September 30th is now a federal statutory holiday to recognize the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. On this day and every day, we are encouraged to reflect on the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused Indigenous families and communities, and to honour those who have been affected by this injustice.
Join us on Saturday, September 30 in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We invite you to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl at the SLCC, the living culture of the original people of the shared territory where Whistler resides.
FREE ADMISSION thanks to Proud Partner CIBC
For the Skwxwú7mesh Lilwat7úl Cultural Centre, this is why we exist. Our beams raised up by our Elders. Shared with our voices. We are here for a purpose, because our culture was silenced for so long.
Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap from Squamish and Lil’wat Ambassadors in regalia
What is the significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Why was it created? What about Orange Shirt Day? What can I do to support this day? This page is a helpful guide for Whistler businesses, community members and visitors.
Leading up to National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to deliver Orange Heart window decals across the Village and Valley. The package included a letters from SLCC Executive Director, Heather Paul, and Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton, and we are pleased to shared them here.
Join SLCC Cultural Ambassadors T’ec Georgina Dan and Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee as they share common words to help start your language journey. Speaking the language of ancestors, parents and future generations, these Ucwalmícwts (Lílw̓at) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish) words are being shared in hopes that one day, the same greetings and names will be common place in the Sea to Sky.
T’ec Georgina Dan shares in I Am an Ancestor, where she is on her path towards Truth and Reconciliation, and the importance of storytelling in revitalizing culture and language.
Lhpatq Maxine Bruce of the Lil’wat Nations shares How Being One With the Land Can Bring Us Together
SLCC Executive Heather Paul shares I Am an “Ally” and I am Part of the Problem
A perfect companion to your day: the words and stories of Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George in The Spirit Moves Like a Storm and Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Gélpcal in So Many Questions, So Few Answers from the TEDxWhistler 2020 Series.
Spend 18 minutes learning about the history, language, and culture of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Featuring SLCC Curator, Mixalhítsa7, Alison Pascal
What are you doing right now? Reading this blog at home on your couch? At work? In a lunchroom or cafe? On a chairlift? In a park? Are you sitting on a bench along one of Whistler’s serene trails? Perhaps you’re in the ístken pithouse, tucked away at the corner of Lorimer Road and Blackcomb Way, inhaling the cleansing cedar smell, and embracing the silence. Whatever you are doing right now, if you are in Whistler you’re doing it on the shared unceded territory of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.
Take a walking tour of authentic art and storytelling thoughtfully curated by SLCC Curator Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal. Available on the Go Whistler Tours App from Tourism Whistler, the Art & Storytelling of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl – walking tour weaves its way through the Village to nine locations that are culturally significant to the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation starting at and returning to the SLCC.
Go at your own pace. Spend the day in quiet reflection while discovering the many public outdoor Indigenous art pieces found all around the Whistler Village and Valley.
The Every Child Matters banner on Ted Nebbling Bridge, was commissioned by the SLCC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, honouring the survivors and victims of the Indian Residential School system. The moving artwork is a collaborative piece created by by Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh (Squamish Nation) artist and SLCC Indigenous Youth Ambassador, Courtney Williams, and Lílw̓at (Lil’wat Nation) artist and SLCC Cultural Ambassador, Jordana Abraham. These talented and powerful young women took some time to share with the world the meaning behind their designs.
SLCC Cultural Sharing Regalia
A list of other helpful resources to guide you through September 30th and throughout your journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.
Knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors share their cultural teachings with guests during guided tours; visit our Group Tours page for more information.
Discover our unique style of modern First Nation’s cuisine such as bannock, salmon and venison. Visit the Thunderbird Café.
Discover our unique selection of First Nations merchandise ranging from handcrafted works of art, to home accents, clothing and accessories, jewellery, pottery, baskets, books and souvenir merchandise. Visit the Gallery & Gift Shop.
Weddings at the SLCC are some of the most spectacular; learn more about our venue as your wedding location by visiting slcc.ca/weddings.