Parksville - Qualicum Beach - Port Alberni

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) supports members and growth within the community through different Divisions. The following programs are part of the People Services Division - Nexwnínlhewá7nem Ch'áwch’aw.

Sts'its'áp'new̓as (Employment & Future Skills) The department offers a variety of services to help Members meet individual employment and career goals both on- and off-reserve through various platforms, including:

• Stitsma Career Centre: Offers employment and training services to assist Indigenous clients who are First Nation Status, Non-Status, Métis or Inuit.
• Training & Trades Centre: Provides access to quality training and trades programs for Indigenous individuals including First Nation Status, Non-Status, Métis, and Inuit.

Ta7lnew̓ás (Education) The department works both on- and off-reserve in partnership with school districts, post-secondary institutions, and other First Nations to advocate for programs and services related to education and training from private, provincial, and national sources. These include:

• Xwmélch’tstn Etsímxwawtxw (Capilano Little Ones School) which offers an elementary school program based in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ways of learning and being.
• Advocacy, Support & Assessment Program staff work to inform students, parents, guardians, and membership of the K-12 education services and supports available through Ta7lnew̓ás
• The Eslha7an Learning Centre provides a safe and holistic environment where Indigenous students can take their initial steps towards education, training, and employment, all while upholding their traditional values.

Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓íyelh (Language & Cultural Affairs) The department implements language classes and programs to ensure Members have access to their language, culture, heritage and archives, regardless of age, both on- and off-reserve.