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Hamilton Spectator
16 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Squamish students connect with ancestral lands through Two-Eyed Seeing
From sturgeon legends to scuba diving demonstrations, children at Porteau Cove experience a new way of learning that honours both heritage and habitat. Western science and cultural beliefs do not have to be interchangeable; in fact, they can be very complementary to a child's learning. Staff at St'a7mes School, who uphold project-based learning, garner knowledge for the future land stewardship of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) with a multi-faceted approach. Children of all ages are taught about their lands and culture, not only through traditional stories, activities, and language, but also with modern science by Western conservationists. Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning with one eye from Indigenous knowledge and the other from Western knowledge, then combining both sets of knowledge for the benefit of all. In teaching and learning with Two-Eyed Seeing, all are encouraged to rebuild and connect to the land on which they live, whether they are Indigenous or otherwise. This can be observed as an act of reconciliation. Matthew Van Oostdam, head of the Aya7ayulh Chet (Cultural Journeys) program at St'a7mes School, works with Nation members to lead a series of Two-Eyed Seeing ocean learning days for elementary students, the latest of which, and not for the first time, took place at Xwawchayay (Porteau Cove) last week. 'It's not a matter of learning the Western science beliefs or the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh understanding of these places… we can learn about both these things,' Van Oostdam said. 'The focus is to create space for both ways of seeing and understanding. A huge part of it is rebuilding our relationship and connection to [Porteau Cove]. For the kids, that's so fundamental to caring about these places and realizing that their ancestors have lived, camped and paddled along these waters since longer than any of us can remember.' A welcome figure was erected two years prior at the south end of the park to commemorate the school's then two years of learning and partnership with the Nation and BC Parks, who help fund local non-profits, such as the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society (MLSS), which co-hosted the ocean learning days at Porteau Cove last week. According to MLSS project director Adam Taylor, the MLSS has worked with local governments to protect areas such as Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver for 30 years, and has discovered prehistoric glass sponge reefs in Howe Sound, which were thought to be extinct since 1987 . '[MLSS] focuses on marine conservation areas, but we recognize the need for local stewardship and education and outreach because we won't have long-term conservation areas without children learning about [their] importance,' he said. 'We want to inspire the next generation of stewards [and] researchers; without the children learning early, we won't have long-term sustainability.' The ocean learning days last week were divided into two parts: the morning began with an introductory talk by Van Oostdam about the story of the sturgeon, followed by Indigenous ceremonial music at the base of the welcome figure. Xwawchayay translates to 'place of little sturgeon.' Knowledge Keeper Kwewawatennat (Virginia Johnston) then presented the children with dynamic and interactive Indigenous storytelling about various sea creatures, at a viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound. In the afternoon, MLSS marine biologists gathered various hardy organisms with a team of divers from Howe Sound for the children to observe, after their lunch and a cultured beach walk, among them sea cucumbers, starfish, a small octopus, and crabs. The children also spoke with and observed the scuba divers on the shoreline, marvelling at the workings of their suits and diving equipment. Cory Hartling, St'a7mes School's principal, was the first teacher of the secondary school's Learning Expeditions program, which started simultaneously with Van Oostdam's Cultural Teachings program 10 years ago. 'We're having the kids really learn through experience,' Hartling said. 'These kids, a lot of them are Squamish kids, are here on their traditional territory learning traditional practices, and at St'a7mes School, that's what we're all about. We're deeply invested in learning here on the land… For me, this really represents a deep act of reconciliation.' St'a7mes School's Two-Eyed Seeing ocean learning days ran from May 27 to 29. You can contact staff to learn about future projects and similar programs via the school's website. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada. See Video: Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. 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Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Update: B.C. passes Bill 15 despite Indigenous opposition and narrow vote
On Wednesday night, Bill 15 passed third and final reading in the Legislature by a vote of 47-to-46. New Democrats voted for the legislation, with 41 Conservatives, the two B.C. Greens, including Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, and the three Independents opposing it. The tie was broken by Speaker Raj Chouhan. Next, the bill will go to Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia for royal assent. (The last time royal assent was withheld was in 1920, according to Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia: Fifth Edition .) The Squamish Chief has reached out to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) for comment on next steps. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is taking a strong stand against what it deems a 'significant threat' to the constitutional rights and title of Indigenous Peoples of the provincial government's Bill 15- Infrastructure Projects Act , which is due to pass on Wednesday. In a letter addressed to Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s Minister for Infrastructure, Khelsilem, Nation council chairperson, appealed to the provincial government to immediately withdraw the legislation and to subsequently discuss amendments co-operatively. The Bill 15-Infrastructure Projects Act was first introduced on April 10 last year. It was drafted by the Ministry of Infrastructure with the aim of centralizing planning for major capital projects, such as schools and health care facilities. The bill would give the cabinet powers to fast-track such projects, which it deems significant to the province. The Nation's May 13 letter of appeal lists 'grave concerns' over the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge, centralized powers without accountability or transparency, and an overall lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (or FPIC). The Nation's commitment to a 'shared vision' with the province is also elaborated upon, as well as the province's legal and moral obligations, and co-decision making. Significantly, the Nation states that the bill is holistically 'a step backward… [in] a self-governing Nation with deep responsibilities to our lands and waters,' and that it 'is a clear violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).' According to the Nation, it had not received a response to its letter as of May 28. The Nation is not alone in its sentiments and disillusionment with the bill. Many other Indigenous organizations and leaders have spoken out against it. For example, an open letter was also presented to the province this week by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) on behalf of the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations, which said the province was 'walking backwards with a top-down, 'economy first' agenda,' which could have 'irreparable' impacts on many First Nations' relationships. The letter described how the FNLC had convened with the province on May 15 at an All Chiefs Meeting where they communicated their—yet to be acknowledged—opposing stance, and that the wording within the proposition of Bill 15 was misleading and unclear, for example the definition of 'core territories,' and who would determine the whereabouts of a project. Furthermore, the FNLC suggested that the bill's proposal purported to uphold Indigenous rights as an explicit provision, including consent as a prerequisite, and yet was not included in the ultimate legislative wording. 'The honour of the Crown is at stake when the Crown engages with First Nations,' the letter reads, '[it is] part of honourable dealing… more than just semantics. 'This is not a matter for the Crown to decide, and this proposed approach seriously risks prejudicing First Nations because of new or persisting boundary disputes caused by colonial policies and processes. It is a paternalistic and dismissive approach [to core territories] in this context.' For its part, the Ministry of Infrastructure told The Squamish Chief that whilst it is understandable Indigenous People want clarity, the province remains committed to its obligations under DRIPA. In a statement, the ministry said that on March 26 it issued letters offering future, deeper consultations on the bill to all 204 Nations impacted. 'We acknowledge that our engagement process was shorter than we would have liked,' the emailed statement reads, 'but we want to be clear, the bill can't be used to shortcut Indigenous participation … Our government remains committed to reconciliation.' According to the Ministry, the obligation to consult with the First Nations is guaranteed by a section written directly into the bill, as well as the Interpretation Act, which is a separate piece of legislation ensuring that all legislation must be interpreted in a way that aligns with DRIPA. 'We are committed to working collaboratively with partners, and to ensuring projects uphold BC's world-class environmental standards and consultation with First Nations,' the statement continues. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh business beat: Meet one of the women behind Nch'ḵay̓
'You don't need big budgets to have a big impact': Squamish Nation member returns home to lead brand marketing for Nch'ḵay̓. She has come happily home, bringing all she has learned along the way with her. A Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) development corporation appointed a new marketing lead last month, who is also a Nation member. Brandi Halls brings to the role not only her professional expertise, but her cultural values, enabling her to implement plans for long-term prosperity. Halls has over two decades of brand-building expertise. She previously worked across North America as brand director and chief ethics officer at Lush Cosmetics, and has now been appointed executive vice-president of brand, marketing and community engagement for Nch'ḵay̓ , the Nation's economic development arm based in West Vancouver, that was established in 2018. Nch'ḵay̓'s 'mandate' is to manage business separately from politics, all the while continuing to uphold traditional values and cultural teachings. Specializing in finance and real estate, Nch'ḵay̓ strives for holistic economic impact on Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous communities. Their projects involve transforming Vancouver's skylines, such as Sen̓áḵw , as well as developing facilities such as gas bars and RV parks. Squamish Valley Gas Bar is an Nch'ḵay̓ business. Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch'ḵay̓ , said of Halls' appointment: 'Brandi's leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our brand and market presence, [her] deep connection to our values makes her the perfect fit to help us achieve our goals in alignment with the Nation's guiding principles.' The Squamish Chief spoke to Halls last week to discuss her new role and professional journey. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity. A: I always knew I wanted to bring 20 years of experience in the corporate world back to my Nation. I just really didn't see a pathway there until Nch'ḵay̓ was formed, and I haven't looked back. It's been a tremendous welcoming back home. In my new role, I really get to bring my whole self to work every day. I get to lean into my Sḵwx̱wú7mesh teachings and my passion around Indigenous sovereignty. The cherry on top of all that is that I get to do this with my own community. I'm following in the footsteps of those who walk before me. My grandfather, the late Chief Simon Baker, was an ambassador of Indigenous culture. He was on council for the Nation, and spent his career working for the Nation. My mom, Faye Halls, followed in his footsteps. And now my sisters are both Indigenous educators, so it feels like I found my way back to where I'm meant to be. I don't think I'm alone in that. There are other Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people that [with] the formation of Nch'ḵay̓ [have benefited] their community. A: We [are] 100% owned by the Nation, so that means everything we do [is] always going to be rooted in values and teachings. That's where that inevitable crossover is really natural and feels like the right approach. The separation of business and politics is intentional. It's standard practice for Indigenous economic development arms now, and it really does allow Nch'ḵay̓ to operate at the speed of commercial businesses, and most importantly, allows our council and our Nation to focus on governing its 4,100 people. It works for us. We've got some really standard governance practices in place to ensure that the separation of business and politics [is maintained], but that the foundation of everything we do is the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh way. A: Sen̓áḵw is a brilliant example of short-term strategy for long-term gain. Right now, we have three towers rising from the ground at the foot of the Burrard Street Bridge on our traditional Sen̓áḵw lands. The short-term plan there, of course, is to welcome over 1,000 residents over the next 24 months into our purpose-built rental towers. But the long-term goal here is building that generational wealth for the Nation. That project is enormous in scale for the Nation. Specifically, I am very excited about bringing that story to life. We want folks who choose to live there to feel connected to the land and to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. We are deep in the creative process of bringing the Sen̓áḵw brands to life, imagining 'what is that ad going to look like on the side of buses in the weeks to come?' We're working really closely with Nation artists and knowledge-keepers to ensure that the representation of Sen̓áḵw is authentic and true. I can honestly say that it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime project that I'm really honoured to be part of. [I] get to stretch my creative muscles and lean into the branding work, [and] stay super true to who I am as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh woman. A: It's a super fine balance [but] our traditional knowledge-keepers can ensure the history we're showing [is] up on our screens, and [that] our mock-ups are accurate. Bringing in young Indigenous artists is another way [to retain that balance]. They've got a more contemporary, modern flair to their work. We're pairing them with knowledge-keepers, other art workers, and designers, so you do really get this beautiful collaboration. We are learning as we're doing. And so far, the process has been really beautiful. Every time we see another version of the artwork that's about to go live externally, we kind of gasp. There have been some tears, and I think we are doing a beautiful job of honouring the past, whilst also celebrating the future. A: The beauty industry that I came from was heavily female, [but] the leadership team in the North American entity of Lush was more male-dominated. I certainly make note of this shift, but also worth drawing attention to is just how lucky I am to work for Nch'ḵay̓, because this organization is led by strong, experienced women in an industry that is typically led by men. Our CEO is Mindy White, our chief development officer who looks after our real estate is Jennifer Podmore Russell, and our board chair is Joy MacPhail. These are all incredibly accomplished women who are really well-known in the industry, and our executive team, which I am a part of; the majority are women as well. Despite the greater housing and real estate industry being more male-dominated, I feel we've done a really great job of lifting women up in our space. 50% of the staff [at Nch'ḵay̓] are also Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, and 61% of our staff are Indigenous. I've never felt more at home anywhere else, being amongst my people, my community. A: I spent seven years in New York, in Manhattan; I was kind of in the heartbeat of all things brand marketing. The greatest lesson I learned from that time, that I will be bringing into Nch'ḵay̓, is this concept of growing your brand through a really organic grassroots approach. Stepping out of my office door in Manhattan, I was experiencing brand activations in all forms every single day. Niche community building is what I saw, and that's all the way across the West Coast now. You don't need big budgets to have a big impact. What you really need is a team and a community who are super passionate about purpose, and there's definitely no shortage of that passion at Nch'ḵay̓. Being able to nurture this human-to-human approach, building relationships and rapport, that's what's going to result in growing your brand. You just have to lean heavily into building community connection, which transfers beautifully to a brand like Nch'ḵay̓ where our sole purpose is to serve, and build wealth and prosperity for the community of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. Everything we do in our team is around connection to our community, and informing [them.] It means that engagement and communications are central to our strategy. We need to ensure, within the way we're operating our businesses and within the way we're marketing them, that our people feel seen and heard. I'm excited to grow the enterprise brand, and the business brands within it. A: You have to have a good product, and you have to have good people, and you have to have purpose. It's really easy to come into a place like Nch'ḵay̓ that is so rounded in purpose, filled with people who are passionate about the work and community. Now all we've got to do is tell the stories, and we need to tell them in a real and authentic way. That's going to be a really powerful marketing tool, but also a community-building tool. *Please note that this story was updated after it was first published to correct some grammar and spelling errors, including the spelling of Mindy Wight's last name. The Squamish Chief apologizes for these errors. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the LJI. The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to news@ . While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Keeping it clean: Indigenous cleaning business brings ‘good energy'
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh company 4 Directions is looking to grow its business, prioritizing employment for First Nations. The Indigenous-owned company 4 Directions, which currently covers the North Shore and the Sea to Sky Corridor, among other areas, offers residential, commercial, marine, and industrial cleaning, with de-cluttering and moving services, providing a needed service and work for local Indigenous communities. Former health care worker Ashley Paull is the multi-faceted founder of 4 Directions and a member of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) who created the business in 2022. As a spiritual person, she uses her business to incorporate and spread the cultural teachings and values of the Nation by prioritizing the employment of First Nations people. She also hopes to expand to serve clients across Canada and potentially establish another branch, such as a laundry service. 'I come into your home [or] business with love, non-judgment, and prayers. I can sense trapped energy inside, and will pray to free it,' reads her business statement on LinkedIn. 'I feel like when I go into homes, I feel the energy sometimes. There's blocked energy to the point where, like, you can't move right?' she told The Squamish Chief. 'And so that's when I was trained by Elders to tell me, 'You're going to go into this home: it's foster care, or there's a hazard,'' she added. 'The night before, I'll light up my medicine and I'll pray, like I'm in that spot and I'm clearing out the energy.' Paull suggested her chosen business name, 4 Directions, conceptually embodies her holistic practice, in that her business is essentially about four aspects of cleanliness. 'Using '4 Directions' could signify a cleaning service that addresses mind, body, spirit, and environment,' she said, 'Not just physical spaces, but promoting well-being in a holistic way. I want to clean mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.' Paull previously worked as an employee for a cleaning company and said she became disillusioned with the industry before she began working independently. 'At the end of the week, I was so tired, and I looked at my little paycheque. All that work I put in is for what? I could do it myself. [Being independent] is definitely more liberating,' she said. It all started with a Facebook post offering residential cleaning to make extra money. And the next thing she knew, she was getting booked up and became an independent cleaner. 'And then my friend goes, 'Why don't you get into commercial? So that's when I got a business license, and I went for it. I got my first contract cleaning daycares. It just seemed so unreal,' she said. If clients approve, she can bring her cultural knowledge to the client's space, taking into consideration any allergies, including those of pets. 'There are times when I'll bring in my sage, my sweet grass, and do a little cleansing of their home, and open the windows. … You wouldn't want just anybody to go into your personal space and clean. You've got to trust that person,' she said. Besides the North Shore and the Sea to Sky Corridor, Paull has business connections in the Lower Mainland, as well as the Fraser Valley. She hopes to expand 4 Directions further across Canada, her partner being from Saskatchewan. But she remains extremely mindful and respectful of territorial boundaries, and about keeping her business self-contained, she added 'I don't want to step on anybody's toes, if there are any other First Nation companies out there, I don't want to go into their territory and take over.' Paull said she considers her employees, who are currently all Squamish Nation members, her 'family.' 'My number one rule is family first,' she said, 'I want to build a connection [and understanding] with my employees.' You can book a service or look for work with 4 Directions by contacting 604-354-5554 or Ashleypaull99@ Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the LJI.
CBC
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Join The Early Edition's special live program with the Squamish Nation
The Early Edition, Feb. 7: A celebration of the Squamish people Live in 51 minutes Stephen Quinn is hosting this special episode of The Early Edition. We're live with the Squamish Nation for a day of stories, music and special reports. On today's show, we'll go inside the Sen̓áḵw development as its towers continue to soar. We'll meet the people keeping Squamish culture alive for generations to come. And on the eve of the Invictus Games, we'll learn how the Squamish Nation is planning to co-host the event. You can contact the program at any time by email: earlyed@ CBC's The Early Edition i s going live with the Squamish Nation on Friday for a day of stories, music and special reports. Hosted by Stephen Quinn, the special episode will connect with people keeping Squamish culture alive for generations to come and take an exclusive look inside the groundbreaking Sen̓áḵw housing development as its towers grow near Vancouver's Burrard Street Bridge. The show, which begins at 5:30 a.m. PT, will also learn how the Squamish Nation is planning to co-host the 2025 Invictus Games alongside the Lil'wat, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The games are due to begin on Saturday and run until Feb. 16. There will be in-depth reports throughout the morning. Squamish Nation Elder Paítsmuḵ, also known as David Jacobs, will speak about his role in the decades-long legal effort to reclaim Sen̓áḵw, where the 6,000-unit development is now under construction. The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn gets an exclusive tour of the development to look at the project's progress and to learn how the Squamish people are affirming their history more than a century after they were forced off that land: Squamish Nation says first Sen̓áḵw units available to rent this year as towers start to soar 9 minutes ago Duration 11:03 The Early Edition's Stephen Quinn gets a tour of the Squamish Nation's Sen̓áḵw development to look at the project's progress and to learn how the Squamish people are affirming their history more than a century after they were forced off that land. In 2010, there were just 10 fluent Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim speakers, according to figures from the nation. Now, there are hundreds of people actively learning the language. The Early Edition 's Lisa Christiansen visited ta tsíptspi7lhḵn (the Squamish Language Nest), where families are taking part in immersive lessons and keeping the language alive: Back from the brink: We meet the people reviving the Squamish language (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim) 9 minutes ago Duration 7:59 "In 2010, there were just 10 fluent Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim speakers, according to figures from the Squamish Nation. Now, hundreds of people are actively learning the language. The Early Edition's Lisa Christiansen visited ta tsíptspi7lhḵn (the Squamish Language Nest), where families are taking part in immersive lessons and keeping the language alive. Meanwhile, the finishing touches are being added to a covered lacrosse box for the Squamish Nation's teams, the North Shore Indians and the North Shore Eagles. Lacrosse is a major cultural force for the community, and as the CBC's Liam Britten found out, it's also about survival, escape, community and family.
