In a move that will be watched by many within Squamish and beyond, the District of Squamish has moved a step forward on a path of reconciliation with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

At its March 17 meeting, staff reviewed the Land Back Task Force terms of reference, and council unanimously appointed Mayor Armand Hurford, Coun. Jenna Stoner and Coun. Eric Andersen to serve on the task force.

According to a District spokesperson, to arrive at the chosen members who will serve on the task force, councillors each shared their capacity with Hurford. This information then informed the recommended motion for the three to be appointed.

At the same meeting, council also unanimously approved the task force terms of reference.

“This is incredibly important work,” said Hurford, who then read directly from the terms of reference.

“The Land Back Task Force exists to research, learn, and engage both District of Squamish residents and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People on the concept of Land Back. Its primary goal is to develop a framework for Land Back in the District of Squamish, including policy considerations for future public land dispositions by the District and joint use of District lands.”

He said it is “incredibly important” to have this dialogue with the Nation and with the community around what the task force is and what it is not.

“The task force does not have decision making power in and of itself, and neither does this group have decision making power over private land. That is not what it’s about,” he said.

He acknowledged that there is fear around land back initiatives in Squamish and around the country, and said he hopes the task force process can “fill the gaps of understanding.”

Read the full article at the Squamish Chief: ‘Historical mission’: Squamish creates Land Back task force with Squamish Nation, sets mandate through 2028