Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓íyelh
Language & Cultural Affairs

Office & Contact Details
Phone: 604-990-3061
Email: language_culture@squamish.net
Address: Unit 4, 380 Welch Street, West Vancouver, BC V7P 0A7
Mailing Address: PO Box 86131, North Vancouver, BC V7L 4J5

Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓íyelh has a mandate to grow the language and culture of the Squamish People. The departmental objectives are to develop and implement policies and programs to ensure our people have access to their language, culture, heritage, and archives. The development and implementation of programs are with the support and guidance of Elders, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish language) speakers, community groups, educational organizations, and government agencies.

The work of this department belongs to all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Members, from the youngest to the oldest, on- and off-reserve, and is at the foundation of who we are and where we come from.

Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓íyelh is a name created by late language speakers from Ta na wa Nexwníw̓n ta a Ímats (Teachings For Your Grandchildren) Elders Language Advisory Committee. It was originally created for the Education Department prior to its merging with Employment & Training and has now been handed to this department.

The name could be interpreted as ‘The Ones Who Guard the Teachings’. Snew̓íyelh is an important concept in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ways of being referring to the advice one possesses and shares. This could be advice on how to be a good person, how to work together, or how to take care of one another. It is captured in our language and culture. It can also simply mean instructions.