GENERAL

Overview of the Cultural Centre

Join our ambassadors on a cultural journey through our museum and exhibits. Experience our music, stories and forest walk. Learn about our traditional dwellings and witness an artist practicing their craft. After your guided tour try selections of traditional fare from our Café and visit our Gift Shop for authentic Native art. Come explore where the rivers, mountains, and people meet and learn about our many families.

The way of the Canoe

Nstinemqen -William Ritchie from the Lil’wat Nation explains the traditional ways of creating a canoe, and gives personal insight to his family ties.

Chief Joe Capilano Blanket

Listen in as Chepximya Siyam - “Chief Janice George-Joseph” from the Squamish Nation speaks about the Chief Joe Capilano Blanket, an ancient blanket that has great significance to the Squamish people.

Forest Walk and Natural Resources

Join Txwolt’malh – “Holly Joseph” from the Lil’wat Nation as she takes you through our forest walk and explains the different plants and resources we use in our daily lives.

Squamish Longhouse

Welcome to the Squamish Longhouse, QúQú Héy Yóóch – “Bernadine Billy” speaks on the purpose of the longhouse as well as traditions to keep the longhouse a spiritual place.

Paddle Carving

Watch as Skylar Baker, Squamish Nation works on a traditional paddle and explains the many functions of a well made paddle.

Inside the Istken

Make yourself comfortable in the Istken, the traditional dwelling of the Lil’wat people. Txwolt’malh – “Holly Joseph” explains the use and living arrangements for the Lil’wat Nation.

Spindle Whorls

Master Carver, P’áwu “Johnnie Abraham” explains the replica spindle whorl, one of the main exhibits welcoming guests to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Inner Cedar Bark

Watch as QúQú Héy Yóóch – “Bernadine Billy”, Txwolt’malh – “Holly Joseph” and n̓án̓attw Nkakúsene – “Tanina Williams” work with inner cedar bark, a simple yet effect craft that all guests have the opportunity to practice and take home with them.

Wool Weaving

Squamish Nation Hereditary Chief Janice George-Joseph (Chepximya Siyam), speaks on the significance of the wool blankets called revival blankets because the art of weaving was almost a lost art form.