Recognizing Outstanding Contribution in Whistler’s Arts and Culture Community
With immense pride, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler announces that Curator Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal has been awarded the Pat Kelly Champion of Arts and Culture in the Whistler Excellence Awards 2025, alongside her talented curatorial team. The Whistler Chamber of Commerce’s premier event—the annual Awards Gala—celebrated finalists and winners on October 3, 2025, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Over the past two years, Alison and her team led the transformative revitalization of the storyboards in the permanent exhibition in the Great Hall and Gallery One’s What We Treasure collection—an ambitious, community-driven project that deepened the storytelling, language, and cultural representation at the heart of the SLCC.
Working closely with more than 250 community members—from Elders to youth across the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation—the curatorial team guided the renewal of the museum’s storyboards, interpretive content, and visual design. The result is an authentic and contemporary expression of living cultures, beautifully rooted in ancestral knowledge and shared with the world through immersive storytelling and design.
Honouring Living Cultures Through Collaboration
Under Alison’s leadership, the project honoured the voices of both Nations, bringing new language, imagery, and cultural teachings to life. The revitalized storyboards feature Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim and Ucwalmícwts languages, sharing the values, perspectives, and identity of each Nation. In June 2025, the Storyboard Ceremony honoured community members who contributed to the revitalization of the SLCC’s permanent exhibition storyboards—bringing new stories, language, and cultural teachings to life.
We raise our hands in gratitude to all the Nation and community members who shared their knowledge, stories, and hard work to help guide the updates—ensuring these exhibits reflect the living, breathing cultures of both Nations.
The SLCC was honoured to collaborate with Know History, whose team worked closely with SLCC leadership and Curator Alison Pascal to develop an Interpretive Plan guiding the revitalization process. Together, they ensured the updated exhibitions reflected a balance of stories from both Nations, highlighted the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim and Ucwalmícwts languages, and incorporated oral histories, community perspectives, and deep connections to the land. Their expertise supported the creation of interpretive materials and design elements that honour cultural protocols while engaging visitors in meaningful and authentic ways.
The exhibition fabrication was brought to life by Three Dimensional Services, who produced and installed more than 50 new elements—including interpretive panels, display cases, and digital features—helping transform the galleries into a dynamic, community-informed space that celebrates the strength and resilience of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
This revitalization also included the repatriation of ancestral belongings from the Canadian Museum of History—items such as a wool blanket, cedar baskets, and traditional tools—that were ceremonially welcomed home by the Squamish Nation in January 2025. These belongings are now respectfully integrated into the permanent collection, enriching the cultural legacy and stories that visitors experience daily at the SLCC.
A Community Achievement
The Pat Kelly Champion of Arts and Culture Award, presented by Arts Whistler, recognizes individuals and organizations that elevate cultural life and creativity in the community. Alison and her team’s achievement reflects the dedication, collaboration, and deep cultural care that defines the SLCC’s work—upholding the vision of both Nations to share their cultures proudly and authentically.
As the home of authentic Indigenous experience in Whistler, the SLCC continues to inspire through its exhibitions, guided tours, and educational programs. Visitors can now explore the revitalized spaces through the hourly What We Treasure Tour, led by Cultural Ambassadors who offer a welcome song and whose lived experiences bring each story to life.
The revitalization of the storyboards was guided by a deep commitment to listening — to the community, to Elders, and to the living cultures that continue to grow and evolve. Under Alison Pascal’s curatorial leadership, the project carried forward stories and teachings from both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, shared in ways that honour their strength, resilience, and beauty.
The SLCC extends heartfelt congratulations to Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal and the entire Curatorial Team for their visionary work and this well-deserved recognition.
Huy chexw / Kukw’stumc’kalap to all who contributed their time, knowledge, and spirit to revitalizing the storyboards and exhibitions—strengthening the connection between past, present, and future generations.
Learn More
Learn more about the What We Treasure Permanent Exhibit. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plan your visit to experience the revitalized exhibits and guided tours at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
The SLCC gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia, First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the British Columbia Arts Council.