A resolution to create a Squamish Nation Constitution was brought forward by Paitsmuk Dave Jacobs and seconded by Syeta’xtn Chris Lewis at the AGM People’s Assembly in November 2022. In response, the Squamish Nation People voted in favour to begin working on creating a Squamish Nation Constitution.
A constitution is an agreement that defines the relationship between our People and our nation’s government. And if we vote yes, it becomes our highest law. You can think of our constitution like the structure of a house, and all our other laws are rooms inside that house. While the rooms can be renovated or updated over time, they still have to fit within the walls. But the structure of the house will remain the same. In other words, a constitution won’t necessarily change the laws we have now, but all our laws need to work within it.
The name of this project is wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, which means “Our Squamish Ways” or Our Way of Being a Nation. The goal of the wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (constitution project) is to get all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw stélmexw to participate in deciding our way of being a nation.
The constitution will have high level, strong impact statements that will help to guide everything the nation does. All the other laws, codes, policies, bylaws etc that the nation has must fit within what the constitution says. They are not allowed to disagree with that the constitution says.
The first draft of the constitution was mailed out, and we are asking Squamish people to give us feedback on it until July 24, 2026. If you didn’t receive the mail out you can still view the draft copy on our website and give feedback there as well by completing the online survey.
For more information about the project visit our stand-alone website: ConstitutionProject.net
If you have any questions, you can email info@constitutionproject.net or call us at 604-982-8600.
To receive Constitution Project updates OR if you want to visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) , click here https://constitutionproject.net/get-answers/
Photo: The Constitution Working Group. Front, left to right: Syeta’xtn Chris Lewis, Paítsmuḵ Dave Jacobs and Syexwáliya Ann Whonnock. Back, left to right: Jonny Williams, Tsúnumut Brad Baker, Peter Baker and MJ, Monica Jacobs. Missing: Sisolia Donna Billy and Jessie Williams.