FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE:

On the Coast | Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl

Both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation have been working since the arrival of Europeans to protect their rights interests in their own territory.  The introduction of the Indian Act and its many amendments by the Federal Government have attempted to prevent the nations from having their voices heard.

As a collective, Indigenous People have made many groups such as the Allied Tribes of British Columbia, the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia, and the Indian Chiefs of British Columbia to lobby for Indigenous rights.  When every peaceful door was shut down to them they resorted to protests and roadblocks.  In recent times, using art and ceremony to build relationships with non-Indigenous peoples has also gained a lot of momentum.

Indigenous languages, names, and ways of being are both recognized and accepted in their own territories by non-Indigenous peoples but the ties to colonial names persist.  This exhibition only tells a few stories of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations fighting for justice for their people and land.

This exhibit shares 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.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre invites Media, Nation Members, SLCC Members, and public guests to view Fighting for Justice in Gallery 3 of the Museum, opening on Saturday, January 27, 2024, and running until March 31, 2024.

The SLCC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, the First People’s Cultural Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the British Columbia Arts Council.

Read 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