District of Squamish formally apologizes to the Squamish Nation
The District apologized to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw for harms caused by District actions over generations, including loss of language, culture and economic opportunity. It was given privately at Totem Hall on September 19 and marked publicly at O'Siyam Pavilion on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
What changesThe apology came from the True Words project (ta wanáxw sníchim) and is one of six shared priorities in the District and Nation's agreement.
What happened
The District of Squamish has formally acknowledged the harms done to generations of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) by colonial systems and policies. The District also apologized for its own actions that denied the Squamish People their wellbeing, culture, economy, governance and full enjoyment of Squamish rights and title.
The apology was shared at two ceremonies:
- September 19: a private ceremony at Totem Hall, where the acknowledgement and apology were delivered
- September 30: a public ceremony at O'Siyam Pavilion on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
What the apology says
Part of the apology reads: "The District of Squamish recognizes the racism and discrimination experienced by generations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, the loss of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language and culture, and the lack of respect shown for the sacredness of the lands and waters. We know that colonization negatively impacted the economic development of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People."
It goes on: "To all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People: we are sorry. We are sorry for the harms that you, your families, your communities and your ancestors have experienced, and you continue to experience."
How it came about
The apology was shaped by the ta wanáxw sníchim (True Words) Project. The project had two parts:
- The District looked through its own archival records.
- The Squamish Nation led oral history interviews.
The goal was to understand the past and ongoing harms the District may have caused Squamish Nation People. The research and its results are set out in the ta wanáxw sníchim Report.
The apology is one of six priority activities in the Memorandum of Understanding the District and the Nation signed on July 22, 2025. The agreement builds on decades of working together. It covers shared work on land stewardship, reconciliation and joint decision making.
What leaders said
Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, Chairperson of the Squamish Nation, said the apology "represents a significant step forward" in the work the two governments have done since signing the agreement. "Throughout this process, the District of Squamish has opened its heart and mind to our People, and that openness has grounded this work in genuine respect and understanding," he said.
Mayor Armand Hurford said: "Reconciliation is grounded in truth and the Formal Apology is a significant step forward in our continued path with the Squamish Nation." He thanked the Nation's elders and knowledge keepers "who shared their stories, teachings and truth as part of this important work."
Read it and what comes next
The full acknowledgement and apology, and the ta wanáxw sníchim Report, are online at squamish.ca/formal-apology. You can also read the District's news release.
At its inaugural meeting on November 3, 2026, the new council will appoint three councillors to the Land Back Task Force.