100 YEARS of UNITY

Celebrating 100 Years of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

Opening Saturday July 22, 2023

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) invites guests to experience its latest exhibition: 100 Years of Unity – Celebrating 100 Years of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) honouring the date that sixteen villages came together as the Squamish Amalgamation on July 23, 1923.

Curated by Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee (Squamish Nation) and assisted by Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal (Lil’wat Nation) – the exhibit celebrates the defining time when the Squamish Nation was amalgamated, bringing together sixteen families throughout the territory and strengthening the people through unity. Displaying weaving, carving and historical belongings, the exhibit gives the viewer an overview of the history of the Squamish Nation, connection to land throughout the territory, Siy̓ám̓ – Hereditary Chieftainship and today’s elected council members and their roles and responsibilities listening to the voice of their people and representation to benefit the community as a whole.

The exhibition showcases the strength of the Squamish Nation through unity, complimented by the extraordinary space of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre as the home where Cultural Ambassadors share meaningful experiences and tours learning about the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, as the centre is on shared territory where Whistler resides. Guests can join hourly guided tours of the SLCC as part of regular offerings, beginning with a welcome song, short film, and connect with a Cultural Ambassador as they share storytelling throughout the Great Hall and permanent collection in Gallery 1. Guests can then explore the 100 Years of Unity feature exhibition in Gallery 2, complimented by modern day environmental photography of Squamish Nation Members on the land in the UNCEDED Exhibition in Gallery 3.

Complimenting the 100 Years of Unity Exhibit inside the Museum, guests can experience live carving with Master Carver Xwalacktun at the entrance to the SLCC’s Great Hall, as he carves a house post, mentoring SLCC Apprentice carver Brandon Hall. As part of the Salish Summer Carving Series, the house post commemorates the 100^th anniversary of Squamish Nation’s Amalgamation, incorporating designs that honour the sixteen families who came together to form what is known today as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). The carving will eventually rise to stand at the SLCC entrance on Lorimer Road alongside a carving from a Lil’wat Master Carver and Apprentice who will begin carving in 2024. The two carvings will be sisters, telling a complimentary story and bringing them new life as carvings authentic to the territory where they will stand.

Squamish Nation Curator Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee shared “I am honoured to have worked on this exhibit, and I feel more connected to the history of the Squamish Nation. Through this exhibit I was able to connect with some members of our community that I don’t always get to see. I hope others will be able to connect to the history as I have, and hopefully it opens them up to new questions and sets them on their own learning journey.”

The SLCC gratefully acknowledge the title sponsor Whistler Blackcomb for their support of the 100 Years of Unity Exhibition celebrating the Squamish Amalgamation.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre invites Media, Nation Members, SLCC Members and public guests to view the 100 Years of Unity Exhibition in Gallery 2 of the Museum, opening on Saturday July 22, 2023, and running until May, 2024.

See the Press Release

The SLCC is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Monday), and occasionally closes early for private events – plan your visit at slcc.ca/visit