Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

CULTURE

In the heart of Whistler, British Columbia stands a beacon of Indigenous culture and empowerment: the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). This center is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and the shared territory of these communities whose heritage is intricately woven into the landscapes they call home.

At the core of SLCC’s mission is the decolonization of museums and cultural practices. Beyond reconsidering colonial influences, the center uplifts and asserts the cultural presence and power of the Squamish and Lil’wat Peoples on their ancestral lands. Through language, storytelling, and representation, the SLCC ensures that visitors engage with authentic narratives, both uplifting and challenging, of these communities. The stories told are feel-good stories of art, craft, and artifacts and stories of public resistance throughout history and the challenges of modern stewardship. 

The SLCC Gallery and Gift Shop preserves the cultural integrity of Indigenous art, shares the stories of the artists behind the work,  and applies the criteria of the Authentic Indigenous program–a tiered system designed to ensure Indigenous artists receive fair compensation for their work in BC. The program creates awareness of what determines the authenticity of Indigenous art, best practices for artist compensation, and how to avoid purchasing mass-marketed, inauthentic, or other work that co-opts Indigenous design for non-Indigenous profit. 

The Cultural Centre uses Sḵwx̱wú7mesh snichem, Ucwalmícwts languages on signage and in storytelling at the museum and draws its priorities from both communities, their leadership, and their cultures. Traditional handiwork workshops, ceremonies, and authentic cuisine at the Thunderbird Cafe offer visitors a truly immersive experience. The belongings shared at the museum, including carved house posts, canoes, spindle whorls, weaving, regalia, bold artwork, and artifacts throughout the museum and galleries, are curated by and represent the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxumixw  and L̓il̓wat7úl Peoples. Cultural protocols and welcome ceremonies are integrated into daily operations for the staff and offered to guests.

COMMUNITY 

Ninety percent of the staff hails from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. This community hub was awarded as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2024. Central to the SLCC’s ethos is the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program. This initiative provides Indigenous youth with valuable skills training and employment opportunities, with over 600 graduates.

Through mentorship and hands-on experience, these cultural ambassadors deepen their cultural knowledge and confidently share it with guests and potential employers. Celebrated by the community, the Youth Ambassadors at the SLCC shared the title of Citizens of the Year at the Whistler Excellence Awards in 2023. During their 12-week paid training program, the cultural ambassadors receive mentorship from cultural leaders, elders, council members, and cultural ambassador peers. When the opportunity for youth to grow in and share culture on their lands through meaningful employment is sustained, so is the culture and the land.

The SLCC actively creates meaningful allyships and cultivates partnerships with local businesses, including Whistler Blackcomb and Ziptrek. By centering Indigenous voices in these collaborations, the center continues to decolonize museum practices and build bridges within the broader community. With a board of directors of leaders from both communities, the SLCC moves toward continued decolonization of museum practices and relationships by collaborating with local Indigenous businesses. This practice expresses the principle of amawílc, an Ucwalmícwts word meaning to bring back to life, and intends to revitalize the SLCC’s recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is a cornerstone of SLCC’s operations. All proceeds from the center support cultural revitalization programs and meaningful employment for Squamish and Lil’wat members. From onsite water refill stations and composting to Indigenous-led landscaping and wildfire prevention, the center prioritizes environmental stewardship alongside cultural preservation. 

As caretakers of the land, the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations’ culture is deeply intertwined with the natural world. This connection is evident in every aspect of the SLCC, from its architecture inspired by traditional longhouses to its transportation initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and barriers for employees.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a model for Indigenous representation, empowerment, and sustainability. Centering culture, fostering community, and embracing innovation pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

During their visit to the SLCC, guests embark on a journey through Indigenous history and heritage and contribute to the ongoing revitalization and empowerment of the Squamish and Lil’wat Peoples in a celebration of resilience, culture, and the enduring connection between land and identity.