This is a 2023 reproduction of the draft X̱ay Temíxw Sacred Land Use Plan – first documented in May 2001, but never finalized to allow for future planning.
Background
In 2000, the time was right to develop a Land Use Plan that was community-driven, capturing and entrenching the cultural and natural values that the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) see within a specific area of the territory that they have inherent rights to exercise the use of our land, the sea, and fresh waters, and all their resources within the territory occupied and used by our ancestors. The first version of the draft X̱ay Temíxw summarizes what was heard at community feasts, in individual interviews and in workshops with Elders and youth.
Land Use Plan
The X̱ay Temíxw defines the community’s vision for managing the future of the forests and wilderness in a specific area of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Territory by translating key cultural and natural landscape values into four ‘zones’ of management: Forest Stewardship Areas, Sensitive Areas, Restoration Areas, and Wild Spirit Places, with direction from the community to identify and designate site specific cultural areas as future management areas. The document is intended to be a tool for the active management and protection of the land, while also providing opportunity for jobs and economic benefits for the Squamish People.
Since its original publication, the X̱ay Temíxw has acted as a guiding document to support numerous landmark agreements between Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the Province of BC, and other stakeholders from 2001 to the present, including:
Next Steps
In tem kw’eskw’ás (June) 2022, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation Council) approved Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw 2026. This strategic plan outlines objectives and goals for the Nation to prioritize for the next four years. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw 2026 set a strategic objective to “update the X̱ay Temíxw Land Use Plan”. The next phase of work to update the X̱ay Temíxw will include additional information in a current context, develop an associated X̱ay Shkwen Marine Use Plan, and expand its scope into a comprehensive Land Use Plan. This update project will include meaningful engagement with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) to ensure the community’s vision is upheld for Squamish Territory and Waters.
