31 Dec 2024 Year in Review at the SLCC

Reflecting on 2024, it has been a year rich with heartwarming cultural experiences at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), where the powerful presence of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lí’wat7úl resonated throughout the community. This year was marked by cultural richness, community engagement, and meaningful partnerships, further strengthening our commitment to sharing the rich heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and offering an authentic Indigenous experience at the SLCC in Whistler.

We raise hands to our Ambassadors, our leadership at Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, our Elders, our members, allies, sponsors, community partners, and our guests for a fulfilling year at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in 2024. We proudly share our year in review showcasing all the wonderful events, exhibitions, carving, and cultural programming that our team hosted at the SLCC this past year.

SLCC Ambassadors continued to be honoured throughout the year for their Citizens of the Year Award from the Whistler Excellence Awards. As we reflect on a busy year, we raise our hands in gratitude to our Ambassadors for their passion and dedication in sharing the living culture of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lí’wat7úl with the broader community and visitors from around the world.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler was honoured to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2024. This recognition celebrates the SLCC’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, embracing Indigenous traditions, and empowering its community. With over 90% of its daily operations, administration, and Board Members representing the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, the SLCC prioritizes meaningful employment for Nation Members and Indigenous Ambassadors. The Centre also embraces Indigenous ways of knowing, a decolonized recruitment approach, and wellness programs, while its Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program has helped over 600 youth gain valuable skills and employment training.

In January through April, the SLCC hosted the exhibit Fighting For Justice: On The Coast | Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and The Lil̓wat7úl. This exhibit shared the history of fighting for justice on the coast through a travelling exhibit from Vancouver Island University, alongside stories from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.

Families connected over Dreamcatcher Craft workshops over Family Day weekend, with thanks to the Province of British Columbia. Engaging storytelling, guided tours, and cultural experiences created lasting memories for visitors of all ages.

In April, the SLCC featured a new exhibition – Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ / skel7áw̓lh (The person who protects the land / Steward of the land). The exhibition shared some of the work done to help restore the balance and harmony in the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) territory and the Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) territory with our neighbours and partners.

On May 10, the SLCC opened the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes, sharing the history of the Chiefs of eleven communities that came together to sign the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes, on May 10, 1911. These St̓at̓y̓emc Nation communities including the Lil’wat Nation share the same culture and language with Southern, Northern, and the Lakes dialects, and they gather together each year to celebrate Declaration Days. Curator Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal shares “The signing of the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes is integral to the Lil’wat Nation and the St̓at̓y̓emc Nation together. It provides a foundation for us to follow and has guided us, in our work since then. It’s a great reminder of what can happen when you work together.”

T’ec Georgina Dan was the host along with Mike Douglas for the Changemakers Video for Tourism Whistler featuring Whistler businesses going above and beyond for sustainability in Whistler. Their lighthearted but thoughtful conversation celebrated the work being done in cultural sustainability at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Celebrating Indigenous History Month throughout June, we were proud of two new partnerships to elevate storytelling from the SLCC. The Hyatt Regency Vancouver showcased the Travelling Exhibition of UNCEDED: S7ULH TEMÍXW / TI TMICWKÁLHA / OUR LAND – A Photographic Journey into Belonging offering thousands of guests the chance to visit and witness the exhibition in their beautiful and engaging space.

Evolve E-Bike Share, created by BCAA, partnered on an inspiring project marking National Indigenous History Month by showcasing authentic Indigenous artwork by Squamish Artist Chief Ray Natraoro (Ses Siyam) and Lil’wat Artist Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews on E-Bikes all around Whistler. The E-Bikes had ridership throughout the summer and we were so proud to see authentic artwork represented so well around the shared territory and to bring inspired guests to the SLCC to experience authentic storytelling and art.

Celebrating on June 21, the National Indigenous Peoples Day event day drew the community together in celebration of authentic Indigenous experiences with Free Admission for all thanks to Proud Partner CIBC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for supporting our full-day of cultural programming. We were enamored by Himikalas Pamela Baker and Supernatural Models and crew for an incredibly inspiring Fashion Show. Keith Bubbas Nahanee brought laughter to our theatre. The Prophet Artist Swisk Jay Natrell shared inspiring spoken word, and we were surrounded by Artists and Vendors sharing your beautiful work throughout the day. Whistler Film Festival shared two inspiring films with Lil’wat Filmmaker Sandy Ward and crew from Slides on a Mountain and the Kitasoo Xai’Xais Nation story Keepers of the Land. Lululemon Whistler and Wet’suwet’en Yoga teacher Chelsie McCutcheon shared Yoga in honouring the summer solstice. To our Allyship Partners Whistler Blackcomb and Ziptrek, and all our community partners thank you for your continued support and amplification of our stories and experiences. Sea to Sky residents were here in support at over 30% of our total visitation today, which we recognize is a meaningful visit for you to take the time on a beautiful summer day.

Ku̓kwpi7 Skalulmecw Chief Dean Nelson of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) and Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton joined us a the SLCC for a meaningful conversation in the Istken Hall along with T’ec Georgina Dan for hosting the thoughtful occasion on Monday, July 1.

The SLCC is proud to host Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist, a touring exhibition created by MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver and is open until Feb 2, 2025. The exhibit explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899 – 1981), including his influence as a First Nations rights advocate and his career as an actor.

In July the cedar log received a ceremonial blessing along with Lil’wat Master Carver Jonathan Joe and Apprentice Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews to begin carving the Story Pole (along with Todd Edmonds) throughout summer to honour the St̓at̓y̓emc Nation and the signing of the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes. The Salish Summer Carving Series was a two-year project featuring live carving of the Sister Poles, proudly supported by the Government of Canada and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. The Sister Poles now stand beside each other at the entrance on Lorimer Road. The Squamish House Post was carved in 2023 by Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh / Kwakwak’wakw / Namgis) mentoring SLCC Apprentice Brandon Hall – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and honours the Chiefs who came together in Amalgamation of the Squamish Nation. The two carvings are sisters, telling a complimentary story and bringing them new life as carvings authentic to the territory standing together on Lorimer Road at the entrance to the SLCC.

On September 30, the SLCC hosted a reflective day dedicated to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, featuring cultural sharing, immersive crafts, and guest speakers who shared heartfelt stories. This event is an important step in our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. The SLCC continues to provide a space for a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences, authentically representing the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl. The SLCC offers an environment where visitors can engage in listening and learning, contributing to the collective journey of healing. Indigenous artisans and vendors brought vibrancy to the event, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. We raise our hands to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Speakers Sesaxwalia Aggie and Shlomish, Lil̓wat7úl Speaker Ncat7aoq, Lil̓wat7úl Cedar Weaver Ńtsínemqen Bill Ritchie, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Wool Weaver Eileen Jacobs, Lil̓wat7úl Speakers Sík Sík Josh Anderson, Natalya Simone Anderson – Skiľ, Adriana Raine Anderson – Tśexyátsen and friends, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Author Welwáĺtenaat Myia Antone, Lil̓wat7úl Master Carver Jonathan Joe, Lil̓wat7úl Apprentice Carver Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews, Talaysay Tours Lil̓wat7úl Elder Saopalaz Lucille Joseph and SLCC Ambassadors Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph, Lil̓wat7úl Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal, Lil̓wat7úl P̓áq̓emúl Dan, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee, Lil̓wat7úl T’ec Georgina Dan, Lil̓wat7úl Suigx Mallory Ritchie, Lil̓wat7úl Halaw7 Braden Joe-Wallace, and Lil̓wat7úl Photographer Neekiki Pala Mikayla Kovacs. We gratefully acknowledge Proud Partner CIBC for Free Admission, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) for programming for the day.

The SLCC was honoured to host Director Julian Brave Noisecat for a conversation following the screening of award-winning film Sugarcane. The debut feature documentary by Co-Directors Julian Brave NoiseCat (Tsq’escen/Lil’wat) and Emily Kassie, Sugarcane Film follows a groundbreaking investigation at an Indian Residential school in Canada. Co-Director Julian Brave NoiseCat’s own story, along with his father Ed Archie NoiseCat (Tsq’escen/Lil’wat) became an integral part of this beautiful multi-stranded portrait of a community.

In September 2024, over a hundred Sea to Sky Businesses donated products and experiences to the SLCC Online Auction Fundraiser, with community members bidding on the donated offerings. Together, we raised $28,445 to support cultural revitalization and the Indigenous Youth Ambassador program through the SLCC.

The Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) program hosted two intakes of incredible youth in spring and fall this year. Many proud graduates now contribute their skills and knowledge to various SLCC departments, including Admin, Cultural, Cafe and Catering, and the Gift Shop. While the long term funding of the IYA program ended in the spring, we are so grateful for the enduring support of our new funding partners Indigenous Tourism BC, Native Northwest, Sea to Sky Gondola and RBC. These partners truly show their dedication to youth in our communities, honouring their personal development and professional journey and the future of Indigenous tourism industry.

Over 2000 guests in Whistler enjoyed taking The Art and Storytelling of the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl – a captivating walking tour through the Go Whistler App by Tourism Whistler. Curated by Mixalhíts̓a7 Alison Pascal exploring the cultural richness of our stories and authentic art of the shared territories throughout Whistler, starting and returning to the SLCC.

In 2024, the SLCC gratefully acknowledges the meaningful allyships with Whistler Blackcomb and Ziptrek. These partnerships underscore our commitment to working together in collaboration with mutual understanding.

We raise our hands to the WB leadership team for their friendship with the SLCC, and for taking to heart our call to action: listening and learning, and finding ways to incorporate the presence of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl into the employee and guest experience.

We raise our hands to the Ziptrek team in Eagle Allyship for partnering with us in allyship to bring authentic storytelling to their guest experience and sharing the SLCC as the home of authentic Indigenous experiences in Whistler.

Our partnerships in events such as the Fire and Ice Show, Summer Concert Series, Crankworx, Whistler Children’s Festival, Multicultural Festival, and Whistler Film Festival have highlighted the SLCC’s vibrant presence on both the local cultural and community stage, as well as to global audiences. These collaborations continue to amplify our role in Whistler, fostering a deeper connection to the arts and culture while showcasing the richness of our community.

The SLCC stands as the premier venue for meetings, conferences, weddings, and events, offering a unique and culturally rich backdrop for special occasions and meaningful connections. Our in-house Spo7ez Catering enhances the experience with Indigenous-inspired cuisine, perfectly complementing the incredible gathering space.

The Gallery & Gift Shop features a curated selection of authentic Indigenous art and keepsakes, providing visitors the chance to take home a piece of Squamish, Lil’wat, and Pacific Northwest cultures. Meanwhile, the Thunderbird Café continues to captivate guests with a culinary journey, highlighting local ingredients and traditional flavours in every dish.

As we conclude this remarkable year of cultural connection, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre expresses deep gratitude to our ambassadors, nation members, community, partners, and visitors.  Our year was defined by cultural richness and meaningful connections, the significance of authentic art and representation and the profound impact of community engagement. From the Sister Poles carving to the thought-provoking Exhibitions, and the meaningful celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day and commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the SLCC remained a vibrant hub of authentic cultural heritage, learning, and community engagement. As we look forward, the SLCC remains dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the dynamic culture, art, storytelling and cuisine of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation through authentic Indigenous experience. Here’s to another year of cultural richness and connection.

Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you all for your dedication and support of authentic Indigenous experience at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

Wishing you all a vibrant and connected 2024!