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New Centre Provides Insight to Squamish and Lil’wat Nations

Lush landscapes aside, British Columbia prides itself in boasting a rich cultural heritage. And this summer, a proud legacy will be celebrated with the opening of the stunning new Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler Village. The Centre, scheduled for completion in June 2008, will shine as a key draw during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; it promises to be one of the most visible and permanent legacies of First Nations Olympic involvement. Designed to reflect both a traditional Squamish Longhouse and a Lil’wat Istken (earthen pithouse dwelling), the Centre will showcase the tapestry of heritage and cultures past, present, and future of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Uniquely, the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations, together with the Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, known collectively as the Four Host First Nations, are the first Indigenous peoples to be recognized as official partners in hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the Centre, galleries promise to display Aboriginal arts, historic artifacts and textiles, while programs will highlight traditional song and dance, drumming and interactive learning experiences. In all, the Centre is certain to prove a resource for local residents and an attraction for visitors during the Games and for many years to come. www.slcc.ca