Experience a Powerful Month of Connection at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
As the leaves begin to turn in Whistler, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (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.
Whether you live in the Sea to Sky region or are planning a visit to Whistler this fall, the SLCC is a place to engage deeply with Indigenous culture, learn from authentic voices, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
Highlights of September Programming at the SLCC
Spo7ez Artist Market – September 6, 10 am - 3 pm
Celebrate the Spo7ez Artist Market, 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.
Free entry | No registration required
Speaker Series: Museums & Indigenous Languages – September 13
A special dialogue with international guest curators from the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chile) and SLCC Curatorial team. Explore how museums can support Indigenous language revitalization and the Calls to Action around education and culture.
Tickets via Eventbrite – coming soon
Don’t miss this powerful event: “True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change” with the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, First Nations Leader, Former MP and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Bestselling Author.
Free Admission | Donations gratefully accepted
Purchase VIP Book Signing tickets in support of the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program
Gratefully supported by Lil’wat Business Group, Murphy Construction Corp. and the Government of Canada.
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.
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 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.
On Tuesday, September 30, the SLCC will host a full day of immersive programming. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange to honour the children, survivors, and families of Residential Schools.
Day-long programming includes:
- Guest Speaker Series
- Curator-led museum tours
- Traditional storytelling in the Pithouse
- Cultural sharing and Indigenous craft-making
- Spo7ez Artist Market
- The Truth in Truth and Reconciliation educational board game
- First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Cafe
- Orange Shirts, books for learning, art, and keepsakes in the Gallery & Gift Shop
This day is an opportunity to listen, reflect, and take meaningful action while surrounded by living culture.
To learn more and see the full schedule visit slcc.ca/ndtr-at-the-slcc
More Than a Day: The Ongoing Work of Reconciliation
While September 30 marks a day of remembrance, Truth and Reconciliation is not a single moment — it’s a lifelong commitment to truth-telling, justice, and change.
Reconciliation means honouring the children who never made it home from Residential Schools, the survivors who carry the weight of those experiences and the families and communities still living with the effects of intergenerational trauma.
It also means recognizing that truth and reconciliation must include understanding and respecting Indigenous Land and Title, and supporting economic sovereignty. This includes valuing Indigenous governance, cultural revitalization, sustenance and wellbeing, and business development — as part of the path toward self-determination on lands that have been stewarded since time immemorial.
Recognizing these truths may also mean unlearning what we’ve been taught — or not taught — about Canada’s history. It calls on each of us to listen deeply, to question comfortably held assumptions, and to act with respect and responsibility.
Every act of learning, listening, and solidarity matters.
Learn more at slcc.ca/ndtr
Explore Exhibitions and Guided Tours
Open Tuesday–Sunday | 10 AM – 5 PM
Explore three immersive exhibitions and guided tours:
What We Treasure Exhibit – Recently revitalized with input from over 200 Nation Members.
Legends of the Land Exhibit – Learn how oral storytelling was shared through the generations.
Interactive Net Making Exhibit – Learn how Squamish and Lil’wat families use traditional fishing methods.
What We Treasure Tour – on the hour
Legends of the Land Tour – 11 AM
Interpretive Forest Walk – 3 PM
Occasionally, we close early for private events. Plan your visit at slcc.ca/visit
Make an Impact: Join the Membership & Donation Drive
Throughout September, the SLCC invites individuals, families, and organizations to support living culture, Indigenous leadership, and truth-telling through action. As an Indigenous-owned and operated non-profit, over 90% of SLCC staff are Indigenous, and every dollar raised sustains community-led programs, youth employment, and cultural revitalization.
Membership connects you directly to the heart of living Indigenous culture — and helps ensure these programs thrive year-round. Members receive benefits and opportunities to engage more deeply with the SLCC’s mission.
Your donation supports the work of Cultural Ambassadors, Elders, artists, and educators from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. From youth mentorship to language preservation and public education, your support makes reconciliation real and visible.
Wear Orange and Stand in Solidarity
Show your support for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing an Orange Shirt. The SLCC Gallery & Gift Shop offers Orange Shirts, and educational books for learning, available in-person and online.
Join Us This September
This September, step into a space of reflection, culture, and connection at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre — and join a path toward reconciliation.
Whether you’re visiting Whistler or part of the local community, there are many ways to connect, support, and learn during this important time. Every step toward truth and reconciliation matters. We invite you to walk with us.