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Backgrounder
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow and share their traditional cultures. It stands as a testimony to their proud heritage – from time immemorial to the present. Located on six forested acres along Fitzsimmons Creek in Whistler’s Upper Village, the SLCC provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the heritage and living culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations.
The SLCC was established through the partnerships forged in preparing to host the world during the 2010 Winter Games. The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations represented two of the four Host First Nations which sat on the organizing committee for the 2010 Winter Games. Their participation in this effort led to discussions with key Olympic sponsors such as Bell Canada and RBC whose support made it possible to construct this architectural masterpiece. Today, the SLCC is operated and partially funded by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations; the majority of funding is earned through daily operations and supplemented by grants and donations.
Designed to evoke the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling), the SLCC features a Great Hall that captures sunlight and reveals spectacular mountain and forest views through curved 220-foot glass plank walls. The Great Hall’s interior showcases hand-carved cedar welcome figures, pictograph-embossed boulders, massive spindle whorls, and a series of cedar canoes, some which are suspended from the hall’s 22-foot high ceilings. Unique to Whistler, the Ístken Hall is a circular glass room with a natural cedar wood interior. The three-storey, 30,400-square-foot facility also features specialized meeting spaces, a museum, 78-seat multi-media theatre, 220-foot canopied patio overlooking Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler’s largest First Nations Gift Shop with authentic Squamish and Lil’wat art, and a First Nations-inspired eatery, the Thunderbird Café.
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre is a non-profit registered charity*, an Indigenous-owned organization, and employs over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors. All proceeds are invested into meaningful employment, training (including Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program) and cultural revitalization programs for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), through the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre.
Authentic Indigenous Experience
Guests are welcome to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) – the heart of Whistler’s authentic Indigenous experience – a First Nations Museum, Art Gallery and Gift Shop, and Thunderbird Café. Connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share a traditional drum song, an inspiring short film, and take guests on a guided tour of the Museum sharing stories from two distinct Nations the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. Experience distinctive carved house posts, canoes, spindle whorls, weaving, regalia, and bold artwork throughout the museum and galleries. Admire the extraordinary building designed to evoke a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken – and see the traditional Longhouse and Istken Pithouse via the Mezzanine and an interpretive forest walk via the Salish Stroll. Shop handcrafted Northwest Coast art and authentic Indigenous keepsakes in the Gallery & Gift Shop, and enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café.
The SLCC is located in the Upper Village and across the street from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. It is within easy walking distance of Whistler’s village centre. The SLCC is one of six cultural institutions that form part of the Cultural Connector.
First Nations Cuisine at the SLCC
The SLCC’s Thunderbird Café offers a unique menu inspired by traditional Squamish and Lil’wat Nation cuisine, made with fresh local ingredients where possible. Visitors are encouraged to taste feature items such as smoked salmon bannock paninis, salmon chowder, bannock tacos, and venison chili. Visitors can also go green with a tasty salad or sample freshly baked bannock at this one-of-a-kind café.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is proud to be named in The Original Original Accreditation Program with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The Original Original mark of excellence recognizes the SLCC as one of Canada’s best Indigenous tourism experiences and assures visitors of a quality tourism experience. As an Indigenous owned business, the SLCC contributes to elevating Canada’s authentic Indigenous tourism industry. As Whistler’s only authentic Indigenous experience, the SLCC shares memorable experiences celebrating the distinct Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl ways, and provides meaningful employment with over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation – the shared territory where Whistler resides.
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