The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is proud to partner with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) on National Indigenous Peoples Day on Tuesday, June 21.  

The programming celebrates the Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh (Squamish People) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People) at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, known as Cwítima (Lil’wat) and Sk̲wik̲w (Squamish).​ 

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognize the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. These groups each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. 

Programming for National Indigenous Peoples Day at the SLCC includes musical performances by Spiritual Warriors and the Spo7ez Performance Team and spoken word from the hip hop artist The Prophet. The Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom exhibition will also open on June 21. There will be storytelling, live carving of the Community Reconciliation Canoe carving project, an Artist Market with traditional and contemporary work from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation artists throughout the day, and kids crafts in the afternoon. Lululemon will host yoga in the Istken Hall.

The RMOW is providing funding for educational programming supporting the Spo7ez Performance Team at the SLCC on June 21 and July 1. This funding also supports the Community Reconciliation Canoe carving project that runs until September 4. This funding is made possible thanks to the Province of British Columbia’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) revenues collected in Whistler. 

“National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “I encourage everyone to deepen their understanding of the L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish People) who have lived on this land since time immemorial.”

In advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the SLCC encourages guests to join the celebration with important experiences during a Wellness Weekend, which includes:

• The Holistic Tour and Indigenous Tea Offering on Saturday, June 18.
• The Spo7ez Wellness Feast on Sunday, June 19.

Admission to the SLCC will be free from June 21 to July 3, in partnership with CIBC. Programming highlights for this period include:

• Ancient Medicine Exhibition Opening, June 21
• Ed NoiseCat Pole Awakening Ceremony on Thursday, June 23.
• Performances by Spo7ez Performance Team, June 21 and July 1 (SLCC at 12 p.m., and at Florence Peterson Park at 4:30 p.m.)
• Speaker Series and spoken word performances, June 21 and July 1

On Friday, July 1, there will be hourly guided tours, including the Paddling through the Nations Tour, and Mayor Jack Crompton will participate in the Speaker Series.

The RMOW will be lighting the Bridge on Fitzsimmons Connector orange on June 20 and 21 in recognition and respect of the Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl history, culture, stewardship and voice.
   

For full programming details visit slcc.ca/nipd.

For more information, visit whistler.ca/sharedterritories.