Squamish Nation 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion 

Project Progress

What we have been doing
  • The Community Advisory Group held their first meeting in November 2022 and will continue to meet regularly.
  • Launched an inclusion community survey in March 2023. It was open to all Members and gathered community input to improve inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Squamish Nation (survey closed).
  • Engaged community members at events including Squamish Nation Pride, Salmon Festival, and Squamish Nation Open Houses.
  • Held community engagement sessions in June 2023.
What we will do next
  • Share results from the survey and community engagement with Council and community.

If you have any questions about the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group, please email twospiritinclusion@squamish.net

About the Community Advisory Group

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group (Community Advisory Group) is comprised of volunteers who wish to contribute their leadership, expertise, and advice to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.

The Community Advisory Group is advisory in nature and will assist in providing advice regarding:

  • The unique cultural, health, and social needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
  • Engaging the community about sexual and gender diversity to make the Nation’s facilities, spaces, and events more inclusive, including single unit washrooms.
  • Identifying and celebrating contributions by 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
  • Advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and to assist in ensuring the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Nation staff are being met.

Community Advisory Group Members

Huy chexw a (thank you) to those Members who expressed interest in joining the 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative Community Advisory Working Group (Community Advisory Group). We had an overwhelming response in October 2022 from many great candidates. We hope that you will participate in future community engagement events and initiatives.

Members and community members were selected to represent different demographics including on- and off-reserve, various age groups, and people identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ or allies.

Sabrina Hemeon, Off-reserve, Abbotsford, Youth   

Tl'iyaktn Joseph Lizee, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Elder (click for photo)

Victoria Michels, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Junior Elder

Uxwáluút Jessica Natrall, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult (click for bio & photo)

Jo Natrall, On-reserve, North Vancouver, Youth   

What does 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion mean? 

2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.

2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion is identifying and removing challenges by addressing the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people so they are able to fully participate in social, cultural, spiritual, and economic life along with everyone else in the Nation. This includes (but is not limited to) raising awareness, making changes to physical spaces, and adjusting how we interact with one another.

Available Resources