The ceremony will honour the Squamish Nation, Canim Lake Band, and Ditidaht First Nation officially assuming control of their own educational systems
For immediate release | September 25, 2023 – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Territory
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is pleased to announce a cultural celebration recognizing three British Columbia First Nations assuming jurisdiction over their own educational systems on their lands. Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band) and Ditidaht First Nation all finalized their agreements with the federal government over the summer.
“We have been working towards taking control of our own education for a long time, building on the work of those before us. In December 2022, our Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of this jurisdictional shift, and to witness this next step in developing an education system that is uniquely Squamish is beyond exciting. This historic agreement represents a huge step forward not just for the Squamish Nation, but for all Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”
“It has been a long road to reclaim jurisdiction over education on our lands. On behalf of FNEA, I welcome the three new Participating First Nations to the table work collectively to build collaborative and cooperative relationships, structures, and processes to support the implementation of education jurisdiction and build better futures for our children and youth.”
These three First Nations now join ʔaq’am, Cowichan Tribes, Lil’wat Nation, and Seabird Island, who were the first cohort of Participating First Nations to sign education jurisdiction agreements last year.
In celebration of the official signing, the three Nations will come together today for a cultural ceremony on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) territory. Representatives from all three First Nations, the First Nations Education Authority (FNEA), First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), the province of British Columbia and Canada will participate in the celebration and be available for on-site interviews.
Location: Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road, West Vancouver
Date: September 25, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Contacts
For more information, please contact media@squamish.net.