A TALE OF TWO NATIONS

In 1997 the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) met with the Lil'wat Nation to consult about opportunities for the Nation's participation and presence in Whistler BC. Out of these discussions, the idea of a world-class cultural centre was born and a relationship in the spirit of goodwill and cooperation evolved.

Mindful of the historic precedence of shared lands and the overlapping interests in land stewardship, the Lil'wat Nation met with the Squamish Nation in 1999 to discuss land use and planning in areas of traditional territory overlap. As a result, in 2001 the two Nations signed a Protocol Agreement, which formalized our mutual relationship. This historic Protocol Agreement commits us to continued co-operation in matters of cultural and economic development, and co-management of shared territory. The only agreement of its kind in Canada, the Protocol Agreement, which formalized our mutual relationship.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler BC, where mountains, rivers and people meet, embodies the spirit of partnership between our two Nations and our shared values around preserving and sharing their traditional cultures. It stands as testimony to our proud heritage - from time immemorial to the present.

For more information on the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation, please link to our websites at www.squamish.net and www.lilwat.ca.