Yúusnew̓as
Yúusnew̓as
Taking care of spirit, taking care of one another, taking care of everything around us. Another form of the word yúustway.
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is the lead community for the archival and land-based research into the former St. Paul’s Residential School. The site is located on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory and we are working closely with səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Other communities also attended this school while it was open from 1899 until it was shut down in 1959.
The word yúusnew̓as was proposed by the Elders Advisory Committee for the project name as a recognition that we must take care of survivors as well as all who have been impacted by intergenerational harms. This seven generation approach was the guiding principle for the Growth and Unity project logo, designed by Nation artist Calvin Charlie-Dawson.
I'm hoping this image will promote our unity and teamwork in our community towards a common good – whether it be upholding our Elders and the journey they have lived, or our new ones for a journey to come. The four heads represent us as a people, the encircling figure represents those looking over us (our ancestors), and the small floral figure in the middle is being guided and protected as we would our children and children's children.
Those working on the project can be reached by email: yuusnewas@squamish.net.
The Yúusnew̓as Project has been set up to ensure work is done in a good way with our culture and protocols as the foundation. Knowledge keepers and those with traditional knowledge lead the project and – before delivery of activities, events, or ceremony – check the work. The Steering Committee guides the project in a good way while the Project Team actively works across multiple areas including health and wellness support, recording stories, archive and land-based research, and cultural practices.
Wellness & Healing Supports
wa chexw yuusténam̓ut. Take care of yourself.
Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services) and Yúustway (Health & Wellness) are available to offer wellness & healing supports for Members, including traditional land-based practices. More information is available in our Wellness Guide, which was distributed to all on-reserve households in mid-July. If you did not receive a copy or if you live off-reserve, please email yuusnewas@squamish.net.
Hannah Rushton – Team Leader, Wellness Services, Ayás Mén̓men
Phone: 778-233-4869 or 604-985-4111
Mackenzie Gomez – Community Health & Wellness, Yúustway
Phone: 604-360-3911 or 604-982-0332
Project Communications
February 21, 2023
Ta newyáp Squamish Nation Members,
Today, the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation will be sharing the initial results from their ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin (Doing It for Our Ancestors) project into the former Alberni Indian Residential School. It will be livestreamed on Facebook. We wanted to let you know in advance of the announcement that you are likely to see the results reported in the news.
We recognize that this information may be triggering and difficult to hear. Health and wellness support, including traditional land-based practices, are available. Please read the Yúusnew̓as Wellness Guide for more details or contact:
Mackenzie Gomez, Yúusnew̓as Health Lead
Mackenzie_Gomez@squamish.net, 604-360-3911 or 604-982-0332
Hannah Rushton, Yúusnew̓as Wellness Lead
Hannah_Rushton@squamish.net, 778-233-4869 or 604-985-4111
Chet wanáxwstúmi (respectfully),
Council Spokespersons
Syexwáliya, Ann Whonnock and Sxwíxwtn, Wilson Williams
October 31, 2022
Ta newyáp Squamish Nation Members,
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is committed to keeping you informed of the ongoing activities of Yúusnew̓as, the project responsible for the archives and land-based research into St. Paul’s Residential School. Information is available on the website or you can email the Project Team at yuusnewas@squamish.net.
The project is currently in Phase Two: Truth. During this phase, we are researching the history of our ancestors and recording the truths of Indian Residential Schools (IRS) survivors. The recording team – led by Kwitelut, Carla George and Adina Williams – have worked hard to create a safe and comforting environment. We raise our hands to the survivors who have recorded their stories so far. Please reach out to yuusnewas@squamish.net if you are ready to gift your truth.
In addition to this important work, the Project Team continues to engage with other Nations in British Columbia working on their respective IRS projects. On November 8 and 9, 2022, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw will co-host a technical conference for these Nations to share information and best practice. The first two were hosted by Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc (Kamloops) and Stó:lō Nation (Chilliwack).
Please note that this conference is not open to Members. We will share information when events are scheduled for the community to learn about Yúusnew̓as activities.
wa chexw yuusténam̓ut (take care of yourself). Health and wellness support, including traditional land-based practices, continue to be accessible to all. Please read the Yúusnew̓as Wellness Guide for more details. We are here to walk alongside you and support you.
Chet wanáxwstúmi (respectfully),
Council Spokespersons
Syexwáliya, Ann Whonnock and Sxwíxwtn, Wilson Williams
September 7, 2022
Ta newyáp Squamish Nation Members,
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is committed to keeping Members informed of the ongoing archives and land-based research into St. Paul’s Residential School. Phase One, Staging, is now complete. In this first phase the Project Team planned how to care for our Elders, survivors, and community. This included setting up health and wellness supports, a process for recording truths, researching history through the archives, and preparing for land-based surveys. The Project Team continues to engage our neighbouring communities and other Nations working on their respective IRS projects.
The Yúusnew̓as Project is now entering Phase Two, Truth, where we will listen to the oral histories of our survivors. This process is not for everyone, however the Project Team has worked hard to create a safe and comforting environment for any of our survivors who feel willing to share.
Kwitelut, Carla George and Adina Williams are ready to support those who wish to create their legacy of truth. These truths will assist the Project Team in their research and preparing for land-based surveys. The oral histories will also help shape our understanding of the IRS experience as we heal and move forward together. Please reach out to yuusnewas@squamish.net if you would like to know more or are ready to gift your truth.
wa chexw yuusténam̓ut. Take care of yourself.
We want all Members to feel cared for in whatever way they need. Ayás Mén̓men (Child & Family Services) and Yúustway (Health & Wellness) offer a variety of wellness and healing supports, including traditional land-based practices. You can find more information in the Yúusnew̓as Wellness Guide.
Hannah Rushton – Team Leader, Wellness Services, Ayás Mén̓men
Phone: 778-233-4869 or 604-985-4111
Mackenzie Gomez – Community Health & Wellness, Yúustway
Phone: 604-360-3911 or 604-982-0332
Chet wanáxwstúmi (respectfully),
Council Spokespersons
Syexwáliya, Ann Whonnock and Sxwíxwtn, Wilson Williams
January
Message to Community – Williams Lake Announcement
March
Message to Community – St. Paul’s Residential School Monument Removal & Repair
Message to Community – Vatican Delegation
April
Message to Community – Pope’s Message to Vatican Delegation
May
Message to Community – May 15 Community Feast
Message to Community – Project Details
July
