29 May PRESS RELEASE: SLCC celebrating National Indigenous History Month in June with immersive cultural experiences.
May 29, 2024, Whistler, BC (Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl) – The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler (SLCC) announces a series of immersive cultural experiences throughout June in celebration of National Indigenous History Month, and a vibrant event on Friday, June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous History Month provides a platform to share the authentic experiences of the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation, inviting visitors, residents, businesses, and employees in Whistler to engage with the distinctive cultures of these nations. The SLCC’s immersive cultural tours and craft offerings, along with feature exhibitions such as Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam̓ / skel7áw̓lh and the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes, provide an opportunity for guests to authentically connect with the land and its people. Throughout June, guests can participate in a variety of experiences, including the Holistic Tour and Indigenous Tea Offering, Craft Workshops, and guided tours of the Salish Forest.
On Friday, June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day, a variety of engaging cultural experiences will be available, including an Artists Market, Artist demonstrations, Curator Tours, storytelling and cultural sharing performances, the Salish Summer Carving Series log blessing and live carving with Lil’wat Artists Jonathan Joe and Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews, live comedy, and craft activities, with free admission provided by Proud Partner CIBC and programming supported by the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Lululemon partners in presenting Yoga in the Istken Hall for the summer solstice and Whistler Film Festival partners on an Indigenous short film series in the Theatre.
Evolve E-Bike Share is partnering with the SLCC to launch Indigenous art displayed on 20 Evolve E-Bikes in Whistler throughout summer. Evolve E-Bike Share worked with Squamish Nation Artist Chief Ray Natraoro (Ses Siyam) and Lil’wat Nation Artist Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews, who collaborated on the Spo7ez story as an inspiration for their designs. Evolve has an e-bike parking zone in front of the SLCC, encouraging riders to start or end their trips at the Centre, showcase Indigenous culture on their journey around Whistler and continue listening and learning at the SLCC.
The Travelling Exhibition “UNCEDED: S7ULH TEMÍXW / TI TMICWKÁLHA / Our Land – A Photographic Journey into Belonging,” created and curated by the SLCC will be displayed in the lobby at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver throughout the month of June offering guests and visitors the opportunity to see environmental portraiture of Nation members on the territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and the Líl̓wat7úl.
As the heart of authentic connections to the peoples of the shared territories in Whistler, the SLCC invites guests to join in celebrating their distinctive presence of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl, and contribution to the unique and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples throughout Canada during National Indigenous Peoples Month in June.
SLCC Cultural Leader T’ec Georgina Dan shares “The SLCC is thrilled to host an amazing mix of cultural experiences offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the rich heritage and living traditions of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. We are grateful for the support of our partners in promoting authentic connections and a deeper understanding. Come celebrate the rich history and contributions of Indigenous People, and the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl have made and continue to make every day.”
Liza Walli, Executive Director of the SLCC shares “We hope that Whistler visitors and locals alike will spend time with us at the SLCC through the month of June, and especially on National Indigenous People’s Day to celebrate the authentic stories, history and thriving culture of the shared territories in Whistler”.
Free Admission is gratefully provided by proud partner CIBC and programming by the Resort Municipality of Whistler on Friday, June 21, 2024.
For more information and to see the full cultural programming for:
– National Indigenous History Month visit SLCC.ca/nihm
The SLCC is open regular hours on Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Mondays) The SLCC occasionally closes early for private events, for up-to-date hours and early closures visit slcc.ca/visit
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