What’s this project all about?
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw S7ulh kwis Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation Constitution) Project is an opportunity to look forward and build our future together. How? By setting out who we are as a Nation and what we stand for as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. The Squamish Nation Constitution will guide our members, our decision-makers, and our leaders to shape everything we do as a Nation.
A people’s initiative
The Constitution Project is for the benefit of our Nation. It exists because Squamish Members voted for it at the People’s Assembly in November 2022. It will be created by Members, independent of Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixwelected (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 two-year process
The Constitution will be drafted by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members over a two-year period. This includes the creation of the Constitution through Member Gatherings, working groups, feedback sessions, orientations, and finally a vote in September 2025 on whether or not to adopt the Constitution that Members create together.
We need
your help
We want the Constitution Project to represent our community and to support future generations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. That’s why it’s so important for every single Nation Member to help shape the Constitution. Your voice matters and we want to hear from you!
GET INVOLVED
April 28, 2024
Don’t miss the Project Kickoff Meeting!
Sign up now to learn about the Squamish Nation Constitution Project at an info sharing session. Get your voice heard and find out how to shape what it means to be a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation member for generations to come!
Got questions?
This page has answers! Don’t see your question on the list?
Submit your question and we’ll answer it.
Project Timeline
The Squamish Nation Constitution Project is kicking off this spring. 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
At the People’s Assembly in November 2022, a majority of voting Members passed a resolution to create a Squamish Constitution by September 2025. This began the journey we are on together now!
Research and Planning
Through interviews, focus groups, and listening surveys, Members from across the Nation shared their ideas about how the Constitution Project should work. That’s why we are now kicking off a process for drafting a Constitution that puts Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members at its center.
Invitation to Members
We need everyone at the table when it comes to creating the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Constitution. That’s why we’re reaching out to Squamish Nation Members 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
On April 28 we officially kickoff the project with an info sharing session to make sure everyone understands what this project is about and what we’re working towards. All Squamish Nation Members are invited to get involved and ask questions—in person or online. Join us!
Constitution Gathering Session Part 1
At the first Constitutional Gathering Session, you’ll get a chance to share what matters most to you and what sections you think should be included in our Nation’s Constitution.
Working Group Assembly 1
The Constitution Working Group will take 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 Session Part 2
At the second Constitutional Gathering, Working Group members will present the first draft of the Constitution so that Members can give feedback and make sure that it represents all of us as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people.
Working Group Assembly 2
The Working Group adjusts the draft Constitution based on Member feedback that was collected in the second Gathering.
Constitution Gathering Session Part 3
Members get to see an updated draft of the Constitution, which should better align and balance everyone’s visions. At this third Gathering, Members can make final arguments for sections to be added or removed, and we can start to pin down the wording of each section.
Working Group Assembly 3
The Working Group adjusts the specific language in the draft Constitution based on Member feedback that was collected in the third Gathering.
Constitution Gathering Session Part 4
The Working Group presents a final draft of the Constitution to Squamish Members. This is the last chance for Members to review the draft Constitution and flag any concerns.
Working Group Assembly 4
The Working Group will meet to finalize the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Constitution based on final input received from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members at the fourth Gathering.
Constitution Orientations
Once our Member-created Constitution is ready, we’ll take it into the community to make sure all Nation Members understand what it means for them and future generations.
Inspiring Members to Vote
Members will have already worked for months shaping and polishing the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Constitution. But it won’t be official until Members vote to approve it. To make sure as many Members 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
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 Squamish Members 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!