Six elected officials, three from the Squamish Nation and three from the District of Squamish, have been named to a new joint Land Back Task Force. District Councillors Eric Andersen, Jenna Stoner and Mayor Armand Hurford will sit alongside Squamish Nation Councillors Is’gh’li-ya Anthony Joseph, Kalkalilh Deanna Lewis, and Jonny Williams.
The Land Back Task Force, whose scope is limited to public land use, is established based on goals outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both councils in July 2025.
The task force will research and engage the public on the concept of ‘land back’, responding to what both governments describe as the historical alienation of Squamish People from their territory. Privately owned property will not be affected.
The task force is active until 2028, and all appointed councillors will serve until then, unless their term ends, they resign, or are removed from the task force by their council.
Possible recommendations from the task force could include co-managing parks and protected areas, restoring original place names, granting exclusive access to cultural sites for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, and facilitating access to traditional harvesting sites. Squamish Nation Chairperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams called the initiative a meaningful step in inter-governmental relations.
“The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People have lived on these lands for thousands of years, and our work alongside the District of Squamish to shape the future of public lands in this region will only deepen our shared commitment to responsible stewardship — for the benefit of all who call this place home,”said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Chairperson.
The task force does not hold decision-making authority. Instead, it will bring recommendations forward to both Councils after completing its research and community engagement work.
Mayor Armand Hurford said the work is “based on recognition, respect and inclusion,” encouraging residents to approach the conversations with an open mind.
“Council continues to be committed to genuine and lasting reconciliation with the Squamish Nation and the work of this task force further supports that goal. We believe that it’s important to sit with our community and our Indigenous partner and have meaningful conversations on this important matter, in a good way,” said Mayor Armand Hurford.
As a first step, District residents are invited to learn about the legal frameworks and history of Indigenous rights and title in Canada. The District of Squamish compiled resources on the topic as well as a FAQ page.
A speaker series is also being planned in partnership with the Squamish Public Library, with dates to be announced.
