The District of Squamish will vote on the terms of reference for the Squamish Land Back Task Force at tomorrow’s council meeting. If passed, the council would appoint three members to the joint Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish task force.
The task force, one of the priority activities outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the District of Squamish, would focus on restoring Squamish Nation governance, stewardship and cultural connection to lands currently under public jurisdiction.
The task force would not remove anyone from privately owned property.
The primary goal of the task force is to create a framework for Land Back, a reconciliation driven initiative that responds to the historical alienation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People from their land through colonial policies that disregarded Squamish Nation’s title and rights.
The task force would outline shared decision-making processes for public land use that respect the Squamish Nation’s jurisdiction. The terms of reference cite: exploring opportunities to help re-establish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural and linguistic connections to the land, identifying cultural, economic or socially significant sites for potential repatriation, and co-management of parks and protected areas.
As for the task force’s schedule and structure, quarterly meetings would alternate between the Squamish Nation and District offices. The co-chairs will be chosen by consensus, and will work with alternating Squamish Nation and District staff to prepare agendas and facilitate meetings.
Decisions within the task force will be made by consensus, but the task force does not have the authority to make binding decisions or act on behalf of either government. Any Land Back initiatives, policy changes, or land dispositions would go to both Councils for final approval. Disputes the task force cannot resolve would be escalated to the Squamish Nation Chairperson and District of Squamish Mayor, who may bring in a neutral mediator if required.
The task force would remain active until 2028, in line with the MOU deadline for priority activities. Appointed councillors will serve until then, unless their term as an elected official ends, they resign, or are removed from the task force by their respective council.
