Some projects change the way we work. Some projects change the way we listen. Our collaboration with Squamish Nation did both.
When we were invited to reimagine Squamish Nation’s website, we knew this would be more than a design-build. It would be a process of deep alignment—of getting all the arrows pointing in the same direction before anything took shape. And so, we stepped into this work with open minds, trusting that the way forward would reveal itself through conversation, care, and patience.
Listening First, Moving with Intention
We began with dialogue. One-on-one interviews, participatory sessions, and ongoing check-ins with the Communications team became the foundation of this process. We listened as members shared what they needed from their website—what was working, what was frustrating, and what felt missing. More than anything, people spoke about wanting to see themselves reflected.
“When I open the website, I want to see my community,” one elder shared. Others emphasized the importance of connection—between those living on Nation lands and those further away, between generations, between history and the present.
Our job wasn’t to dictate the solution, but to shape a process that allowed the answers to emerge naturally. And so, we adapted. We honored the rhythms of the Nation, knowing that real engagement takes time. We worked alongside the Communications team as they navigated their own priorities. And we stayed present as the project moved through the governance structures needed to gain quorum.
Designing for Connection
The result is a website built not just for the Nation, but with the Nation. A space that is navigable, welcoming, and alive with the voices of the community.
- A Thoughtful, Navigable Menu – The website now offers a clear, intuitive structure, making it easier for members to find what they need without frustration.
- Quick-Access Member Shortcuts – Prioritizing efficiency, we incorporated shortcuts that allow members to swiftly reach essential resources, applications, and updates.
- Enhanced Language Features – Weaving language into digital experiences, the site now offers layered audio and text-based tools to support Squamish language preservation.
- A Video-Centered Homepage – The heart of the site beats with dynamic video content, energizing the user experience and creating a space that feels vibrant and contemporary.
A Shared Outcome, A Lasting Impact
This project reinforced something we’ve always known: the best work happens in relationship. It’s built through consultation, shaped through trust, and strengthened through flexibility.
Our process changed because of this project. We used to call the first phase of our work “Research.” But this experience helped us see it for what it truly is—Alignment. Before any wireframe is sketched, before any content is drafted, there must be a shared sense of direction. Squamish Nation showed us how vital this is, and we carry that learning forward into every project we take on.
As one member shared, “We are one community, regardless of where we live.” That truth became the guiding thread of this work, and it remains woven into the site itself—a digital home that will continue to grow and evolve, just as the Nation does.
