Nexwníw̓en ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (follow the ways of the Squamish)*
Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season. I have been working as the Chief Administrative Officer (also known as CAO) since February. In that time, I’ve met many community members, Elders, and staff and have felt a warm welcome. I look forward meeting more of you for the first time and learn more about your community, culture, language, and proud history. For those of you I haven’t met yet, I am an Indigenous administrator with 25 years’ experience working with First Nation governments. I am honored to work for Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) on behalf of the people.
“We are grateful for who we are, the work done to get here, and the opportunities with where we are going.”
I’ve always been impressed with the leadership at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. Over the years, I’ve seen your Elders, elected Council, and community members represent the people and the Nation with grace, intellect, and sheer determination. They worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Nation and I am humbled to be part of the team that continues this legacy.
“It’s important to us to do things in the right way and to make time for honour and respect.”
As the CAO, I acknowledge that “what” I do is important, but that I will also be measured by “how” I do it. This applies to me, as much as every single employee in the Squamish Nation government. We know that you have high expectations of us and we have a lot of work to do to meet those expectations. As we do that work, my intention is to a) learn, b) honor, and c) respect the Squamish ways. It is a journey and I look forward to traveling alongside you.
Thank you for reading this. I look forward to seeing you in 2023 and I wish you all the best for the holidays and beyond.
Chen wanáxwstúmi (respectfully),
Sheldon Tetreault
Chief Administrative Officer, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
*Nexwníw̓en ta nexwniw̓ tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (follow the ways of the Squamish) is one of the six principles identified in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw 2026, the Nation’s Strategic Plan.