Today, the District of Squamish and Squamish Nation have formally signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The signing, which took place at Sp’akw’us Feather Park on the Squamish oceanfront, was attended by leaders from both governments, including Squamish Nation Councillor and Spokesperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford, and members of both Councils. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between the two governments.
The MOU outlines a shared commitment to collaboration in areas such as land stewardship, reconciliation, and joint decision-making. It builds on decades of cooperation and identifies six Priority Activities to guide our work together.
Expected areas of collaboration Between Squamish Nation and the District of Squamish:
- Holding Council-to-Council meetings at least twice a year
- Co-developing a referrals management agreement
- Aligning land use and community planning processes
- Establishing a joint Land Back Task Force to explore pathways for the return or co-management of public lands
The six Priority Activities are:
- Issue a formal apology acknowledging the impacts of colonization on the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, lands, and waters.
- Co-develop a referrals agreement to recognize Squamish Nation jurisdiction and ensure meaningful engagement in land-related decisions.
- Collaborate on community planning, including updates to the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Squamish Valley Community Development Plan (SVCDP).
- Expand inclusive recreation access by removing barriers to programs, spaces, and services.
- Create a Land Back Task Force to explore returning public lands to Squamish Nation.
- Pause development on Cheekeye Fan Lots while exploring potential land transfer to Squamish Nation.