For Immediate Release

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler Welcomes Guests for a powerful month of connection and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

August 28, 2025, (Whistler, BC) – The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler (SLCC) – the heart of Whistler’s authentic Indigenous experience, welcomes guests during September for a powerful month of Indigenous-led events to reflect and connect in the spirit of learning and solidarity culminating in a full day of immersive programming on Tuesday, September 30 to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Spo7ez Artist Market celebrates the incredible talents of artisans from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation on Saturday September 6, culminating the monthly summer series, before featuring as part of the full day of programming on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino brings guest speakers Filipe Armstrong, Archaeologist and Curator, and Claudio Alvarado Lincopi, Mapuche Historian and Curator, to host a Speaker event Museums and Indigenous Languages: Limits and Possibilities on Saturday September 13, along with SLCC Curatorial team in a conversation how Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 13, 14 & 67 can be applied in public spaces leading up to the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

The SLCC is proud to host Guest Speaker: The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould on Tuesday, September 17, sharing True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change. 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. The free event is proudly supported by Líl̓wat Business Group, Murphy Construction Corp, and the Government of Canada, with an opportunity for guests to purchase VIP Book Signing tickets with all proceeds going to the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program.

On Monday September 22, the SLCC will launch the Spo7ez Online Auction Fundraiser where residents and guests can bid on over a hundred experiences and products donated by the Sea to Sky business community supporting cultural revitalization through the SLCC. Guests can view auction items and place final bids online through Monday, September 29, giving a meaningful opportunity for guests to contribute to an impactful community fundraiser for an authentic Indigenous organization ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The SLCC, in partnership with the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and Whistler Community Services Society, will host the Whistler Chamber Après on Thursday, September 25. 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.

Commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, the day will begin with Spo7ez Cultural Sharing at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 10 am, with the SLCC offering a full day of listening, learning and reflection with programming throughout the Great Hall, Istken Hall, Galleries, and on the Mezzanine patio. Visitors can hear the Guest Speaker Series, experience the Curator Tour, storytelling in the Pithouse, connect over the educational board game – The Truth in Truth and Reconciliation, explore the Spo7ez Artist Market, experience Spo7ez cultural sharing, immersive crafts, First Nations-inspired cuisine and explore books for learning, authentic art and keepsakes. Guests are invited to commemorate this important day on September 30 at the SLCC with General Admission — and free entry for children and youth ages 18 and under. Sea to Sky Residents are encouraged to show their year-round support by becoming an SLCC Member. The SLCC is grateful to be supported on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by Proud Partner CIBC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Guests can experience three exhibitions including the newly revitalized What We Treasure Permanent Exhibit throughout the Great Hall and Gallery 1 that received major storyboard upgrades in the spring of 2025 after consultation with over 200 Nation Members from Elders to Youth over 18 months. The Legends of the Land / Sx̱wex̱wiy̓ám̓ tiná7 tl’a temíxw / ptakwlh ti tmicwa Exhibit in Gallery 3, shares how traditional knowledge and history were passed down from generation to generation through stories and features storytelling, bold artwork, petroglyphs and pictographs showing the connection to the land of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. A feature interactive Net Making Exhibit in Gallery 2 shares the traditional methods used by families to create a net, used by both nations for fishing in rivers, lakes and the ocean. During September guests can experience three guided tours including the signature What We Treasure Tour on the hour and the feature 11am Legends of the Land Tour, and 3pm Interpretive Forest Walk from Tuesday – Sunday.

The SLCC welcomes community members and guests to show support by wearing orange to honour the children, survivors and families of Residential Schools for Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The SLCC Gallery and Gift Shop offers Orange shirts, along with books for learning about Truth and Reconciliation and the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada – available for purchase in-store and online. Purchasing at the SLCC Gallery & Gift Shop supports authentic Indigenous artists and authors and meaningful employment for members of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler 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.

As the SLCC enters a season of reflection, learning, and action, September also marks the launch of its annual Membership and Fundraising Donation Drive. This initiative offers the community a meaningful opportunity to directly support Indigenous-led programming, cultural revitalization, and youth development. Whether becoming a member or making a donation, each contribution strengthens the centre’s mission and ensures the continued sharing of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl culture. Members and donors play a vital role in sustaining the powerful work of the SLCC — an Indigenous-owned, Indigenous-operated centre of living culture.

In September, the SLCC returns to regular hours open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Monday)

To learn more visit slcc.ca/ndtr

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