In 2001 the Squamish Nation completed a landuse plan for their territory, designating several areas, including the Upper Elaho and Sims Valleys that are declared Wild Spirit Places or Kwa kwayex welh-aynexws. Interfor has subsequently ceased logging in the Wild Spirit Places out of respect. This paper describes Wild Spirit Places and what you can do to make sure they live on for our children's children and beyond.

Kwa Kwayexwelh-Aynexws: Wild Spirit Places

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.24 - No.06, Summer 2005

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Beyond the Olympics

The Winter Olympics and Paralympics are coming in 2010! But what about after 2010?

The day after Canada Day 2003 was one of wild celebration across the country, especially in the Vancouver-Squamish-Whistler region. That's because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had just announced that Canada had won the bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

It was close. Almost a photo finish. The final vote was 56-53 for Canada over our closest competitor, South Korea.

Now everyone's preparing for the big show, including the Squamish-Whistler region's First Nation communities, who are working with the provincial and federal governments to construct the Skwxwu7mesh Lil’watulh Cultural Centre, a multi-million dollar facility that will showcase Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations’ cultures.

The Olympics will come and go, but projects like the First Nations' cultural centre will continue to benefit our communities long after the last Olympic visitor has departed. Official provincial government recognition of the Squamish Nation Wild Spirit Places, ensuring their protection forever, would be another wonderful Olympic legacy to leave future generations.