Squamish Nation Public Safety

Squamish Nation Public Safety The official page for Ta na wa Téy̓wilhay̓lhem (Public Safety) of the Squamish Nation.

This is the official page for Ta na wa Téy̓wilhay̓lhem (Squamish Nation Public Safety), which is responsible for ensuring the safety and resiliency of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People and communities. Public Safety currently focuses on two core program areas: Emergency Planning & Response and Community Safety, which is home to the Squamish Nation Community Safety Team (CST). Emergency Planning & Res

ponse: The Emergency Planning & Response Team helps communities to prepare for emergencies and provides support before, during and after disasters happen, ensuring Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People have the help they need. Community Safety Team (CST): CST observe, record, and report on community safety issues on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lands. CST also help keep Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People safe by monitoring safety concerns, liaising with police, supporting Nation events, controlling speeding and traffic, acting as a point of contact on safety matters, assisting with weather emergencies and evacuations, and supporting animal control and the mobile outreach initiative. Public Safety Department Staff
*Gursimran GIll, Commissioner, Public Safety
*David Harrison, Senior Manager, Emergency Planning and Response
*Joe Kwan, Manager, Community Safety Team (CST)
* Lesley Natrall, Lead, Community Relations

We have unconfirmed reports of a cougar in Xwemélch'stn (Capilano) West and up by condos Eslha7an. Please take precautio...
09/15/2026

We have unconfirmed reports of a cougar in Xwemélch'stn (Capilano) West and up by condos Eslha7an. Please take precautions and give the animal space if it is seen. Do not approach the cougar.

Report all wildlife incidents to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277

We'll be here tomorrow!
09/15/2026

We'll be here tomorrow!

👋 Happening this week

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Elders aged 55+ are invited to attend the 4th Annual Elders Open House. We would like to connect, share a meal and hear feedback from our Elders. We extend an invitation to our community members in the Squamish Valley, North Shore and living away from home.

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕑10 am - 2 pm (lunch at 12 pm)
📍Totem Hall

The day will include a feast, refreshments, cedar brushing and information booths. We will share updates on the ongoing work to put the Chet wa í7sun (We Pull Together) Elders Program Plan into action. Childcare will be available. Elders are encouraged to bring a young person (Youth) to the event.

📞 Contact us at [email protected] or 604-987-4646 if you require transportation for the event.

Xwemélch'stn Etsimxwawtxw (Capilano Little Ones School) hosted "Cops for Cancer" this past Friday and our Public Safety ...
09/13/2026

Xwemélch'stn Etsimxwawtxw (Capilano Little Ones School) hosted "Cops for Cancer" this past Friday and our Public Safety team was there to provide support to everyone!

World Su***de Prevention Day
09/10/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day

September 10 is World Su***de Prevention Day. Through Sḵwx̱wú7mesh teachings, we encourage you to hold each other up through heart, body, spirit and relationships.

Taking the time to notice, listen and support one another helps us build a community where people feel valued and cared for. Check in early if you think someone you know may be struggling.

Prevention means strengthening connection. Some ways to foster it include:
▪️Checking in with family, friends and Elders
▪️Sharing a meal
▪️Taking part in ceremony
▪️Spending time on the land
▪️Practicing Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim and teachings

Most importantly, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one is meant to carry their pain alone.

📞To connect with Community Health & Wellness, email [email protected] or call 604-982-0332.

For immediate support:

Call 9-1-1 for help right away
Su***de Crisis Helplines: Text or Call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC, both available 24/7
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
KUU-US Crisis Line: operates a 24-hour provincial crisis and counselling line for First Nations individuals throughout BC:
▪️Adults: 250-723-4050
▪️Youth: 250-723-2040
▪️Toll free: 1-800-588-8717

📣NOTICE 🐻 In Ch'ich'éx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour) community this morning, we spotted a black bear on Chief Jimmy Harry Drive cul-de...
09/09/2026

📣NOTICE 🐻
In Ch'ich'éx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour) community this morning, we spotted a black bear on Chief Jimmy Harry Drive cul-de-sac.

Please remember to maintain a safe distance from bears and other wildlife; and, please secure your food, eliminate any outdoor attractants, and secure your garbage.

huy chexw a (thank you)

📣NOTICE 🐻 In the Ch’iyakmesh (Cheekeye) community  in Squamish Valley, we're seeing some increased bear activity related...
09/09/2026

📣NOTICE 🐻
In the Ch’iyakmesh (Cheekeye) community in Squamish Valley, we're seeing some increased bear activity related to fruit trees. Here are some safety tips:
* Make sure you are picking your fruit and securing attractants
* Keep food and other attractants sealed so that they don't give off a scent
* Keep your garbage securely closed
* Keep your doors and windows are locked while you're not home.
huy chexw a (thank you)

Our team was doing traffic control this morning as mén̓men head to their first day of school at Xwemelch'stn Etsimxwawtx...
09/08/2026

Our team was doing traffic control this morning as mén̓men head to their first day of school at Xwemelch'stn Etsimxwawtxw (Capilano Little Ones School).

Campfire Ban Lifted
09/07/2026

Campfire Ban Lifted

Campfire Ban Rescinded

Due to recent cooler weather, the campfire ban for the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky corridor, and Sunshine Coast has been rescinded, effective immediately.

Category 1 fires are permitted on Squamish Nation reserve lands. Campfires must not exceed 0.5 m in diameter or flame height. Residential campfire permits issued by the District of Squamish are NOT required for campfires on Squamish Nation reserve lands.

For restrictions within neighbouring District boundaries such as the District of Squamish please refer to neighbouring local government websites for more information. For more information on restrictions in BC, go to: https://ow.ly/k2aY50ZJCXr

🧯 Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
🌲 Choose your fire location carefully. Do not light fires on or near flammable materials such as tree roots or dry grass.
🫗 Keep water nearby and use it to fully extinguish your fire.

We ask everyone to help protect our Community and territory by following these restrictions and taking extra care when having a fire outdoors.

To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1 or 5555 from a cellphone.

Following up on the "Water Main Break" post below, here's a photo of our team monitoring traffic at Capilano & Marine ye...
09/05/2026

Following up on the "Water Main Break" post below, here's a photo of our team monitoring traffic at Capilano & Marine yesterday.

Our team was on the scene doing traffic patrol, day and night!
09/05/2026

Our team was on the scene doing traffic patrol, day and night!

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is aware of the water main break on Marine Drive currently being repaired by the City of North Vancouver.

The affected water main is located on City property, and City crews are on site responding to the situation. As repairs progress, there may be interruptions to water service affecting X̱wemelch'stn (Capilano Reserve).

The Nation is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Nexwsp’áyaḵen ta Úxwumixw (Community Operations)

Phone: 604-980-8655
Email: [email protected]
Emergency contact (after hours): 604-690-0729

Address

Public Safety Department, 320 Seymour Boulevard
North Vancouver, BC
V7J2J3

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