Overview
Headquarters
Whistler, BC
Category
Museums and Institutions
The Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation have coexisted respectfully as neighbors since time immemorial. We have thrived on the bounty of the ocean, the rivers, and the land, living in close relationship with the world around us. Our cultures are grounded in rich, ancient traditions, and continue to grow and evolve in a modern world. Meet our people in a spectacular building located on traditional territory, nestled in a pristine forest and mountain setting in Whistler. It is designed in the form of our two traditional dwellings, a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling). The range of experiences available to guests include guided tours of the museum and exhibits, singing and drumming performances, multimedia presentations, craft workshops and indigenous cuisine. The Center features a “Class A” museum, contemporary gallery, interactive and outdoor exhibits, gift shop, café, forest walk and theatre. Our spectacular 15 minute film provides a spectacular visual portrayal of Squamish and Lil’wat traditional territories — featuring our languages, traditional practices and contemporary cultures. After the film, our tour allows you to view exhibits that explore our relationship to the land and objects that celebrate our traditions of art, music and ceremony, past and present. Touch screens and interactive panels showcase our languages, artifacts and seasonal use of land and resources. Take your taste buds on a journey with an Aboriginal inspired lunch in our Café. This is the only Centre in the world that has purposefully been designed to demonstrate how two distinct First Nations can share territory, knowledge, and cultural practices in a way that acknowledges the uniqueness of each. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located on the shared traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations in Whistler, BC. Established in 2008 as a means to preserve and share the cultural identities of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre offers an.
