Squamish
/ˈskwɑːmɪʃ/noun
A member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, their language, or a place associated with them in southwestern British Columbia.
Did you know?“Squamish” comes from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, the people’s own name; popular translations are often repeated, but the name does not have one securely established literal English translation.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-contact
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
“The self-designation of the Indigenous people whose traditional territory includes the Squamish River valley and surrounding areas.”
19th Century
English
Squamish
“An English rendering of the Indigenous name Sḵwx̱wú7mesh.”
19th Century
English
Squamish
“A geographic name applied by English speakers to the river, settlement, and surrounding region in British Columbia.”
20th Century
English
Squamish
“A name used for the Squamish people, their language, and the incorporated municipality of Squamish.”
Modern English
English
Squamish
“A proper noun referring to the Squamish Nation, its language, the town of Squamish, or the broader area.”
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