘The Ones Who Take Care of What Was Handed Down or What Will Be Handed Down’. This name refers to Stítwayntm – an inheritance, a legacy, an heirloom – but in a uniquely Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sense that could refer to our rights and title given to us by our ancestors, and to be passed on to our future generations.
Key Links
Nation Updates
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw History Book For Sale
We are excited to announce that tiná7 cht ti temíxw (We Come From This Land) will be published in early January 2024! The book is intended to be a snapshot – a collection of some of the multi-faceted stories and histories that are held by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People and a starting point for future conversations.
Squamish Strong Protocol Agreements Signed
As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, we are pleased to announce the Nation is signing a Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement with the City of North Vancouver, District of Squamish, and the City of Vancouver respectively.
New Squamish Nation Residential Tenancy Regulations for Sen̓áḵw
Today, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw announces that the protections in the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Act (BCRTA) will be in place for the Sen̓áḵw development and for future on-reserve housing developments.