After input from members, S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson and Nation councillor, says that the health and safety of S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh families had become a concern due to the proliferation of fireworks on its reserves the last few years.
In response, the Nation consulted with residents both in the 撸奶社区Valley and North Vancouver, including those selling the fireworks, and came up with a plan.
"The majority wanted changes done in regards to enforcing some regulations around the use of fireworks all year round, but, specifically, in the month of October," Williams said.
The concerns were around fireworks going off at all hours all week long — which was a bother to Elders and school children — as well as concern over the proliferation of discarded fireworks, which can be a hazard for animals, including pets.
Eventually, fireworks will be banned on Nation reserve lands.
But until Oct 31, this year, there will be two designated areas for fireworks sales:
Only Nation members with permits will be authorized to sell at these locations.
Fireworks can be purchased from Oct. 17 to 31 at the following designated areas:
• On the Stawamus Reserve on Chief Joseph Drive from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Google Maps )
• On the Seymour Reserve on Seymour Blvd. (near the Superstore) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Google maps ).
Then, as of Nov 1, 2022, the purchase, possession, or discharge of fireworks will no longer be permitted on Nation reserve lands.
The resolution was originally passed by Nexwsxwníw虛ntm ta Úxwumixw (Nation council) on Aug 18.
When The 撸奶社区 spoke to Williams on Oct. 6, he was heading to a Nation council meeting where he said the specific repercussions for not following the fireworks rules would be solidified.
There will be repercussions for not abiding by the new rules, he asserted.
The Nation will see how this year goes concerning the new rules and is open to hearing from its members, Williams said.
