We’re excited to announce that starting next week, new All Gender Washroom signage will be in place across Squamish Nation buildings to support a safe and private experience for all who need to use the washroom!
*Signage is being updated on 30 single unit washrooms.*
Background
In 2020, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) passed a resolution to conduct an assessment and inventory of all washrooms found across Nation-owned buildings. Following the submission of this assessment in 2022, and to continue the journey of inclusion of all 2SLGBTQIA+ Members, Council passed a resolution to convert most single-unit washrooms into all gender washrooms. Shortly after this resolution was passed, the 2SLGBTQIA+ staff working group and community working group were formed. Together, these working groups conducted extensive community engagement regarding the All Gender Washroom initiative. This engagement, combined with the Council resolution and the hard work of staff and consultants alike, has resulted in the roll-out of the all gender washroom signage in most single-unit washrooms in buildings owned by the Squamish Nation.
What is changing?
Everyone needs access to the washroom. On the surface, this seems simple, but below the surface, the dynamics become more complex. The current signage across the single unit washrooms found across the Nation is inconsistent and not inclusive of all genders, and due to their maximum privacy, it was determined that the single-unit washrooms should be made available to all genders.
Starting in May 2024, the Squamish Nation is updating signage on more than 30 washrooms in buildings owned by the Nation. Singe-unit washrooms have the most privacy, and it is not necessary to designate it by gender. As such, the signage is shifting its focus from gender (i.e. who should be in the washroom) to what is in the washroom (i.e. toilets and sinks).
Comments, questions, and feedback:
Community members can share their feedback by emailing twospiritinclusion@squamish.net.