Make a beautiful traditional Salish hand drum using deer hide and a cedar frame. The drum is not just a music maker, but a voice for the soul within the music. The drum is more than a musical instrument to those who own and play it, as it is considered to have a life of its own and is regarded as having its own powerful spirit. In some traditions the drum symbolizes the heartbeat and in others it represents the powerful medicine of thunder. 16" Salish Drum: $180 per person. Recommended Age: 15+ Years. Duration: 2.5 hours
Events and Workshops
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is an exquisite events venue in Whistler, hosting SLCC cultural workshops and community events, and is also available to host private events, meetings, conferences, and wedding receptions and ceremonies.
Current and Upcoming Events
Past Events
Three Generations
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Whistler Writers Festival: Reading Event 1
Three Generations In Conversation with Michelle Good and Zak Jones
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. | In-person $25
Generations of families reveal ties that bind, family dynamics that are passed down, and hidden secrets that, over time, have astonishing impacts. Michelle Good is the award-winning and bestselling author of Five Little Indians. Her latest novel, Eliza Sunshine, delivers a powerful family saga following three generations of Cree women and the storytelling tradition that connects them to each other. Join local writer, editor and actor Brandon Barrett in a conversation about their novels, exploring the crucible of three generations of kin, and how familial foundations shape the generations that follow.
Cultural & Spiritual Care: Healing through Stories
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Whistler Writers Festival: Reading Event 4
Cultural & Spiritual Care: Healing through Stories
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | In-person $20
In the spirit of reconciliation, we welcome author, moderator and Gitxaała Nation member Kim Spencer (Springtime in Kitkatla, Here for a Good Time) in conversation with SÍK SÍK Josh Anderson of the Lil’wat Nation, and co-author of Útszan ti Smáwal̓a (Healing the Spirit): An Introduction to Ceremony, Traditional Spirituality and Healing; poet Lasänmą, author of the debut poetry collection Spruce to Cedar; and Squamish Nation cultural storyteller Tsawaysia Spukwus (Dominique Nahanee). Four guest artists share their truths and how healing can happen, through traditional ceremonies, stories, and reconnecting with culture, language and the land.
Being Forest: A Salish Stroll
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Whistler Writers Festival: Reading Event 12
Being Forest: A Salish Stroll
With Avis Blackbird, Elee Kraljii Gardiner, SLCC Cultural Ambassador, and WIBA Poetry Winner
Meeting Point: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Lobby | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | In-person $35
What better way to experience poetry and cultural storytelling than outside in nature? Moderator Tatiana Lee will guide us along the Salish Stroll Forest Walk and Fitzsimmons Creek to pause for readings by debut author Avis Blackbird (Lightning in Our Roots) and the City of Vancouver’s current Poet Laureate, Elee Kraljii Gardiner (sometimes, forest). Cultural talks with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s Cultural Ambassador will take place throughout the event. This year we will be joined by the inaugural 2026 Winner of the Whistler Independent Book Award for Poetry. Dress for the weather, this event takes place rain or shine. Complimentary coffee, tea and light refreshments will fuel the walk.
Holiday Dining
December 2026 & January 2027
Gather your group for a festive dining experience in the Great Hall of the Suqamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Featuring a special seasonal Festive Buffet Menu starting at $95 per person. Learn more at slcc.ca/catering and connect with our Sales team to learn more.
Whistler Writers Festival
The SLCC is proud to be a host venue for Indigenous author events for the Whistler Writers Festival, November 5-8, 2026: Get Tickets
Learn more about access for Members of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation here.