Celebrating the Squamish Nation: A Literary Triumph

September 23, 2025 – As a proud Vancouverite, I am thrilled to share that the Squamish Nation has received the prestigious City of Vancouver Book Award for their remarkable book, Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land. This honor not only highlights the literary excellence within our community but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines Vancouver.

A Legacy of Storytelling

The City of Vancouver has celebrated literary talent since 1989, and this year’s award was a competitive one. The finalists, chosen by an esteemed jury composed of diverse voices in Vancouver’s literary scene, included noteworthy titles from various genres. However, it was the Squamish Nation's work that stood out as a beacon of cultural heritage and insight.

What Makes Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw Special?

The jury's reflection on the winning book was nothing short of poetic: “Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land: A Walk Through the History of the Squamish People is a heft of achievement. Designed and illustrated beautifully, deeply informative, and integrative of such richness, it carries millennia within its pages.” This book is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a living history that honors the Squamish people's connection to the land and water, while recounting both the trials and triumphs they have faced over generations.

Diving Deeper into the Book

Title	Author	Publisher	About
Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land: A Walk Through the History of the Squamish People	Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)	Page Two	A captivating narrative that spans the history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, reflecting on their past, present, and hopeful future. This book is a culmination of rich knowledge and stories that embrace their territory.

Recognizing Other Talented Authors

Alongside the Squamish Nation, several other remarkable writers were shortlisted for the 2025 Book Award. Here’s a quick look at the noteworthy contenders:

• Under the White Gaze by Christopher Cheung
• The Tenants by Pat Dobie
• cop city swagger by Mercedes Eng
• The Best Place by Danya Fast
• Crash Landing by Li Charmaine Anne
• Crooked Teeth by Danny Ramadan

Join the Celebration!

The winning book will be honored in an official City of Vancouver recognition event this fall, alongside other recipients of the Awards of Excellence and the Vancouver Heritage Awards. This is not just a celebration of literature, but a celebration of community, culture, and the stories that bind us together.

Let’s Engage!

As we acknowledge the importance of cultural narratives in our city, I encourage all readers to explore local literature and engage with the rich stories that Vancouver has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer, there’s so much to learn and appreciate about our diverse communities. What are some of your favorite local reads? Let’s share and foster a love for the stories that shape our beautiful city!

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