What We Treasure

The What We Treasure Exhibit is the SLCC’s permanent exhibit and collection throughout the Great Hall and Gallery One, and features newly revitalized interpretive content. Developed in collaboration with community members, the refreshed storyboards reflect the voices, perspectives, and languages of both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, offering a deeper, authentic, and contemporary expression of their living cultures.

Over 18 months, the SLCC’s curatorial team worked closely with more than 250 community members—from youth to Elders of both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation—to guide the revitalization process. Their voices and cultural knowledge informed the development of new interpretive materials that bring forward stories, imagery, and language in ways that reflect and respect their Nations’ values and teachings. The result is a vibrant, community-driven expression of two distinct cultures with deep, ancestral ties to the land. The work embodies the original spirit of partnership between the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, reflecting their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating their living cultures in a world-class cultural centre—bringing pride and visibility to their territories and standing as a leading, authentic Indigenous-led organization.

In January 2025, the SLCC was honoured to support the repatriation of Squamish Nation ancestral belongings from the Canadian Museum of History. Cultural items—including a wool blanket, cedar baskets, and traditional tools—were welcomed home in a private ceremony and are respectfully integrated into the permanent exhibition, enriching the cultural experience for all.

Alongside the updated interpretive content, the Great Hall and What We Treasure collections feature original cultural belongings such as baskets, blankets, carvings—including canoes, spindle whorls, welcome figures, house posts, and story poles—as well as drums, tools, and regalia (traditional clothing). These exhibits are brought to life through immersive guided tours led by Cultural Ambassadors, who share personal stories and lived experiences that deepen visitors’ understanding of Squamish and Lil’wat cultures.

We raise our hands in gratitude to all the Nation and community members who shared knowledge and precious time away from their family and other projects to work with us on the Storyboard Updates.

Engagement Co-ordinator: Tsámam Rilla Sampson, Leanne “Bird” Lewis
Assistant Curator: Tsawaysia Spukwus Dominique Nahanee, Shixm’el’texw Jeremy West , Kirsten Joseph (Lil’wat)
Researcher: Alyssa Bob, Amhani Jones, Olivia Edmonds, Chepximiya Siy̓ám̓ Chief Janice George, Jacqueline West
Squamish Nation Cultural Review, Translator & Researcher: Aaron Williams
Lil’wat Language Translator: Met Mat Andrew
Editor: pasít Casey Gozales, Xzúmalus Roxanne Joe, Aaron Williams
Lil’wat Cultural Review Facilitator: Amhani Jones
Lil’wat Cultural Review Committee: Edwin Bikadi, KwikwsEliza Peters, nkwel̓ánk  Jonathan Joe, Holly Bikadi, Olivia Edmonds, Kíka7 Tsúntsuli Vera J.  Edmonds
Squamish Nation Cultural Department: Samaya Jaray, Irene Cole, Ayshwarya Prem
Grant Writer: Claire Fuller
Know History: Jennifer Gilliand, Mark Goudie, Brad Gyselman, Mark Rutledge, Hailey Furkalo, Dean Oliver,  Vanessa Campoli, Elizabeth Todd Doyle
SLCC Operations & Maintenance Team: Deidre Potter, Kris O’Brien, Devon McKay-Pascal, Redmond Andrews, Christian Levine
Fabrication & Install: 3D Services – Scott Tupling
Video: Ryan Robinson

The Ceremony on June 12, 2025, honoured all those who shared knowledge towards the Storyboard updates. In attendance were hosts SLCC Curator Mixalhíts̓a7 Alison Pascal, SLCC Co-Director of Culture Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph, Ceremony Leaders XwayWat Naomi Cayou, and SesSiyam Chief Ray Natraoro, and Witnesses Squamish Nation K̲ák̲x̲elten Siy̓ám̓ Chief Gibby Jacobs, Lil’wat Nation Councillor Nímtsvq James Williams, Squamish Nation Knowledge Keeper Ta’hax7wtn Randall Lewis Sr, Executive Director Liza Walli, and Jennifer Gilliland Project Manager of Know History.

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.

2008-2024

Curator:

Squamish Curator Chief Janice George
Lil’wat Curator Lois Joseph

Special Thanks:

Members of the Squamish Nation
Members of the Lil’wat Nation
Drew Leathem Jr.

Sponsors

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Province of British Columbia, Resort Municipality of Whistler, Western Economic Diversification, Concord Pacific Group Inc., Department of Canadian Heritage, Teresen Gas, BMO Bank of Montreal, Nahanee Baker Construction, American Friends of Whistler, Capilano University

X̲aay S7átam Chet

I Wa Xzúmstum̓

“We welcome you, our honoured guests, on this journey of discovery.”-Kúkwpi7 Táya-Chief Leonard Andrew, Lil’wat Nation
We treasure all the teachings from our Elders. We are proud to walk in their footsteps. Our permanent exhibit is dedicated to the core of our culture; ceremony, language, regalia, and stories told through different mediums.

Both Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxumixw (Squamish Nation) and L̓il̓wat7ulh (Lil’wat Nation) honour the legacy of our Ancestors when we create objects vital to our culture. With each piece we infuse the history of our family. In our collection we have baskets, blankets, canoes, carvings (also known as totem poles), drums, tools, and regalia (traditional clothing).

Our greatest pride is in teaching the young people. The culture shines through our Indigenous Youth Ambassadors, each brings with them knowledge from their families. Each family has a different specialty, we invite you to join us and meet our Indigenous Youth Ambassadors.

“The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a place where our performers, artists and storytellers can share our rich traditions with the world.” –K̲ák̲x̲elten Siy̓ám̓ Chief Gibby Jacob, Squamish Nation