Your 2026 Committee
Not pictured, Patrick White, Caroline Phelps, Kanani Nahanee
Simon Baker
Head Chair and Operations
Ha7lh Skwayel (Good Day) Tansi my name is Simon Baker. I’m a
proud member of the Squamish Nation, I’m also Cree and Haida. I
have been in the film and tv industry for 30 plus years as an actor
and producer. I grew up in and around the powwow community
my whole life. As a child the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow was
a huge highlight to me. I always looked forward to dancing in front
of my community I was displaced from. I grew up off reserve most
of my life with one foot in and one foot out of my community. I
recently inherited my family home where I currently reside in the
traditional village called Xwmelch’stn, and the territory that the
annual Powwow is currently hosted. I watched my Aunty the late
Gloria Nahanee (Tenalh-t) and the past committee put together
this beautiful, well-organized powwow each year with great
admiration. Not ever knowing that one day I would be the one
to run this powwow. After assuming the Head Chair position on
this powwow committee for one year, I have come to realize how
important it is to share culture and rejuvenate this way of life for
our next generations. We hope to build long lasting relationships
with our sponsors to continue the growth and development of all
our endeavours. We raise our hands and say Huy Chewxa (Thank
you) for taking time to look at our sponsorship package and
hopefully support our event.
We look forward to hearing from you. In all three of my traditional
languages Huy Chexwa (Squamish), Howaa (Haida), Hiy Hiy
(Cree) (Thank you)
Simon Baker
Head Chair
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Shannon Henderson
Co-Chair and Operations, Sponsorship Coordinator, Media Relations
As a proud member of the Squamish Nation, it is an utmost honor for me to hold two important positions. Firstly, as the President of the Orange Shirt Society, and secondly, as the co-chair of our highly esteemed community’s annual powwow.
This lively commemoration provides our youth with the opportunity to showcase their heritage through dynamic activities involving dance-offs, drumming sessions, and singing rounds. It is a testament to the remarkable memory of my late aunt, Gloria Nahanee. In addition, I am proud to contribute to advocating for our people through my grandfather, Edward Gilbert Nahanee, who was a member of the Native Brotherhood and sought justice for our Indigenous peoples. I am humbled to carry his legacy forward through culture.
Shannon Henderson
Co-Chair
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