What’s this project all about?
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh word for “constitution” is wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, which means “Our Squamish Ways”. The goal of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Constitution Project is to get all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw stélmexw to participate in deciding our way of being a nation. This is a chance to make sure we always do things that are true to our ways, our culture, and our strengths.
A people’s initiative
The Constitution Project exists because Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People voted for it at the People’s Assembly in November 2022. It will be created by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, independent of elected Council, and with input from all of us. As Paítsmuḵ (Dave Jacobs) said when he proposed the creation of a Squamish Constitution, it will be “for us, by us.”
A four-year process
The Constitution will be drafted by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People over a four-year period. This includes the creation of the Constitution through Gatherings, working groups, feedback sessions, orientations, and finally a vote in Spring 2027 on whether or not to adopt the Constitution that we create together. Want to learn more about the project? Click here.
Your voice matters.
We want the Constitution Project to represent our community and to support future generations of Skwxwú7mesh People. That’s why it’s so important for every single Nation person to help shape the Constitution.
GET INVOLVED
See the Journey so far
Read summaries of all the gatherings
February 9th, 2025 was the last large scale Constitution Gathering before the Constitution Working Group starts putting everything we’ve heard into a written first draft of our Constitution to be shared on April 26th, 2026.
Want to see what we’ve heard so far?
Got questions?
This page has answers! Don’t see your question on the list? Submit your question and we’ll answer it.
- What’s a constitution?
- Why should I get involved?
- Is a constitution a colonial or Western idea?
Project Timeline
The Squamish Nation Constitution Project is underway. There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you want to speak in front of a crowd, invite someone from the project to your table for a conversation, submit your thoughts directly online, or something else. Be part of the process!
Resolution to Create a Constitution
November 2022
At the People’s Assembly in November 2022, a majority of us passed a resolution to create a Squamish Constitution by September 2025. This began the journey we are starting together now!
Research and Planning
August 2023 – January 2024
Through interviews, focus groups, and listening surveys, Skwxwú7mesh People from across the Nation shared their ideas about how the Constitution Project should work. This helped to shape the process for drafting our Constitution—putting Skwxwú7mesh People at its center.
Invitation to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People
March 2024 – April 2024
We need everyone at the table when it comes to creating the Skwxwú7mesh Constitution. We reached out to Skwxwú7mesh People using email, text messages, social media, and a video to introduce the project and inspire you to get involved. If you haven’t heard from us yet, let us know! Your voice matters, and we want you to be part of this monumental project.
Project Kickoff
April 29, 2024
To make sure everyone understands what this project is about and what we’re working towards, we hosted info sharing sessions in multiple locations so that everyone could be involved and ask questions. These sessions were open to all Squamish People. If you missed it, check out the event summary to stay up to date!
Discussion topics included:
• What do you love about being Sḵwx̱wú7mesh?
Constitution Gathering 1
June 26, 2024
This gathering was our first opportunity to come together and start discussing exactly what should be included in our Constitution.
Discussion topics included:
• Where should we be in 100 years?
• What should we look like in 100 years?
• Given the future we’ve just been talking about, what are the things we need to have control over to achieve these?
Constitution Working Group (CWG) Session 1
July 2024 – August 2024
The Constitution Working Group took everything they heard in the first Constitution Gathering to map out the sections of the Squamish Constitution and start drafting the text within each section.
Constitution Gathering 2 (Cancelled)
October 2, 2024
Discussion topics included:
• What makes you Sḵwx̱wú7mesh?
• What are your rights as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stelmexw? (Squamish Person)?
• What are your responsibilities as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Person today and to our future descendants?
Constitution Working Group (CWG) Session 2 (postponed)
October 2024 – October 2024
The Constitution Working Group adjusts the draft Constitution and adds new sections based on feedback collected in the second Gathering.
Constitution Gathering 2 (rescheduled)
November 17, 2024
Likely discussion topics:
• What makes a person Sḵwx̱wú7mesh?
• What are your rights as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Person?
• What are your responsibilities as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Person today and to our future descendants?
Working Group (CWG) Session 2
December 2024
The Working Group worked on the draft Constitution based on Peoples’ feedback that was collected in the second Gathering.
Constitution Gathering 3
January 26, 2025
Discussion topics included:
• territory discussions
• working together discussions
•our languages discussions
Constitution Gathering 4
February 9, 2025
Discussion topics included:
• dispute resolution
• law making
• agreements
• amending the constitution
Working Group (CWG) Session 4
August 2025 – March 2026
The Working Group will meet to work on a draft of the Skwxwú7mesh Constitution based on the final input received from Skwxwú7mesh People at the fourth Gathering and the wa lh7tím̓á ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Our Squamish Ways) Survey.
Presentation of preliminary draft
April 2026 – April 2026
A first draft will be available to review in the Spring of 2026 at a large gathering. This is an opportunity for Squamish People to review it and provide feedback.
Family Dinners and Outreach
May 5, 2026 – June 9, 2026
The Constitution Project is all about imagining a better future for ourselves, our families, and for generations to come. So why not join in our vision over a good meal?
Family dinners are scheduled in North Vancouver and Squamish Valley. They’re a great way to chat through your questions and ideas. Find your family name in the link below, or join us for an open dinner. Don’t forget to save your spot!
Constitution First Draft Feedback Survey and Outreach
April 2026 – July 2026
The first draft of the constitution is finally here—and we need your thoughts to help shape the next draft. We’ll be gathering feedback at community events, in-person and online.
Take a peak now, and have your say on the first draft.
NOTE: This opportunity is for Squamish Nation people ONLY.
CWG (Constitution Working Group) Session #5
July 2026 – November 2026
The CWG will work on updating the draft Skwxwu7mesh constitution based on the input provided from the previous gathering.
Presentation of second draft
November 2026
A second draft will be presented again at a large gathering in the Fall of 2026 with one last opportunity to provide feedback.
CWG (Constitution Working Group) Session #6
February 2026
The CWG will meet to discuss the final draft before the referendum vote.
Presentation of final draft
February 2027
The final draft of the S7uth Kwis Úxwumixw, Our Squamish Ways (Squamish Nation Constitution) is aimed to be presented at a large gathering in early 2027.
Inspiring Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw People to Vote
January 2027 – May 2027
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw People will have already worked for years shaping and polishing our Constitution. But it won’t be official until Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People vote to approve it. To make sure as many of us as possible vote for the Constitution, we’ll be out in the community to inspire everyone to vote. We want everyone in the community to come together to make history!
Referendum
May 2027
Don’t miss this chance to vote on whether or not to adopt the Squamish Nation Constitution. This is our Constitution – for us, by us – and it will benefit our Nation for generations to come. That’s why we need a record number of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People to vote. Help make Squamish history. Vote in the Referendum!
Stay in the loop
Don’t miss out! Keep up to date on news and upcoming events. Sign up to receive regular updates and breaking news from the Constitution Project!