Squamish Nation looks to reclaim childhood education system

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is taking steps to take back control of its education system.

Through the S7ulh wa Nexwniw̓éyalh (Our Ways of Education) project, the group says it is working toward developing an Education Law.

“We are taking back control of the education of our children. We now have an opportunity to educate our people the n Sḵwx̱wú7mesh way,” the Nation said in a flyer.

The Our Ways of Education project is working at reclaiming the education of Squamish children. (Photo courtesy of the Squamish Nation)

In December, the Nation held a vote where over 87 per cent of respondents voted in favour of the idea of an education system controlled by the Nation.

“Reclaiming education means taking back control over the education of our children, from preschool to Grade 12. If we reclaim our education, then we will have law-making authority over our in-community education system, including school and teacher certification, graduation requirements, curriculum, and course approvals,” the Nation explained.

Although there is still work to be done, this would allow the Squamish Nation to set its own curriculum with a focus on language, culture, and land-based learning.

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Additionally, the plans also include controlling the process of certifying teachers and schools, and “holding ourselves accountable regarding the education of our children — not the federal government.”

More information is set to be released in the spring.

“We can start working together to create a Squamish Nation law for education. This law will be made by our people, working with technical advisors, and influenced through community engagements to date and in the future,” a letter from the Squamish council said.

This comes as the council says there have been more calls from people wanting more Indigenous culture and language within education.