FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a Month of Connection, Learning and Reflection
September 2, 2026 — Whistler, BC — The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler welcomes guests throughout September for a powerful month of Indigenous-led events, cultural experiences and opportunities for learning and connection, culminating in a full day of programming on Wednesday, September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The month begins with the Spo7ez Artist Market on Sunday, September 6, celebrating the talents of artisans from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Guests can discover handcrafted works and wellness products while supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and economies. The market will return as part of the September 30 programming.
On Thursday, September 10, from 12pm to 5 pm, guests are invited to Après Taste and Shop, featuring samples from Indigenous-owned and inspired offerings available through the Gallery & Gift Shop, including Cinnamon Sugar Bannock Bites from Bangin Bannock, Wabanaki Maple Syrup, Skwalwen Botanicals, Sriracha Revolver and Turtle Island Coffee. Guests can enjoy 15% savings on eligible purchases* and receive a gift with purchases over $100.
On Monday, September 21, the SLCC will launch the Spo7ez Silent Auction Fundraiser, featuring more than 100 experiences and products donated by the Sea to Sky business community. Proceeds support cultural revitalization and the SLCC’s Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program. Auction items will be available to view and bid online from September 21 to October 5 and on display during the Wisdom of the Animal People Cultural Sharing Event on October 2 and 3. Final bids can be placed online through Monday, October 5.
From September 25 to 27, the Unceded S7ulh Temíxw / Ti Tmicwkálha / Our Land Exhibition will pop up at Creekside Bridge in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb during the UCI World Cup Mountain Biking Downhill event. The exhibition features original photographs of nation 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.
On September 29, guests can join Cultural Ambassadors for a Salish Drum-Making Workshop, creating a traditional Salish hand drum using deer hide and a cedar frame. The immersive workshop offers guests an opportunity to experience Indigenous craft and support cultural revitalization.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — September 30
On Wednesday, September 30, the SLCC will offer a full day of listening, learning and reflection through immersive experiences. Programming includes a Guest Speaker Series featuring Julian Brave NoiseCat, co-director of the film Sugarcane and author of We Survived the Night, and author Carolyn Roberts, speaking about her children’s book Tess’s Red Dress. Lil’wat Nation filmmaker Sydney Pascal will present her film Distance, alongside a screening of the I Am Gitxsan film in partnership with the Whistler Film Festival. Guests can also experience storytelling, Spo7ez cultural sharing, immersive craft activities and browse the Spo7ez Artist Market for handcrafted art and wellness products. The Thunderbird Café offers First Nations-inspired cuisine, while the Gallery & Gift Shop features books, authentic art and keepsakes.
General admission applies on September 30, with free admission for children and youth aged 18 and under. Indigenous Peoples receive free admission year-round. Sea to Sky residents are encouraged to show their year-round support by becoming an SLCC Member. The SLCC is grateful to the Resort Municipality of Whistler for its support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation programming.
The SLCC welcomes community members and guests to wear orange on September 30 to honour the children, Survivors and families impacted by residential schools. The Gallery & Gift Shop offers Orange Shirt Day apparel, books about Truth and Reconciliation and resources on the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Purchases support Indigenous artists and authors, as well as meaningful employment for members of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.
Experience Indigenous Culture Throughout September
Throughout the month, guests can experience the SLCC’s exhibitions, including the feature Wisdom of the Animal People Exhibit in Galleries 2 and 3, which explores the important roles animals play in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl cultures. Animals are honoured through clothing and artwork and are central to stories, songs and dances, while also serving as important educational tools for sharing history, morals and values. The revitalized What We Treasure permanent exhibition, located throughout the Great Hall and Gallery 1, features major storyboard upgrades completed in spring 2025 following consultation with more than 200 Nation Members, from Elders to Youth. During September, guests can also experience two signature guided tours: The What We Treasure Tour – offered on the hour, and the Interpretive Forest Walk at 3pm, offered Tuesday through Sunday, weather permitting.
Looking Ahead to October
The momentum continues into October with the Wisdom of the Animal People Cultural Sharing event on October 2 and 3, complementing the feature exhibition in Galleries 2 and 3. The event will feature Chinook Song Catchers, Alex Wells Native Thunder, Proud Little Warriors, Spo7ez Cultural Sharing, and storytelling from Holly Bikadi and Sík Sík Josh Anderson. The SLCC is grateful to the Resort Municipality of Whistler for its support of the Wisdom of the Animal People: Cultural Sharing event and feature exhibit.
Supporting Living Culture
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre is a non-profit, registered charity and Indigenous-owned organization, with more than 90% of its Ambassadors identifying as Indigenous. Proceeds support meaningful employment, training including the Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program and cultural revitalization for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) through the SLCC.
Along with the Spo7ez Silent Auction, September also marks the launch of the SLCC’s annual Membership and Fundraising Donation Drive. These initiatives along with Corporate Allyship, offer community members and businesses an opportunity to directly support Indigenous-led programming, cultural revitalization and youth development. Every Allyship, membership, and donation, help sustain the SLCC as an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-operated centre of living culture and supports the continued sharing of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl culture.
Regular hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Monday)
*Après Taste and Shop savings exclude books, art, food and sale items.
Learn more: slcc.ca/september
Huy Chexw (thank you) Wa Chexw Yuu (Take care)– Squamish Language
Kukw`stumc`kalap (Thank-you all) – Lil’wat Language
About Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC)
Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society is a registered Canadian charity and the first centre of its kind in Canada. The Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation came together to celebrate and share our cultures with the world while creating meaningful employment opportunities for members of both nations. By sharing where we are from and where we are going, our visitors acquire a greater understanding of our Nations and the shared territories that Whistler resides upon.