Make a beautiful traditional Salish hand drum using deer hide and a cedar frame. The drum is not just a music maker, but a voice for the soul within the music. The drum is more than a musical instrument to those who own and play it, as it is considered to have a life of its own and is regarded as having its own powerful spirit. In some traditions the drum symbolizes the heartbeat and in others it represents the powerful medicine of thunder. 16" Salish Drum: $180 per person. Recommended Age: 15+ Years. Duration: 2.5 hours
Events and Workshops
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is an exquisite events venue in Whistler, hosting SLCC cultural workshops and community events, and is also available to host private events, meetings, conferences, and wedding receptions and ceremonies.
Current and Upcoming Events
Past Events
Spo7ez Silent Auction
September 21 - October 5
Bid on over 100 curated items and experiences from across the Sea to Sky Corridor — from hotel stays and gift cards to authentic Indigenous artwork. All proceeds support cultural revitalization, meaningful employment, and training through the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program at the SLCC. Explore offerings and make bids online from September 21 - October 5, and see the silent auction display at the Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing event on October 2-3 at the SLCC. Learn more at slcc.ca/auction
Whistler Wine Walk
October 9
Celebrate Art & Wine with Us This October!
Looking for something different to do on a Friday night? We are excited to be a part of the Whistler Wine Walk on October 9. Discover Whistler’s vibrant art scene in a fun, intimate setting, with a guided tour across three local galleries. On our gallery visit you’ll enjoy authentic Indigenous handcrafted artwork, selected canapés, along with BC wine tastings from Nk’Mip Winery (with red, white, or non-alcoholic options available) and chocolate pairings, at each stop. All tours finish at the Audain Art Museum for an after-hours view of their latest exhibition Solstice: Through Storm & Stillness, accompanied by canapés and a live DJ.
Grab your tickets before they sell out!
Unceded Exhibition - Creekside Bridge
September 25 - 27
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb presents the Unceded - S7ulh Temíxw / Ti Tmicwkálha / Our Land Exhibition pop-up at Creekside Bridge during the UCI World Cup Mountain Biking Downhill event.
The exhibition features original photographs of members of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation living deeply in their culture, set in breathtaking Sea to Sky landscapes from K’emk’emeláy (Vancouver) to Ts’zil (Mount Currie) mountain. The travelling exhibit features photography by Logan Swayze, and guests can see a larger collection from the original 2022 exhibit at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Learn more at slcc.ca/unceded
Spo7ez Artist Market
Wednesday, September 30, 10am - 4pm
Join us on Wednesday, September 30, from 10-4 for the Spo7ez Artist Market, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.
Browse handcrafted works and wellness products from Squamish and Lil’wat artisans. The market featured the first Sunday of each month throughout the summer - July 5, August 2, and September 6, as well as Wednesday, September 30. Support our Artisans!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Wednesday, September 30
Reflect on our history. Connect to the land. September 30th will be a day of reflection, stories, learning, and contemplation at the SLCC. The day will be filled with programming throughout the Great Hall, Istken Hall, Galleries, and out on the Mezzanine patio. Free Admission thanks to Tourism Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
To learn more visit slcc.ca/ndtr
To see the full schedule on September 30 visit slcc.ca/ndtr-at-the-slcc/
Aprés Taste and Shop
Thursday September 10, 2026, 12pm - 5pm
Join us for Aprés Taste and Shop and enjoy sampling a variety of authentic Indigenous offerings from the Gallery & Gift Shop, featuring Cinnamon Sugar Bannock Bites with Bangin Bannock, Wabanaki Maple Syrup, Skwalwen Botanicals, Sriracha Revolver, and Turtle Island Coffee.
Get a Gift with purchase when you spend over $100 (before tax)
Save 15% on Shopping! (excludes books, art, food, sale items)
Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing
Friday October 2, 3pm - 8pm & Saturday October 3, 11am - 2pm
A weekend festival of animal spirits coming alive through music and dance. Join us for Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing - song, dance, storytelling, and cuisine. Featuring Chinook Song Catchers, Alex Wells Native Thunder, Proud Little Warriors, Yex̱wela7 Cht, Spo7ez Cultural Sharing, Welhtima Kexwusem, storytelling from Holly Bikadi, Welwál̓tnaat Myia Antone, Tsitsáyxemaat Rebecca Duncan, Sík Sík Josh Anderson, Tsámam Rilla Sampson, and more!
BUY TICKETS
The Hidden Journals - Author Reading
Wednesday May 6, 3pm - 4:30pm
Hear from Halikium Wade Baker and Mary Tasi, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, as they share insight into the book The Hidden Journals.
The Hidden Journals - Author Reading - Nations
Wednesday May 6, 3pm - 4:30pm
Hear from Halikium Wade Baker and Mary Tasi, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, as they share insight into the book The Hidden Journals.
Nation Members use promo code NATIONS for complimentary tickets
The Regalia We Treasure Tour
Tuesday- Sunday, 3 pm (March 17 – April 5, Closed Mondays)
Cost: Included with Museum Admission
Explore the traditions and contemporary expressions of regalia-making within the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Led by a Cultural Ambassador, the tour begins by showcasing traditional clothing, cedar bark skirts, woven baskets, masks, tools, and accessories. Visitors also learn about specialized techniques such as buckskin tanning, wood carving, and sewing button blanket–inspired garments.
P̓egp̓íg̓lha / Wex̲és / Frog Plushie Workshop
Friday, March 27, 1pm - 4pm
Cost: Complimentary with paid Admission.
Join Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal, Curator to help create a Wex̲és (Squamish) P̓egp̓íg̓lha (Lil̓wat) Frog Plushies for an installation in the SLCC’s next exhibition, Wisdom of the Animal People, Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Li̓l̓wat Ways of Knowing. The plushies will be made of suede made of pigs, felt, fibre fill, they will be 10cm x 10 cm. Older participants may use dyed rabbit fur. It will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. 10+ up, younger participants are welcome with an Adult helper to sew.
The frogs’ song is a call for hope, warmer weather, the arrival of fresh food and our way of knowing that Spring is here.
Buckskin Medicine Bag
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 11 am
Cost: $25 per person
Use buckskin, beads and hide lacing to craft a handmade medicine bag! Traditionally, medicine bags were used hold medicinal herbs or treasures that provide protection for the wearer who may be on a spirit quests, hunting and gathering, journeying to neighbouring community, or everyday protection and reminders. Some of the more common contents for medicine bags are tobacco, sage, sweet grass or other items deemed special or spiritual, such as crystals or small carvings. Recommended Age: 8+ Years
Dreamcatcher Workshop
Tuesday, March 24th, 11 am
Cost: $40
Weave a vibrant dreamcatcher with feathers, beads, sinew, and a suede-wrapped hoop. Dream catchers are a craft shown to us by our neighbouring First Nations trading partners who lived in the prairies and East Coast of Canada. They are hung in windows to allow good dreams to pass through while entangling bad dreams in the web which can perish at the first light of dawn. Recommended Age: 10+ Years
SLCC MOVIE MATINEE
Saturday, May 23, 4pm
Help us create our NEW SLCC Tour Movie!
SLCC Movie Matinee - Your Feedback Please!
Join us for an in-person movie experience at the SLCC on Saturday, May 23rd at 4 pm.
Together we will be watching and then giving feedback on the 2008 SLCC tour movie, Where Rivers, Mountains and People Meet! We will have light movie concession snacks and drinks. Cultural Ambassadors will be in the Great Hall after the film to get Nation feedback to inform the NEW film being created in partnership with Anthill Films.
The event is FREE and open to ALL ages, but please RSVP so we know how many guests to expect.
Family Day Weekend
This Family Day Weekend, bring your loved ones to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler for a series of immersive cultural experiences hosted by our Cultural Ambassadors. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Indigenous culture and heritage together.
Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 15
- 11 am Dreamcatcher Workshop – Register here – $40
- 3 pm Storytelling – Register here – Included with Museum Admission.
- 10 am – 5 pm: Hourly Guided Tours in the Museum (Last tour at 4 pm)
Monday, February 16 – Closed as our Cultural Ambassadors take a day of rest with their families.
Register in advance for the workshops through the links above. Free Kids Admission with a paying Adult Museum Admission, or purchase a Family Pass which includes two adults and two children, or consider a Family Membership and connect with us throughout the year!
Learn more at slcc.ca/family
Indigenous Holiday Après Taste & Shop
Wednesday December 17, 12pm - 3pm
Join us for the Indigenous Holiday Après Taste & Shop on Wednesday, December 17, from 12–3 pm. Enjoy a warm gathering with taste testers from Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce, Wabanaki Maple Syrup, and Bangin’ Bannock freshly prepared onsite. Holiday appreciation perks include a free Skwálwen Lip Balm with every $100 purchase and 20% off shopping (excluding books, food, and consignment art). Come gather, taste, and shop for Indigenous cuisine, keepsakes, and gifts for your loved ones these holidays.
Whistler Film Festival
Wednesday December 3 - Sunday December 7, 2025
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is proud to host Indigenous films at the 25th Anniversary of the Whistler Film Festival, taking place December 3-7, 2025
Thursday December 4:
5:15pm – Starwalker
8:30pm - Sk+te'kmujue'katik | At the Place of Ghosts
Friday December 5:
7:45pm - Nika & Madison
Saturday December 6:
5:30pm Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising
8:15pm Uiksaringitara | Wrong Husband
Indigenous Artisan Market
Sunday, November 23, 11 am - 6 pm in the Istken Hall
Explore the Indigenous Artisan Market in the Istken Hall at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Join us for this exclusive market as part of the VIFW Grand Finale events in Whistler. Shop for unique fashion, art, and gifts by creators of the Squamish Nation, the Lil'wat Nation, and across Turtle Island. Free Admission, no registration required for the Indigenous Artisan Market.
Cultural Appreciation Workshop
Sunday, November 23, 10 am - Longhouse
Free Admission - Registration Required - Register Now.
Join us for this exclusive event as part of VIFW Grand Finale events - An exclusive Workshop on cultural appreciation with the renowned Copper Canoe Woman - Vina Brown, and Rebecca Baker-Grenier.
Vina Brown is Nuučaan̓uɫ and Haíłzaqv, so her art reflects that. She is the owner and artist at Copper Canoe Woman Creations. Her ancestral Haíłzaqvḷa name is ƛ̓áqvas gḷ́w̓aqs, which roughly translates to Copper Canoe Woman.
Rebecca Baker-Grenier an Indigenous Designer of Kwakiutł and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestry, features in the Above the Clouds Fashion Show, and is the Guest Curator for the current feature exhibit Woven Pathways: Indigenous Fashion and Cultural Continuity.
Above the Clouds Fashion Show
Sunday, November 23, 3pm - Great Hall
Buy Tickets: $35 / $55
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) is coming to Whistler for its Grand Finale following four nights of runway shows in Vancouver. Experience the spirit of Indigenous creativity on the runway in the Great Hall at the SLCC. The Above the Clouds Fashion Show will feature stunning collections by five celebrated Indigenous designers: Tishna Marlowe, Yolonda Skelton, Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Vina Brown, Cheryl Fennell, alongside Lil’wat Youth Designers. Enjoy live entertainment by Hakuum and music by DJ Tribal Touch, surrounded by the distinctive house posts, story poles canoes suspended in the Great Hall of the SLCC.
Whistler Writers Festival - READING EVENT 12
Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | In-person $27 | Meeting Point: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Finding Our Way: Salish Stroll Forest Walk With Charlie Petch, Anna Swanson and SLCC Cultural Ambassador
Join us to celebrate the 50th birthday of Brick Books, a Canadian poetry-only press, and a caring hub and home for poets and lovers of poetry. Moderator Tatiana Lee will gently guide us along the Salish Stroll Forest Walk and Fitzsimmons Creek to pause for poetry readings by Anna Swanson (The Garbage Poems) and Charlie Petch (Infinite Audition), and to experience cultural talks by Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s Cultural Ambassador. Dress for the weather; this event takes place rain or shine.
Moderated by: Tatiana Lee
Sponsored by: Brick Books
Buy Tickets: Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler Writers Festival - READING EVENT 5
Friday, October 31, 2025 | Event: 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. | Doors Open: 3:30 p.m. | In-person $27
We Survived the Night: In Conversation with Julian Brave NoiseCat
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
We are thrilled to welcome poet and moderator Jónína Kirton in conversation with Julian Brave NoiseCat, writer, champion powwow dancer, director of the Oscar®-nominated documentary, Sugarcane, student of Salish art and history, and the author of We Survived the Night. NoiseCat’s debut memoir interweaves oral history with hard-hitting journalism and a deeply personal father-son journey into a searing portrait of Indigenous survival, love, and resurgence. Come early to get your seat and browse the gift shop for authentic Indigenous art and keepsakes, and visit the Thunderbird Cafe for Indigenous-inspired specials, pastries and Spirit Bear Coffee.
Moderator: Jónína Kirton
Sponsored by: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Julian Brave NoiseCat’s Book We Survived the Night will be available for purchase at the SLCC Gift Shop.
Buy Tickets: Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler Writers Festival - READING EVENT 1
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:00 – 5:50 p.m. | In-person $20
Connecting Cultures: Legends, Language and the Land With Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee and Shelby Dan
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Two distinct Nations, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7ú, lived in the Whistler area.Through storytelling and discussion, Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee (Squamish Nation) and Shelby Dan (Lil’wat Nation) will present myths and legends in the oral tradition, and have a conversation about their communities’ vital connections to the land, and how language is an elemental part of cultural identity.
Moderator: Rebecca Wood Barrett
Sponsored by: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Buy Tickets: Whistler Writers Festival
Woven Pathways Exhibit Opening
Saturday October 18, 4pm
Join us for the opening of the feature exhibit Woven Pathways: Indigenous Fashion and Cultural Continuity. Designers will be in attendance in Gallery 2 and 3, opening at 4 pm.
To learn more visit slcc.ca/woven-pathways
Spo7ez Artist Market
Saturday, September 30, 10 am – 5 pm
Explore the Spo7ez Artist Market, as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, showcasing talented artisans from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Featuring handmade crafts, jewellery, fashion and accessories, traditional art, and locally made wellness products, every purchase supports Indigenous makers and culture.
Whistler Chamber Après
Wednesday, September 25 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
The SLCC, in partnership with the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Whistler Community Services Society, will host the Whistler Chamber Après. This special evening invites Chamber Members to connect, listen, and learn in the stunning event space of the SLCC. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the museum with Cultural Ambassadors, enjoy delicious bites and a complimentary drink, and gain a deeper understanding of local Indigenous culture — all while expanding their network within Whistler’s vibrant business community.
Spo7ez Online Auction
LIVE Monday, September 22 – Monday, September 29
The Spo7ez Online Auction aims to raise both funds and awareness for the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, its impactful Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) program, and cultural revitalization. Featuring an array of donated products and experiences from our generous Sea to Sky business community, there’s something for everyone.
To learn more visit: slcc.ca/online-auction
True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change
Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00 PM
Wilson-Raybould is a First Nations Leader, Former MP, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, and Bestselling Author who explores the difference between performative and symbolic reconciliation vs. actions that are truly impactful. Don’t miss this powerful event!
Free Admission | Donations gratefully accepted
Purchase VIP Book Signing tickets in support of the IYA Program
Museums and Indigenous Languages: Limits and Possibilities
Saturday, September 13 | 1:00 PM
Join us for a conversation about Museums and Indigenous Languages: Limits and Possibilities and how the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 13, 14 & 67 can be applied in public spaces leading up to the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
Free Admission | Donations gratefully accepted
September at the SLCC
September
Experience a Powerful Month of Connection this September at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler. The SLCC invites both locals and visitors to join in a meaningful month of Indigenous-led programming this September. In the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, the SLCC offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, education, and connection — through storytelling, cultural sharing, immersive experiences, and thought-provoking guest speakers, including Jody Wilson-Raybould on September 17.
Learn more at slcc.ca/september