Salish Summer Carving Series
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler (SLCC) is hosting live carving for the Salish Summer Carving Series, with Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh / Kwakwak’wakw / Namgis), mentoring SLCC Apprentice Brandon Hall (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh / Squamish Nation) from June 21 – September 3rd, 2023. Carving throughout summer at the entrance to SLCC’s Great Hall, the house post commemorates the 100th anniversary of Squamish Nation’s Amalgamation, incorporating designs that honor the sixteen villages who came together to form what is known today as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
The fourth installment of SLCC’s Salish Summer Carving Series, the carving began with a cedar log blessing ceremony on Wednesday, June 21 as part of celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day and for Indigenous Peoples History Month. Part of a two-year immersive experience creating a pair of carvings, featuring one Master Carver from the Squamish Nation this year and one Master Carver from the Lil’wat Nation in 2024, each mentoring an apprentice from their Nation and carving on-site at the SLCC. The two carvings will be sisters, telling a complimentary story and bringing them new life as a carving authentic to the territory, and will eventually rise to stand at the SLCC’s entrance on Lorimer Road.
Guests are encouraged to join Master Carver Xwalacktun, and Apprentice Brandon Hall to witness the Salish Summer Carving Series on Tuesday through Sunday at the entrance to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre until September 3, 2023, and can join a Salish Summer Carving guided tour at 11 am Tuesday through Saturday included with Museum Admission.
The SLCC is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Monday).
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre gratefully acknowledges the Government of Canada and the Resort Municipality of Whistler for their generous support of the Sister Posts and the Salish Summer Carving Series.
