Squamish Forest District First Nations

First Nations

The Squamish Forest District, located in the south-west mainland corner of the province, encompasses a rich diversity of First Nations Coast Salish and Salishan linguistic people. The Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations represent the Coastal Salish linguistic groups while Mount Currie, N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Douglas belong to the Interior Salish linguistic group.

As the first human inhabitants of the area, there are many native village and town sites located throughout the Squamish Forest District area. Signs of the rich historical native influence are evident throughout the District beginning with the modern replica of a Coast Salish longhouse located on Highway 99 just prior to arriving in the Squamish town site, to the historical ishkins, or pit houses, near the Birkenhead River north of Mount Currie.

Many of the First Nations have complex infra-structures to administer their own businesses and community needs such as, health clinics, housing, schools, water, sewer and elected local Chief and Council. Community gatherings, witness ceremonies and feasts provide all local communities an understanding and awareness that First Nations culture and lifestyle contributes to our society.

The Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Ministry of Forests was created in October 1994, as part of government’s response to changing environmental and social concerns, changing market expectations and new legislation.  Aboriginal Affairs Branch and the Aboriginal Liaison Officer provide leadership, advice and overall co-ordination with respect to forest-related First Nations’ initiatives.  The Aboriginal Liaison Officer is the communications link between the Ministry of Forests and the First Nations in the Squamish Forest District and is involved in forest and range agreement negotiations, provides information to treaty negotiations, policy development, and increasing First Nations’ participation in the forest industry.  The Squamish Forest District has several forest and range agreements with First Nations providing first nations direct access to forest tenures and revenue as well as economic and employment opportunities within the Squamish Forest District.  The Squamish Forest District employs an Aboriginal Liaison Officer stationed in the Squamish District Office.

First Nations Consultation related links:

• First Nations Contacts in the Squamish District

• First Nations Traditional Territories/Administrative Boundaries Maps (PDF)

• First Nations Consultation and Policies

  • Aboriginal Rights and Title Policy (PDF)

  • MFR Consultation Guidelines (PDF)

• Ministry of Forests Aboriginal Affairs Branch

• Forest and Range Agreements FAQ

• Managing Your New Timber Tenure

• Guidelines for Managing Cedar for Cultural Purposes
• New Relationship Website

• Guide to Using Traditional Use Study Information (Word)

• Traditional Use Study Program Information.

  • This site has only general information and is available to government users.

  • First Nations who have completed traditional use studies hold the detailed information regarding traditional use sites and values identified within their asserted traditional territories. Licensees preparing FSPs should contact First Nations directly regarding access to this information for the purposes of developing results and strategies for cultural heritage resources.

  • TUS information continues to be important and where this information exists is considered by decision-makers when making statutory decisions.