Darn, we missed it again. July 4. No, not that July 4, but Squamish’s own July 4: the birthdate of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
There was no mention of acknowledging the impact of this mountain, the First Nations legends and stories, and the person, Garibaldi, as a point of interest for our Squamish story and the history and economic value it can bring. The mountain looms over Squamish but rarely receives a second thought.
How many communities have such a spectacular geographic feature as Nch’kay / Mount Garibaldi?
Other than the small plaque on the highway, there is little recognition beyond the many local businesses that use the Garibaldi name. We celebrate The Chief, Smoke Bluffs, Shannon Falls and the Squamish River Estuary, but not Garibaldi. There is no information signage for our visitors to understand this major feature. Nch’kay, the Squamish Nation name, is mostly unknown. Is this a lost heritage and tourism opportunity? I believe it is.
As part of the coastal volcano chain, this mountain presents many layers of interest, and it is in our backyard. What might recognition bring? Many consider Giuseppe Garibaldi, an example of world class leadership of which the world is currently in need. His birthday is July 4 and offers a tourism window from Canada Day to July 4th
In July 2004, there was a local Garibaldi Festival celebration, but it never happened again. This first event included food, music, wine and a picnic in the park. Representatives from the Vancouver Italian Consulate were invited, and the highway plaque was rededicated. A bocce tournament was held. The Library displayed Garibaldi information and a screening of Italian films plus a talk about Garibaldi’s life and achievements. Could such an event happen again? If there was interest, so many innovative activities could happen.
What would a renewed festival look like?
The Squamish Nation stories and legends can be retold to celebrate this mountain offering deeper knowledge, respect and relationship among all Squamish citizens.
Visitors will no longer wonder what that mountain is and why Squamish seems not to care about the incredible feature as new historic, geographical and cultural signage is installed in the downtown.
Local food and beverage businesses can build their offerings to help host a variety of related food events. First Nations foods and pancake breakfasts could also become Spaghetti and meatball feasts later in the day. Local businesses can offer 10% off if a person can demonstrate they have an Italian name!
The art and culture societies can host music, art displays and lectures on the mountain festival theme of the event.
Capilano University might host a world conference on Leadership – goodness knows the world needs better leadership during these trying times. Like the Banff Centre, Capilano U. can build a new program devoted to leadership with Garibaldi’s international accomplishments underpinning the content.
One must ask, why Squamish, striving to become a multi-faceted tourism mecca, has not made this amazing mountain and international person into an economic tourism opportunity? No, and right, we did not ask for an Italian name for our mountain. Yet, this is what we have. Fortunately, Squamish Nation has provided language and knowledge and Nch’kay is becoming common.
Squamish has a whole year to plan and prepare for the July 4 Nch’kay Festival 2026.
After teaching stint at Nipissing University and working as an administrator at the Maple Leaf International School in Trinidad & Tobago, Larry Murray moved to Squamish and became the founding Chair of the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation. Murray has served as the past chair of Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers and as a past director and Eagle Watch coordinator with the Squamish Environment Society. He has also done consulting work with SD44 and contributed to the new Cheakamus Centre.
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