Discover Aboriginal Peoples » Four Host First Nations » Squamish
Squamish
We are the Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation) – a Coast Salish people. On behalf of the Squamish people, it is my honour to welcome you to this land.
From time immemorial, descendents of the Squamish people have continued to live in the Greater Vancouver area, Gibson's Landing and the Squamish River watershed.
We are proud to host the world here in our traditional territories for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We believe that our elders' teachings — still practiced today —support what the 2010 Winter Games are all about.
- Telálsemkin Siyám, Chief Bill Williams, Squamish Nation
About the Squamish Nation
The Squamish Nation is one of the Four Host First Nations — Official Partners in the planning and hosting of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The traditional territory of the Squamish Nation comprises much of the Greater Vancouver area, Gibson's Landing and the Squamish River watershed on the southwest coast of British Columbia.
The Nation's 3,200 members live mainly near the town of Squamish and around the mouths of the Capilano River, Mosquito Creek and Seymour River on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver.
Squamish Nation society is, and always has been, organized and sophisticated, with complex laws and rules governing all forms of social relations and economic rights, and relations with other First Nations. The Nation is governed by 16 elected members who serve to protect and enhance the quality of life for their membership. The Council administers many programs and services, and generates economic development and joint venture opportunities to benefit members.
In 1923, 16 Squamish speaking tribes amalgamated to form the Squamish Nation. As a result, the Nation has 16 hereditary chiefs. Membership is determined by marriage and birthright.
While most Squamish people speak English, they have a rich and complex language of their own called Skwxwú7mesh Snichim. Use of Skwxwú7mesh Snichim decreased over the last century and so the Squamish Nation has reintroduced their traditional language, oral and written, to a new generation by teaching it in the schools and through community classes, as well as at the college and university level.
Learn more about the Squamish Nation at www.squamish.net.
