Celebrating the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Generational Plan (GenPlan) — Honoured with Three Prestigious National Awards
September 25, 2025 | A project of the Squamish Nation, has been recognized with three Core Values Awards from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Canada. These national awards celebrate the highest standards in public participation and community engagement.
The GenPlan, a groundbreaking initiative led by the Squamish Nation to create a 100-year vision for its lands and people, received the following accolades at the recent IAP2 Canada awards ceremony:
- Award for Indigenous Engagement: Recognizing deep respect for and meaningful integration of Indigenous knowledge, values, and worldviews throughout the planning process.
- Award for Creativity, Contribution and Innovation in the Field: Honouring the innovative methods used to engage the Nation’s members across all ages and geographies.
- Project of the Year: The highest honour, awarded to the project that best exemplifies the IAP2 Core Values and represents a landmark achievement in the field of public participation.
The plan’s significance is rooted in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sovereignty. As the website states: “The Generational Plan is a 100-year vision created by the Squamish People for the Squamish People. It will guide the Nation on how we will use our land and resources to become a more vibrant, healthy, and prosperous Nation for the next seven generations and beyond.” These awards affirm the power of that community-led vision.
“We are grateful to have played a supporting role in this innovative and landmark initiative. This recognition from IAP2 Canada is a testament to the leadership, members and staff of the Squamish Nation who made it a priority,” said William Trousdale, Principal and Project Lead. “The GenPlan process was truly Nation-led. Our role at EcoPlan International was to provide technical support throughout the process. To be recognized for supporting Indigenous Engagement, in particular, is extremely meaningful, as it validates an approach built on respect, trust, and genuine partnership.”
The GenPlan, also known as *Uxwumixw 2050 engaged members from across the entire Squamish Nation to develop a comprehensive, intergenerational roadmap. The process was celebrated for its creative engagement techniques, which included digital tools, art-based workshops, and ceremonies designed to be culturally relevant and accessible to all generations, from Elders to youth.
The IAP2 Canada Core Values Awards are highly competitive, recognizing organizations and projects that demonstrate excellence in engaging the public in decision-making. Winning the top award of Project of the Year underscores the national and international significance of the GenPlan as a model for Indigenous-led planning and community engagement.
To learn more about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Generational Plan, visit the Squamish Nation’s project page: https://www.squamish.net/community-initiatives/uxwumixw-2050-s%E1%B8%B5wx%CC%B1wu7mesh-generational-plan/
For details on the IAP2 Canada Core Values Awards, visit: https://iap2canada.ca/Core_Values_Awards