The event carried powerful symbolism.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and District leaders gathered on July 22 at Sp’akw’us Feather Park, with Nation member James Harry's towering Welcome Gate silhouetted behind them.
On the shore of Átl'ka7tsem Howe Sound, where Nation members historically and currently paddle by canoe, the leaders of both governments celebrated the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
In the document, they both agreed to work more closely together on issues such as land stewardship, reconciliation, and joint decision-making.
Among other ambitious goals, there's a plan in the agreement for a formal apology from the District to the Nation for the impacts of colonization, and a plan to strike a committee to discuss "land back" opportunities.
It is groundbreaking and significant.
But just like travellers on Howe Sound are vulnerable to the mighty wind —Nation and District leaders had to abandon their plan to paddle into shore for the ceremony and instead came seated in a canoe towed on a flatbed truck—the MOU is a precarious agreement.
A clause in the MOU states that "either party may terminate this MOU on 30 days written notice."
MOUs are not legally binding; this one is no exception and says so in black and white in the agreement.
These documents are preliminary agreements—promises.
And both governments that signed it are led by elected officials soon up for re-election.
The Nation's general election for its 16 council members, chairperson and band manager is on Sept. 28.
The municipal election for District council is in October 2026. Mayor Armand Hurford has already said he won't run again.
Both Nation and District voters should keep this agreement in mind during the election campaigns and when they cast their ballots.
The promises set out in the historic agreement are only groundbreaking if there is follow-through by the future elected leaders.
