Squamish Nation

{{Short description|First Nation government in British Columbia, Canada}} {{About|government| the Indigenous People|Squamish people}} {{More citations needed|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox First Nation | band_name = Squamish Nation | band_number = 555 | endonym = Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw | image = | map = Squamish-Territory-Wiki-Map.svg | map_caption = A map showing traditional Squamish territory, totalling {{convert|6732|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} | people = Squamish people | headquarters = North Vancouver | province = British Columbia | reserve = {{Collapsible list |title = List |frame_style = border:none; padding: 0; |list_style = text-align:left;display:none; |1=Kitsilano 6 |2=Mission 1 |3=Seymour Creek 2 |4=Capilano 5 |5=Skowishin 7 |6=Skowishin Graveyard 10 |7=Chukchuk 8 |8=Poyam 9 |9=Cheakamus 11 |10=Yookwitz 12 |11=Poquiosin & Skamain 13 |12=Waiwakum 14 |13=Aikwucks 15 |14=Seaichem 16 |15=Kowtain 17 |16=Yekwaupsum 18 |17=Yekwaupsum 19 |18=Stawamus 24 |19=Kaikalahun 25 |20=Chekwelp 26 |21=Chekwelp 26A |22=Schaltuuch 27 |23=Defence Island 28 |24=Kwum Kwum }} | area = 21.19 | pop_year = 2024 | on_reserve = 2187 | on_other_land = 187 | off_reserve = 2265 | total_pop = | council = {{Collapsible list |title = List |frame_style = border:none; padding: 0; |list_style = text-align:left;display:none; |1=Stewart "Sempúlyan" Gonzales |2=Shayla "Sumkwaht" Jacobs |3=Khelsilem |4=Kristen "Tiyáltelut" Rivers |5=Ann "Syexwáliya" Whonnock |6=Joyce Williams |7=Wilson "Sxwíxwtn" Williams |8=Richard "Xwélxwelacha" Williams }} | website = {{URL|http://www.squamish.net/}} }}

'''Squamish Nation''', '''''Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw''''', is the First Nations government of the Squamish people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Page – Squamish Nation Website|url=https://www.squamish.net/about-our-nation/|access-date=2023-08-31}}</ref> Squamish Nation is composed of 26 First Nations reserves located around the Capilano River, Mosquito Creek, and Seymour River on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and along the Squamish River, and in Gibsons and Port Mellon in the Howe Sound.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Page – Squamish Nation Website |url= https://www.squamish.net/about-our-nation/ |access-date=2023-08-31}}</ref> They also jointly own private land holdings with neighbouring First Nations like the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lil’wat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MST Development Corp. is about First Nations becoming 'powerful in our territories once again' – Vancouver Sun|url= https://vancouversun.com/news/mst-development-corp-is-about-first-nations-becoming-powerful-in-our-territories-once-again |access-date=2023-08-31 }}</ref>

The Squamish Nation government comprises an elected council, which includes the Council Chairperson, seven elected Councillors, and an elected Band Manager. The Council hires, oversees and provides direction to the Chief Administrative Officer who oversees the administrative arm of Squamish Nation.<ref name="auto"/> It is based primarily in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Squamish, British Columbia.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=About Page – Squamish Nation Website |url= https://www.squamish.net/about-our-nation/ |access-date=2023-08-31 }}</ref> Its government is responsible for managing assets and revenues generated by Squamish Nation, providing several programs and services to the Squamish people, and representing the Squamish people in intergovernmental relations with other Canadian governments and industries that operate within its territory.

==History== ===Early history=== Squamish Nation was formed in July 1923<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Squamish Nation to mark 100 years since watershed political merger - CBC |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/squamish-nation-to-mark-100-years-since-watershed-political-merger-1.6861111 |access-date=2023-08-31 }}</ref> when several separate First Nations (at the time called Indian Bands) were amalgamated under Section 17 of the ''Indian Act''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Section 17 of the Indian Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. I-5) - Government of Canada |url= https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-5/section-17.html#:~:text=(a)%20amalgamate%20bands%20that%2C,to%20form%20the%20new%20bands |access-date=2023-08-31 }}</ref> All of the First Nations that amalgamated were communities largely considered and identified as Squamish People but resided on different First Nation reserve lands throughout the Squamish Valley, Burrard Inlet, and False Creek of Vancouver. Two years of community meetings with held, with eventually a super-majority of eligible voters for the various First Nations voting to petition the Federal Department responsible for Indians to amalgamate the several First Nations into a single entity they called Squamish Nation. Their petition called for a Council to represent the newly created Squamish Nation, all lands joined as Squamish Nation lands, and all trust accounts to be put into a single trust account. Approximately {{CAD|167740|year=1923}} was consolidated into a single trust account for the newly formed Squamish Nation.<ref name="auto1"/>

===Recent History=== Prior to British Columbia's hosting of the 2010 Olympic Games, Squamish Nation engaged in negotiations with the Provincial Government of British Columbia and Lil'wat First Nation. Numerous agreements were signed prior to and following the announcement of the host city for the Games, regarding issues such as Squamish land to be used for hosting the Games. Issues regarding the leasing of land, Nation-owned or operated businesses and other ventures currently account for much of the Squamish Nation's band council government business. Squamish Nation recently announced the purchase of a Tree Farm License (License 38), which covers the Elaho Valley near Squamish, British Columbia.

Squamish Nation has close ties with Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who reside further east on Burrard Inlet and to the Musqueam who reside on the southern edge of the city of Vancouver.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MST Development Corporation - The Partners |url= http://mstdevelopment.ca/about-us/the-partners/ |access-date=2023-08-31 }}</ref>

Historical legal challenge: Starting in 1977, Squamish Nation fought to reclaim Sen̓áḵw (Kitsilano Reserve No. 6) in Vancouver. They argued that the 1913 forced sale under the ''Indian Act'' was illegal by a breach of Canada's fiduciary duties. This led to court rulings and a landmark settlement returning ~11.7 acres of this prime downtown land️.

==Government== The elected councillors make up the executive political body of this government. They operate on a four-year term with elections occurring around in December. They also elect a band manager. The most recent Council was elected September 28, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw Council |url=https://www.squamish.net/council/ |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=Squamish Nation |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121091752/https://www.squamish.net/council/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

* Sxwíxwtn, Wilson Williams (Chairperson) * Alroy (Bucky) Baker * Yul Baker * Jody Broomfield * Jonah Trevon Chase Gonzales * Faye Halls * Matthew Houghton * Sumkwaht, Shayla Jacobs * Anthony Joseph * Bertha Joseph * Sandy Lafontaine * Kalkalilh, Deanna Lewis * Sxwchálten, Kevin Rivers * Syexwáliya, Ann Whonnock * Amanda Williams * Jonny Williams

The elected Band Manager is Tsunaxen, Willie Lewis.

== Lands == {{GeoGroup}}

=== Existing reserves === Indian reserves under the administration of Squamish Nation:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reserves/Settlements/Villages |website=Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada |publisher=Government of Canada |url=https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNReserves.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=555&lang=eng }}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Squamish Nation reserves !Reserve !Squamish name !Location description !Area !Coordinates !Reference |- |Kitsilano Indian Reserve No. 6 |{{langx|squ|'''Sen̓áḵw'''}} |In the City of Vancouver, near English Bay, on the south side of the mouth of False Creek |4.4 ha |{{coord|49|16|26|N|123|08|32|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/62201.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085326/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/62201.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Mission Indian Reserve No. 1 |{{langx|squ|'''Slhá7an̓'''}} |North shore of Burrard Inlet on Wagg and Mosquito Creeks, bounded on the north and east by the City of North Vancouver |59.6 ha |{{coord|49|19|00|N|123|06|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64604.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2022-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018175450/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64604.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Seymour Creek Indian Reserve No. 2 |{{langx|squ|'''Ch'ich'éx̱wí7ḵw'''}} |North shore of Burrard Inlet, on right bank of Seymour Creek, near the mouth of Second Narrows |45.5 ha |{{coord|49|18|00|N|123|02|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64603.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104938/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64603.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5 |{{langx|squ|'''Xwmelch'stn'''}} |North shore of Burrard Inlet at First Narrows, north end of Lions Gate Bridge |155.6 ha |{{coord|49|19|00|N|123|08|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64598.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114916/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64598.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Skowishin Indian Reserve No. 7 |{{langx|squ|'''Skawshn'''}} |Left bank of the Squamish River |29.6 ha |{{coord|49|56|00|N|123|18|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64597.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111314/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64597.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Skowishin Graveyard Indian Reserve No. 10 | |Left bank of the Squamish River near the mouth of Ashlu Creek |0.40 ha |{{coord|49.9090097428499|N|123.29323705526882|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64594.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2014-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301040637/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64594.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Chukchuk Indian Reserve No. 8 |{{langx|squ|'''Ch’eḵ’ch’eḵ’ts'''}} | |0.1 ha |{{coord|49.97359296702315|N|123.30573946023652|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64600.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104813/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64600.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Poyam Indian Reserve No. 9 | |Left bank of the Squamish River |0.3 ha |{{coord|49.98992070962588|N|123.324621110448|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64599.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093203/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64599.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Cheakamus Indian Reserve No. 11 |{{langx|squ|'''Xwakw’áyak’in'''}} |At and to the north of the junction of the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers |1639.4 ha |{{coord|49|48|00|N|123|11|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64593.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090401/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64593.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Yookwitz Indian Reserve No. 12 |{{langx|squ|'''Yewk’ts'''}} |Right bank of the Squamish River, opposite mouth of the Cheakamus River |9.3 ha |{{coord|49|47|00|N|123|12|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64595.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090232/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64595.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Poquiosin & Skamain Indian Reserve No. 13 |{{langx|squ|'''Pukway̓úsm-Skemín'''}} |Left bank of the Squamish River at the mouth of the Cheakamus River |45.2 ha |{{coord|49|47|00|N|123|10|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65783.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125135/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65783.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Waiwakum Indian Reserve No. 14 |{{langx|squ|'''Wiwḵ’m'''}} |Left bank of the Squamish River 2 miles below the mouth of the Cheakamus River |15.0 ha |{{coord|49|46|00|N|123|10|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64623.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2014-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301040556/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64623.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Aikwucks Indian Reserve No. 15 | |Left bank of the Squamish River |11.1 ha |{{coord|49|46|00|N|123|10|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64596.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093711/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64596.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Seaichem Indian Reserve No. 16 |{{langx|squ|'''Siyích’m'''}} |East bank of Kowtain Slough of the Squamish River, 3 miles below the mouth of the Cheakamus River |27.5 ha |{{coord|49|45|00|N|123|08|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64621.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083606/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64621.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Kowtain Indian Reserve No. 17 |{{langx|squ|'''Kaw̓tín'''}} |Left bank of Kowtain Slough of the Squamish River, 4 miles from the river mouth on Howe Sound |20.8 ha |{{coord|49|44|00|N|123|08|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64622.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090339/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64622.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Yekwaupsum Indian Reserve No. 18 |{{langx|squ|'''Yekw’ápsm'''}} |Near left bank of the Squamish River, 3 miles from its mouth on Howe Sound |2 ha |{{coord|49|43|00|N|123|09|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64619.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093545/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64619.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Yekwaupsum Indian Reserve No. 19 |{{langx|squ|'''Pn’p’áni'''}} |Right bank of the Squamish River, 3 miles north of its mouth on Howe Sound |1 ha |{{coord|49|44|00|N|123|09|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64620.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111829/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64620.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Stawamus Indian Reserve No. 24 |{{langx|squ|'''St’á7mes'''}} |At the mouth of the Stawamus River at the head of Howe Sound, 1 mile southeast of downtown Squamish |22.1 ha |{{coord|49|41|00|N|123|09|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64617.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2022-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018175451/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64617.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Kaikalahun Indian Reserve No. 25 |{{langx|squ|'''Ḵ’iḵ’élx̱n'''}} |West shore of Howe Sound south of Port Mellon |11.5 ha |{{coord|49|31|00|N|123|29|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64618.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2022-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324074149/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64618.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Chekwelp Indian Reserve No. 26 |{{langx|squ|'''Ch’ḵw’elhp'''}} |West shore of Howe Sound, to the west of Keats Island |11.3 ha |{{coord|49|25|00|N|123|30|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64615.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2022-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018175447/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64615.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Chekwelp Indian Reserve No. 26A | |West shore of Howe Sound northwest of Keats Island |0.2 ha |{{coord|49|25|00|N|123|29|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64616.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090149/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64616.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Schaltuuch Indian Reserve No. 27 |{{langx|squ|'''Ch’ḵw’elhp'''}} |On a small island north of Shelter Island in Shoal Channel of Howe Sound, west of Keats Island |5 ha |{{coord|49|24|00|N|123|29|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64613.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2022-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018175509/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64613.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Defence Island Indian Reserve No. 28 |{{langx|squ|'''Nínich Ḵw’émḵw’em'''}} |In Howe Sound, northeast from Anvil Island (Hat Island), the easterly of two islands called Defence Islands |1.7 ha |{{coord|49|35|00|N|123|16|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64614.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2014-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301040548/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/64614.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Kwum Kwum Indian Reserve |{{langx|squ|'''Ḵw’émḵw’em'''}} |The westerly of the two Defence Islands northeast of Anvil Island |6.20 ha |{{coord|49|35|00|N|123|17|00|W}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=BC Geographical Names |url=https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65834.html |website=apps.gov.bc.ca |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093046/http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65834.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |}

=== Treaty negotiations === The Squamish Nation is currently in stage 3 of the BC Treaty Process but negotiations have not proceeded further in recent years.

== Economic and resource development == The Squamish Nation owns land in the Lower Mainland in areas that have some of the highest real estate values in the province. Some of these lands and properties are leased out with rents returning to the Squamish Nation. Additional revenues are earned through businesses owned by the Squamish Nation, such as marinas, a driving range and a gas bar.<ref name="SNFS">{{Cite web |last= |title=Squamish Nation Fact Sheet. |url=http://www.squamish.net/files/PDF/events/FactSheet_FINAL.pdf |access-date=November 24, 2011}}</ref> In a recently concluded business arrangement, digital billboards were erected on Squamish Nation lands in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver and Squamish, including at the approaches to Vancouver's Burrard Street Bridge, Lions Gate Bridge and Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Neal |date=July 21, 2006 |title=Billboards planned near city bridges |work=Vancouver Sun |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=dc2e2f94-82bd-41c5-81f6-dc58cff70043&k=52332 |url-status=dead |access-date=2007-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070327221749/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=dc2e2f94-82bd-41c5-81f6-dc58cff70043&k=52332 |archive-date=2007-03-27}}</ref> That contract has been projected to bring approximately $60 million in revenue to the Squamish Nation over three decades.

The Squamish Nation also recently completed an agreement that will see a large gaming facility built on the highway leading into Squamish.

The Squamish Nation, the Lil’wat Nation, Bell Canada and the province of BC joined in the development of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum in Whistler BC.

The purchase of a Tree Farm Licence by the Nation generated public protest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Penner |first=Derrick |date=2005-12-28 |orig-date=December 20, 2005 |title=Squamish Nation Buys Tree Farm License 38 |website=Vancouver Sun |url=http://mostlywater.org/squamish_nation_buys_tree_farm_license_38 |url-status=dead |access-date=2022-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205001831/http://mostlywater.org/squamish_nation_buys_tree_farm_license_38 |archive-date=2012-02-05 |via=mostlywater.org}}</ref>

In recent years the Squamish Nation has been involved in energy development, including the development of private hydro power projects on public rivers, including the Furry Creek and Ashlu hydro projects. It takes a share of the private revenue scheme developed by the BC Liberal Government under Gordon Campbell in a closed-door policy called the BC Energy Plan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership. |url=http://www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca/bcep/default.aspx?hash=5 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224230005/http://www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca/bcep/default.aspx?hash=5 }}</ref>

===2010 Olympic Games=== The Squamish Nation joined with the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lil'wat through the Four Host First Nations Society to coordinate with the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), representing their interests in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Four Host First Nations Society - Home |url=http://fourhostfirstnations.com/ |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108042742/http://www.fourhostfirstnations.com/ |archive-date=2010-01-08 |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=fourhostfirstnations.com}}</ref> These 'Four Host First Nations' shared in hosting the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.<ref name="SNFS" /> Fourteen of the 20 Olympic and Paralympic events took place in the Nation's shared territories, primarily in and around Whistler, BC.

=== Social, educational and cultural programs and facilities === In July 2008, the Squamish Nation partnered with their neighbours the Lil'wat First Nation to open the multimillion-dollar '''Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre''' in Whistler. The two nations, whose territories traditionally overlapped around the Whistler area, had signed a Protocol Agreement in 2001 to work together on such opportunities. The centre features traditional art, cultural and historical displays, wood carvings, an 80-seat theatre, longhouse, pit-house, outdoor forest walk, cafe and gift shop.

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.squamish.net/ Squamish Nation] *[http://www.slcc.ca Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre]

Nation Category:Coast Salish governments