Squamish Nation and Destination Vancouver Sign Statement of Cooperation to Advance Indigenous Cultural Tourism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Territory, North Vancouver, BC| 15 JUNE 2026—Squamish Nation and Destination Vancouver yesterday signed a Statement of Cooperation that formalizes a shared commitment to advancing a competitive, sustainable, and socially conscious Indigenous tourism industry rooted in the traditions, stories, and values of the Squamish Nation and the broader Indigenous community.
Signed at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre on Squamish Nation territory, the agreement establishes a collaborative framework to support the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism across the region while creating opportunities that contribute to cultural revitalization, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development.
Grounded in mutual respect and guided by the priorities and aspirations of the Squamish Nation, the Statement of Cooperation reflects a shared vision to ensure tourism contributes meaningfully to reconciliation by amplifying Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, and creating deeper connections between visitors and the lands, waters, histories, and living cultures of the region.
The Statement of Cooperation establishes a framework for coordinated planning and ongoing collaboration, through which Squamish Nation and Destination Vancouver will work together to strengthen Indigenous tourism opportunities while ensuring cultural integrity remains at the forefront.
"Tourism in our territory must be guided by respect, reciprocity, and a commitment to future generations," said Wilson Williams, Chairperson, Squamish Nation. "This Statement of Cooperation reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous-led experiences that honour our culture, strengthen our community, and allow visitors to engage with our stories in meaningful and respectful ways."
"A successful visitor economy depends on creating experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and rooted in place," said Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver. "Through this partnership with Squamish Nation, we are advancing a shared vision that celebrates Indigenous cultures, strengthens community well-being, and helps visitors develop a deeper connection to this destination and its people."
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Media Contacts:
Squamish Nation
Destination Vancouver
Suzanne Walters
Director of Communications
E. swalters@destinationvancouver.com
T. 604.561.9145
About The Squamish Nation
The Squamish Nation is an Indigenous government whose territory encompasses Metro Vancouver, the Squamish Valley, and surrounding regions in British Columbia. Descended from the Coast Salish peoples, the Squamish Nation has a rich history, culture, and spiritual tradition rooted in the lands and waters of its ancestors. The Nation is recognized for its stewardship of the land and its commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural heritage with present and future generations. Visit www.squamish.net
About Destination Vancouver
Destination Vancouver is the non-profit, member-based destination marketing and management organization for the spectacular city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Our purpose is to transform our communities and our visitors through the power of travel and to be thoughtful leaders, advocates and ambassadors for our city. We work with our partners in Vancouver's $9 billion visitor economy to attract major conferences and destination events to the city, develop compelling experiences and offerings for our visitors, and to promote Vancouver in key Canadian, U.S., and international markets. The responsibility to build a sustainable and resilient visitor economy is the foundation of everything we do. Visit www.destinationvancouver.com