Engagement

Úxwumixw 2050 is being developed through extensive engagement with members. The first round of engagement started with broad questions; we’ve been asking members “What would you like to see over the next generation?” “What are your hopes, fears, and ideas for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation?”

Who are we hearing from and what is their role in developing Úxwumixw 2050?

Everyone has a part to play in this process. Over the last year, we’ve been connecting with members online, through community events, Open Houses, Elder's lunches, youth events, and advisory groups. Here’s a look at the different ways we’ve received feedback and how we’re using that input to develop the Generational Plan.

Input from Members

Elders: The Generational Plan team has attended ten lunches with Elders in the Squamish Valley and North Shore. During these 4-hour visits, Elders have shared their knowledge, insights, and wisdom, providing feedback on themes, member ideas, and aspirational goals.

Youth: We have been connecting with youth through after-school events at the Squamish Valley and North Shore teen centres. During these visits, youth have shared their ideas and hopes for what they would like to see in the future for the Nation.

IdeaShare: The IdeaShare online ideation platform invites members to record their ideas to ‘improve Squamish Nation for future generations’ and rank other ideas based on which they liked best. 160 members have shared more than 1000 ideas and 1100+ ideas have been ranked.

Community Events and Open Houses: We have attended seven community events and five Open Houses so far (two in Squamish Valley, two in North Vancouver, one in Duncan). These events have provided members an opportunity to learn about the GenPlan, ask questions, meet the team working on the project, contribute new ideas, and share feedback on the themes, goals, and ideas we’ve heard so far.

Community Working Group: A six-person group of members was established in September 2022 to support the Generational Planning process. The group meets once a month to provide feedback on member ideas, aspirational goals, and theme development.

Eslhílhkw’iws chet (we are all related) Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Census 2022: Between July and October 2022, we asked every Squamish Member over 18 years of age to answer questions about health, housing, jobs, education, language and culture, and other aspects of Squamish life. In total, we heard from 1380 members, roughly 1 in every 3 Members. Your responses to the Census are helping to inform the ideas and actions that will make up our Generational Plan. For more information on the Census visit: www.squamish.net/census

Input from Administration & Council

Staff Working Group: The project team has been working with a staff working group, including staff from each department, since November 2021. Input from staff is helping to turn member feedback into action, and make sure we are able to do what we say we’ll do. This team includes many staff that are also members.

Council: The project team has presented to leadership (Council and Directors), sought guidance on the Generational Plan process, and provided updates on the process to the Strategic Planning & Budget Committee.

How to Share Your Thoughts

1. CONVERSATION CALENDAR

We are organizing community meetings, interviews, and small group conversations.

see our calendar

2. SHARE YOUR IDEAS

IdeaShare is set up for you to share your thoughts anytime. Add your ideas and see others by clicking here.

go to IdeaShare

3. TALK TO US

Call 778-652-3838 or email us if you have questions or something you'd like to say.

send an email

leave a voice memo