Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center

Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Many travelers and tourists focus their time in Whistler on the obvious; the skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and many other great adventure activities. But before the modern settlement that we see today had begun, this land was very different and has a it's own vibrant and unique history, well worth discovering.

At the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center in Whistler you have the unique opportunity to discover and experience aspects of the two local First Nations cultures. The Squamish Aboriginal people and the Lil'wat Aboriginal people.

The Local History

The Squamish Nation territory runs from North Vancouver, through Squamish - all the way to Whistler. The Lil'wat Nation territory begins in Whistler and extends north through Pemberton to Mount Currie. The territories overlap in Whistler; this makes it the perfect location for the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center to be situated.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is located in the Upper Village, just across from the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. The center is open in the winter from Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. Every Tuesday throughout the winter admission to the exhibits and galleries will be by donation.

The centre features a museum, modern gallery, exhibits, gift shop, café, theatre, as well as hourly cultural performances and guided tours with local First Nation Ambassadors.

A new exhibition this winter is the Lil'wat Nation Weaving Wisdom exhibition. This exhibition features a collection of contemporary and traditional cedar woven pieces. It's a great opportunity for the public to learn about the deeply spiritual process of weaving which continues today. The Lil'wat Nation is reputed for basketry and weaving. Works within the exhibit include baby cradles, trays and berry baskets.

Great Gift Shop and Cafe

In addition to the museum and great exhibits, the Cultural Centre has a wonderful gift shop and cafe. You can attended both of these without paying the admission fee for the center.

It's the ideal place to find that really unique gift to take home. The gift shop is now also available online here shop.slcc.ca. You can browse and purchase some amazing First Nation art work from local and regional artists.

The cafe at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural is located between the Istken Hall and the Giftshop. Why not try some indigenous inspired cuisine such as Squamish salmon chowder or Lil'wat venison chilli and Bannock comes highly recommended. The cafe is kid friendly and features a children's reading, colouring and play zone.

For more information, view the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre website.