iy̓ím ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong)
On July 23rd, 1923, believing they were stronger together, 412 People represented by 16 headmen from approximately two dozen Sḵwx̱wú7mesh villages came together to form the modern-day Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) by signing the Prayer of Amalgamation.
Although Amalgamation Day recognized us on paper, we were Squamish long before this day. Our history, connection to, and governance of these lands and waters spans thousands of years.
Through the centuries, our Ancestors collectively defended the Territory together. There were tens of thousands of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh living in over 100 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh villages in our territory, including – but not limited to – Iy̓álmexw (Jericho); Sen̓áḵw; Pápiy̓eḵ, Sch’ílhus, and X̱wáýx̱way (Stanley Park); Í7iy̓el̓shn (English Bay); Xwemelch’stn (Capilano); Eslhá7an (Lonsdale); Ch’ich’éx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour); Ch’ḵw’elhp and Schen̓ḵ (Sunshine Coast). These villages were led by dozens of headmen (chiefs) who, working together, led our communities to successful thriving lives.
The impacts of colonization, diseases brought to our communities, and Crown interference with our governance structures, villages, and territory all resulted in reduced population, villages, and headmen. By the early 1920s, 16 headmen fought to restore our historical governance system of working together as one Nation.
The 16 headmen of the remaining villages came from far and wide across a traditional Territory spanning more than 6,700 square kilometres. In 1923, after 100 years of colonial and crown disruption, disease, and outright theft of our villages, 23 distinct village communities existed on our vast lands.
These places are where our longhouses sat along the shore. This is where we fished and hunted, harvested clams and seaweed, collected our bark, cut our cedar, and held ceremony. This is where we raised our families and buried our dead. It is where we still live and exercise our rights today.
Across our territory, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh place names endure, telling the story of our relationship with the land, and of the leaders and supporting villages who felt we were stronger together.
July 23rd is now known as Amalgamation Day, and we come together as a People to recognize and celebrate it every year.
iy̓ím ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong)
To learn more about our history, please visit: Amalgamation Day
