The District of Squamish and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) have been undertaking joint initiatives – on flood protection, emergency planning, and forest governance – for decades. On March 18 they went a step further, announcing the launch of the Land Back Task Force to explore how public lands can be returned or co-managed with the Squamish First Nation.
“The establishment of this task force represents a meaningful and collaborative step forward 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,” explained Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, Chairperson and Spokesperson, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
Mayor Armand Hurford, of the District of Squamish, added, “This work is based on recognition, respect and inclusion, and we encourage everyone to have an open mind and maintain curiosity, to engage together in dialogue and learning.”
The Land Back Task Force is made up of three representatives from each government and does not have decision making power. Its mandate is to “research and engage in meaningful dialogue, both among its members and the public, and make recommendations to the respective Councils.”
According to the District website, these recommendations could pertain to:
- Co-managing parks and protected areas.
- Restoring original place names.
- Granting exclusive access to cultural sites for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People.
- Facilitating access to traditional harvesting sites.
- Exploring opportunities to recommend policy updates for District land dispositions.
- Advocating for Squamish Nation as it relates to Crown land dispositions.
Mayor Hurford told CTV News, “Each council ultimately has a veto, just by the nature of the systems we operate in.”
The Land Back Task Force’s origins can be traced back to an MOU from July 2025, a few weeks before the Cowichan Decision was announced. Mayor Hurford added some property owners have expressed concerns, but they do not apply in this case.
“The task force’s scope of work does not involve privately owned property, and residents with private land holdings will not be impacted.”
They will be focusing on land that the District of Squamish currently controls or manages.
As a first step, the Squamish people and District residents are being encouraged to join in learning about the historical facts and legal frameworks for Indigenous rights and title in Canada, as well as recent court decisions. A series of speaker events are being set up in collaboration with the Squamish Public Library.
Links of Interest:
- Sḵwx ̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District of Squamish Councils advance reconciliation work through shared task force on public lands – District of Squamish
- Land Back Task Force – District of Squamish
- Resources – District of Squamish
Top image credit: Squamish – Photo by Jennifer C via Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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