Chénchenstway in Action

When the members of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) voted in 2022 to reclaim jurisdiction over their education system, it marked a bold return to self-determination.

Now, the Nation is taking a vital next step: investing in the success and retention of 20 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh teachers by developing a suite of cultural education resources rooted in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh history, language, and law. This initiative is funded through the Retain Stream of the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Initiative.

“I feel strongly supported when I can implement our culture in our daily lives… Other teachers always appreciate feeling included in the chance to learn with the students. This upholds one of our laws we call Chénchenstway.”

Rooted in Chénchenstway—Uplifting One Another

A core teaching in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh law is Chénchenstway—uplifting and supporting each other. This principle guides the Nation’s commitment to its teachers, many of whom have expressed a deep desire to incorporate Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture into their classrooms but lack access to relevant resources.

Teachers have described feeling more confident and connected when they can include their own teachings and histories in their lessons. As one shared:

Reclaiming and Revitalizing Cultural Knowledge

At the heart of this project is the translation of over 400 hours of at-risk audio recordings—a rich repository of post-contact history and cultural knowledge—into culturally relevant curriculum materials. These customized resources will align with Squamish sharing protocols and speak directly to both teachers and students in meaningful, personal ways.

The project will also:

• Address a key gap in teacher retention by supporting cultural confidence and relevance in the classroom;
• Help reconnect educators with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language, identity, and history, strengthening their role as both teachers and cultural transmitters;
• Directly impact 355 K–12 students who are taught by these 20 teachers, ensuring every student learns in a classroom grounded in community and culture.

Why it Matters – Creating Belonging for Educators and Students Alike

When teachers feel seen, supported, and culturally rooted, they’re more likely to stay. That’s the goal of this project: to create a culturally rich and sustainable learning environment where Sḵwx̱wú7mesh educators can thrive—and pass that strength onto the next generation.

By supporting our educators with tools grounded in our culture, language, and history, we can create learning environments where our children thrive, and our Nation’s future is strengthened.
~ Kirsten Baker Williams, Director, Ta7lnew̓ás Education, Sḵwx̱wú7meshÚxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

Learn More

Explore how Indigenous communities across the country are leading education transformation.

This is just one of many regions taking bold steps. Read more about other ITE grant recipients.