Bringing First Nations cuisine, art and language to the mountains

Whistler Blackcomb & SLCC Cultural Collaboration

Whistler Blackcomb are grateful to operate on the shared unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat Nation). It is a privilege to live, work, learn and play on these beautiful lands, which have been cared for by the original peoples of the land since time immemorial. Join us as we honour their language, culture and history.

Whistler Blackcomb has been working closely with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to bring art, languages and Indigenous-inspired dishes from our First Nations Chefs at the Thunderbird Cafe and Catering team at the SLCC to the on-mountain experience.

Salish Welcome Figure

The Salish Welcome Figure, carved by Xwalacktun Rick Harry of the Squamish Nation, warmly welcomes guests to the shared territory on Whistler Mountain at the entrance to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The Summer Alpine experience at the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye features an insightful glimpse into the history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, with artwork by renowned Squamish artist James Harry. Christine’s on Blackcomb proudly displays authentic artwork of the Nations at the restaurant. The Glacier View room of the Roundhouse Lodge proudly displays the Spo7ez Performance team with a land acknowledgment.

Mountain Top Summer Feast

Each summer since 2023, the Mountain Top Summer Feast brings recipes and culinary knowledge shared by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and the team at Thunderbird Café & Catering to the table, with the Whistler Blackcomb team bringing them to life for guests to enjoy. Guests can enjoy a delicious celebration of culture and cuisine, featuring Cedar Plank Salmon, Three Sisters Salad, Candied Salmon Caesar Salad and Baked Bannock with Cranberry and Rosemary, or Cheese and Green Onion along with a full menu of mouthwatering mains, fresh salads and delicious desserts, immersed in live music and incredible mountain-top views. Guests can purchase tickets online for the Mountain Top Summer Feast or through Whistler Blackcomb Guest Services at the base of Whistler Mountain.

Raven’s / Sḵewḵ’ / Yecwlào7 Restaurant

Each winter since 2023, Indigenous-inspired cuisine will feature at Raven’s / Sḵewḵ’ / Yecwlào7 on Whistler Mountain, including Sx̱wí7shen / Ts̓i7/ Venison Chili, Kwu7s / Zúmak / Salmon Chowder, Sts’ukwi7 / Candied Salmon Kale Caesar Salad, and a variety of sandwiches. Merlins Bar & Grill and Wizard Grill offer Sx̱wí7shen / Ts̓i7/ Venison Chili and Kwu7s / Zúmak / Salmon Chowder at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, following successful seasons since 2022.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts are shared on newer chairlifts and gondolas on Whistler Mountain, including Sḵwexwnách / Tsíqten / Fitzsimmons Express, Ch’it ta Swá7elt / Sq̓útsa ti Tsaw̓ewéca / Creekside Gondola, and Kwemkwim K’aýk / Tseqwtsíqwa Q̓ilq̓ / Big Red Express.

We are grateful and proud that SLCC Ambassadors will share in the on-mountain experience each winter and summer season, with Whistler Blackcomb offering Season Passes to all our Ambassadors who work daily to deliver authentic Indigenous experiences through the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and throughout Whistler.

We raise our hands to all the teams at Whistler Blackcomb – for listening and learning and finding ways to bring the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lilwat7úl cuisine, language, and art into the employee and guest experience at Whistler Blackcomb and the SLCC Ambassadors to connect with their land with regular access to the on-mountain experience.

Thunderbird Allyship

Thunderbird Allyship

We are grateful for the continued commitment of Whistler Blackcomb to the Thunderbird Allyship with the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Allies of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre work alongside us to reach our goals. Collectively, we recognize the value of working together to build stronger ties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and support our purpose to uplift the Sḵwxwú7mesh and Lílwat7úl people, with pride and visibility on their land.

Each season, Whistler Blackcomb brings its employees to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to be immersed in authentic culture and learning as part of their onboarding experience. Spo7ez Cultural Ambassadors welcome guests and employees to the resort several times throughout the season at key Whistler Blackcomb events.

As an 100% Indigenous-owned organization, a non-profit registered charity, we employ over 80% Indigenous Ambassadors, and have trained and mentored over 650 youth through our Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program. We rely on well-aligned reciprocal partnerships to deliver our cultural programming, education, and curation efforts each day – that’s where generous organizations like Whistler Blackcomb and Vail Resorts step in and up, to support us though the Allyship Program.

Where to Experience

View the Merlins Menu and visit Merlins at Blackcomb Day Lodge, 4553 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4

Visit Raven’s / Sḵewḵ’ / Yecwlào7 Restaurant this winter by taking the Creekside Gondola, or skiing to the base of the Red Chair from the Whistler Gondola.

Christine’s on Blackcomb in the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain is accessible via the Blackcomb Gondola, or the Peak 2 Peak Gondola from Whistler Mountain.

Tickets for the Summer Mountain Top Feast can be purchased at Guest Relations at the base of Whistler Mountain before heading up to the Roundhouse Lodge via the Whistler Village Gondola or the Peak 2 Peak Gondola from Blackcomb Mountain.

Visit us at the Thunderbird Cafe, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to enjoy more First Nations-inspired dishes at 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V8E0Y3

Huy Chexw (thank you) Wa Chexw Yuu (take care) – Squamish Language / Kukw`stumc`kalap (Thank-you all) – Lil’wat Language

Language in the Resort

Listen in to the language of our Nations below, including pronunciations of the Raven’s / Sḵewḵ’ / Yecwlào7 Menu and Merlins Menu and Chairlifts below.

Sḵwexwnách / Tsíqten / Fitzsimmons Express

Sḵwexwnách – Valley Creek (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, Squamish Language), for the creek running between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Tsíqten – Fish Spear (Ucwalmícwts – Language of the Lil’wat7úl / Lil’wat people)
The Lil’wat7úl would fish using spears along the creek and live throughout the valley including where the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre now stands.

Ch’it ta Swá7elt / Sq̓útsa ti Tsaw̓ewéca / Creekside Gondola

Ch’it ta Swá7elt – Beside the creek (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, Squamish Language)

Sq̓útsa ti Tsaw̓ewéca – By the creek (Ucwalmícwts – Language of the Lil’wat7úl / Lil’wat people)

Kwemkwim K’aýk / Tseqwtsíqwa Q̓ilq̓ / Big Red Express

Kwemkwim K’aýk (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, Squamish Language)

Tseqwtsíqwa Q̓ilq̓ (Ucwalmícwts – Language of the Lil’wat7úl / Lil’wat people)

Ravens / Skewk’ / Yecwláo7 Menu

Sx̱wí7shen / Ts̓i7/ Venison Chili

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts / English
Hearty venison chili with fire-roasted tomatoes, mixed beans and vegetables, served with Sp’áyakim̓ / Kweláw’scen / baked bannock.

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish Language) word for Deer is Sx̱wí7shen, and the word for Baked Bannock is Sp’áyakim̓

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for Deer is Ts̓i7, and the word for Baked Bannock is Kweláw’scen

Kwu7s / Zúmak / Salmon Chowder

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts / English
West Coast Salmon Chowder with harvest vegetables, served with Sp’áyakim̓ / Kweláw’scen / baked bannock.

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish language) word for Spring Salmon is Kwu7s, and the word for Baked Bannock is Sp’áyakim̓

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for Spring Salmon is Zúmak, and the word for baked bannock is Kweláw’scen

Sts’ukwi7 / Candied Salmon Kale Caesar Salad

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / English
Sts’ úkwi7 / Candied Salmon, Parmesan Kale, Sp’áyakim̓ / Kweláw’scen / baked bannock croutons and in-house caesar dressing

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish language) word for Salmon is Sts’ úkwi7, and the word for Baked Bannock is Sp’áyakim̓

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for baked bannock is Kweláw’scen

Skiw̓x / Tsúgwlha7 / Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts / English
Smoked Steelhead and cream cheese with fresh dill, pickled red onions and capers

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish language), the word for Steelhead is Skiw̓x.

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for Steelhead is Tsúgwlha7.

K’iyí7ch / Tcats̓/ Elk and Sxwi7shen / Ts̓i7/ Venison Sandwich

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts / English
Elk Salami, Venison Salami, Provolone, Mustard, Mayonaise, Butter Lettuce, Tomato and Peppers.

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish language), the word for Elk is K’iyí7ch and the word for Venison is Sxwi7shen.

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for Elk is Tcats̓ and the work for Venison is Ts̓i7.

Zucchini and Ts’áy̓tn tl’a stéwakin / q̓em̓s / Mushroom Sandwich

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim / Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts / English
Roasted Zucchini, smoked cheddar cheese, arugula, tomato, wild mushroom aioli.

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (the Squamish language), the word for mushroom is Ts’áy̓tn tl’a stéwakin.

In Líl̓wat7úl Ucwalmicwts (the Lil’wat language of Ucwalmicwts) the word for mushroom is q̓em̓s.

Merlins Bar & Grill and Wizard Grill