04 Apr Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
“A key feature of the Nations economic development process was the Nations understanding of Squamish rights and title issues.” Khelsilem, Squamish Councillor. Also from Vancouver Urbanized, “the real win is that the revenue generated by the market housing will provide the First Nation with the capacity to pursue greater self-determination. It will greatly enhance their ability to provide current members and future generations with more services, such as eldercare, education, and language and culture support. It would also help fund more member housing initiatives beyond this reserve” (2021). In addition, cited from Woodfibre LGN website, “the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has explored lead to the Environmental Assessment Agreement and Certificate that identified 13 conditions that Woodfibre LNG would need to meet to ensure the continued support of the Squamish Nation. One of these conditions required Woodfibre LNG to enter into an economic benefits agreement with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. This agreement seeks to address the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw priorities around local economic growth and the creation of opportunities for the members.” In the ATPN National News, Squamish Nation in B.C. signs billion dollar land deal that will see LNG plant ship gas to Asia, “the Squamish Nation in British Columbia has signed off on a billion dollar land deal that will pave the way for construction of a liquified natural gas facility just outside Vancouver. The project was approved by the Squamish Nation and the B.C. government in March after a $1.1 billion deal was struck. Another part of the land deal is the return of nine parcels of land to the Squamish Nation including part of the Murrin Provincial Park.” This is Indigenomic in Action! The Nation is generating own source revenue that will have generational impact across many sectors including housing and natural resources, and will allow an overall higher standards of living within the community. The growth and strength of the Squamish economy is essential to pay attention to. Posed to generate billions, the Squamish Nation is a leading example of growing Indigenous economic strength and presence. This is Indigenomics and a reflection of the emerging 100 billion dollar Indigenous economy.