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.
These new protocol agreements are reflective of the principles, values and traditions of the Squamish People and provide guidance on how the two parties will meaningfully engage in advancing reconciliation.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and City of North Vancouver Announce New Protocol Agreement
July 13, 2023: North Vancouver, BC – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the City of North Vancouver have agreed to sign a new protocol agreement reflective of the principles, values, and traditions of the Squamish People. The Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong) Protocol Agreement provides guidance on how Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the City of North Vancouver engage in advancing reconciliation. It commits both parties to the following Sḵwx̱wú7mesh principles to guide the reconciliation process:
- tkwáya7n iy nexwnew̓ítm – Listen & Engage
- wa nexwniwnen chet ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh – Follow the Ways of the Squamish
- tex̱wlám̓ ns7eyx̱ – Genuinely Care
- chet wa telnexw tina tl’a snewiyelh tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – Learn the Advice of the Squamish
- na wa nelhnilhtway ta úxwumixw – The People Go Through It Together
- we7us chet ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh siyá̓m̓in – Protect the Rights and Title of the Squamish
While not legally binding, the agreement lays the groundwork for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that both the Nation and City will work together on.
As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the public and media are invited to attend the signing ceremony of the Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement between the Nation and City of North Vancouver.
Date: Saturday, July 15, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm ceremony and signing
Location: The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Media are advised to arrive in advance of the start time as there is no available parking on-site. There is public parking close to the location for both public and media to use.
Quotes
Spokesperson Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“This agreement reflects who we are as a People and our deep connection to these lands and waters. We are pleased to work closely with the City of North Vancouver as we seek to establish a pathway towards true reconciliation. There is more to do, but this protocol will be our guide for the important work to come.”
Mayor Linda Buchanan, City of North Vancouver
“Relationships are built on understanding and trust. This requires effort and a commitment to a shared vision for the future. As Mayor on behalf of Council, it is an honour to sign this new relationship agreement with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. We are committed to strengthening government-to-government relations and building important community relationships on the basis of respect, reconciliation, and collaboration.”
For more information, please contact:
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw: media@squamish.net
City of North Vancouver: media@cnv.org
About Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (also known as the Squamish Nation) is a unity of the Squamish Peoples with an uplifting culture, rich history, and exciting future. The Nation is an innovative Indigenous government that uses its resources to provide, guide, and protect the Squamish territory and Squamish People. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Members live in several urban reserve communities in the present-day cities of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, BC. Over 47 per cent of the nearly 4100 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members live on-reserve, and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code. The Nation has never ceded or surrendered title to its lands, rights to its resources, or the power to make decisions within its territory.
About the City of North Vancouver
Nestled between the sparkling waters of Burrard Inlet and the majestic North Shore mountains, and located on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the City of North Vancouver is a thriving, progressive and growing community. With a vision to be “The Healthiest Small City in the World,” we are focused on being a City for all People, firmly grounded in resiliency, connectivity, prosperity, and vibrancy.
Don’t let our modest size fool you—our 12-square kilometres are packed with amenities, attractions, supportive services, community-focused programming and flourishing industries like shipping, tourism, film production, manufacturing, and advanced technology. From scenic parks to top-rated restaurants to cultural festivals and bustling markets, the City of North Vancouver is a diverse community that draws new residents, visitors and businesses with its dynamic energy and unbeatable urban charm.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish Announce New Protocol Agreement
July 14, 2023: Squamish, BC – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish have agreed to sign a new protocol agreement reflective of the principles, values, and traditions of the Squamish People. The Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong) Protocol Agreement provides guidance on how Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and District of Squamish meaningfully engage in advancing reconciliation. It commits both parties to the following Sḵwx̱wú7mesh principles to guide the reconciliation process:
- tkwáya7n iy nexwnew̓ítm – Listen & Engage
- wa nexwniwnen chet ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh – Follow the Ways of the Squamish
- tex̱wlám̓ ns7eyx̱ – Genuinely Care
- chet wa telnexw tina tl’a snewiyelh tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – Learn the Advice of the Squamish
- na wa nelhnilhtway ta úxwumixw – The People Go Through It Together
- we7us chet ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh siyá̓m̓in – Protect the Rights and Title of the Squamish
The agreement lays the groundwork for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that both the Nation and District will work together on. This important first step will help guide the relationship between our two governments going forward. In preparation for developing the MOU, work will begin to take inventory of the collaborative projects already in place and identify new opportunities for shared work and reconciliation.
As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the media are invited to attend the signing ceremony of the Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement between the Nation and District of Squamish.
Date: Monday, July 17, 2023
Time: 10:00 am with ceremony and signing
Location: Totem Hall, 1380 Stawamus Road, Squamish
Media are advised to arrive in advance of the start time and parking is available on-site.
Quotes
Spokesperson Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“The Squamish Strong Protocol Agreement represents who we are as a People and reflects our principles and values. Squamish is the heart of our territory with important cultural sites. It is our strong desire to use this agreement as the starting point as we work together to advance reconciliation.”
Mayor Armand Hurford, District of Squamish
“The Squamish Strong Protocol Agreement will guide how the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw and the District will work together based on our shared values and goals to advance reconciliation. We look forward to listening, engaging, learning and protecting the rights and title of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw.”
For more information, please contact:
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw: media@squamish.net
District of Squamish: communications@squamish.ca
About Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (also known as the Squamish Nation) is a unity of the Squamish Peoples with an uplifting culture, rich history, and exciting future. The Nation is an innovative Indigenous government that uses its resources to provide, guide, and protect the Squamish territory and Squamish People. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Members live in several urban reserve communities in the present-day cities of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, BC. Over 47 per cent of the nearly 4100 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members live on-reserve, and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code. The Nation has never ceded or surrendered title to its lands, rights to its resources, or the power to make decisions within its territory.
About District of Squamish
Inspired by nature and hardwired for adventure, the District of Squamish is the local municipal government authority servicing a growing community with a population of 24,232, inclusive of members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) upon whose traditional unceded territory we live, work and play. Nestled between ocean and mountains, and one hour north of Vancouver, the small-town setting, lush natural environment, and unmatched outdoor recreation make for a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and location for business investment. Squamish is home to a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene, post-secondary education institutions, a thriving green economy from craft food and beverage to sustainable tourism, and oceanfront development projects on the horizon. At the heart of it all is an entrepreneurial, passionate, and welcoming community who collectively strives to honour and protect the environment that defines the essence of the Squamish lifestyle.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and City of Vancouver Announce New Protocol Agreement
July 17, 2023: K’emk’emeláy (Vancouver), BC – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the City of Vancouver have agreed to sign a new protocol agreement reflective of the principles, values, and traditions of the Squamish People. As the City seeks to implement the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Strong) Protocol Agreement is another step on the road to advancing reconciliation. The new protocol agreement replaces an original agreement signed in 2010, in the pre-UNDRIP era. The agreement commits both Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and City of Vancouver to the following Sḵwx̱wú7mesh principles to help guide the reconciliation process:
- tkwáya7n iy nexwnew̓ítm – Listen & Engage
- wa nexwniwnen chet ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh – Follow the Ways of the Squamish
- tex̱wlám̓ ns7eyx̱ – Genuinely Care
- chet wa telnexw tina tl’a snewiyelh tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh – Learn the Advice of the Squamish
- na wa nelhnilhtway ta úxwumixw – The People Go Through It Together
- we7us chet ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh siyá̓m̓in – Protect the Rights and Title of the Squamish
While not legally binding, the agreement lays the groundwork for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that both the Nation and City will work together on.
As a part of the celebrations of the 100-year anniversary of the Amalgamation of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the media are invited to attend the signing ceremony of the Wa Iyí̓m ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Protocol Agreement between the Nation and City of Vancouver.
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Time: 10:00 am with ceremony and signing
Location: Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Media are advised to arrive in advance of the start time and parking is available on-site.
Quotes
Spokesperson Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“This important agreement reflects who we are as a People, our principles, and values. By signing this, the City of Vancouver has reaffirmed their strong commitment to the implementation of UNDRIP in Vancouver and builds on the work previously done. We look forward to working with the City to build an understanding of our values and principles, as we advance reconciliation together.”
Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver
“Vancouver is the City of Reconciliation and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment towards Reconciliation with the signing of The WA IY̓ ÍM TA SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). This is an incredibly historic day and we are all incredibly humbled to be a part of this journey,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “The relationship protocol is in line with Foundational Calls to Action in the City’s UNDRIP Strategy and integral to supporting the full enjoyment of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh title, rights and jurisdiction within its territory. I also look forward to signing similar agreements with xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in the near future.”
Michelle Bryant-Gravelle, Senior Director, Indigenous Relations, City of Vancouver
“We are finally entering a time of meaningful reconciliation and the WA IY̓ ÍM TA SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH (Squamish Strong) Protocol will be the foundation to the City’s relationship with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). It is the beginning of practices of Indigenous inclusion for the City of Vancouver and will ensure relationships will continue to build and maintain strength over time. This also aligns with Foundation Action 3 in the UNDRIP strategy adopted by the City in October of last year. I’m excited about our future together.”
For more information, please contact:
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw: media@squamish.net
City of Vancouver: media@vancouver.ca
About Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (also known as the Squamish Nation) is a unity of the Squamish Peoples with an uplifting culture, rich history, and exciting future. The Nation is an innovative Indigenous government that uses its resources to provide, guide, and protect the Squamish territory and Squamish People. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) continue to reside in the area now described as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The largest proportion of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Members live in several urban reserve communities in the present-day cities of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver and the municipality of Squamish, BC. Over 47 per cent of the nearly 4100 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members live on-reserve, and membership is determined by guidelines set out in the Squamish Nation Membership Code. The Nation has never ceded or surrendered title to its lands, rights to its resources, or the power to make decisions within its territory.