Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is the first centre of its kind in Canada, located on the shared, traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Two nations came together to celebrate and share their cultures with the world while creating meaningful employment opportunities for members of both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation, Coast Salish) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation, Interior Salish) Nations. Designed to evoke the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling), the SLCC embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow, and share their traditional cultures.

Exhibitions & Tours

The Cultural Centre displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions which showcase the many aspects of the Squamish and Lil’wat cultural history, traditions and practices from ancient times to modern day. Daily, guided tours and seasonal, feature tours are also included with general admission.

Permanent Exhibit

What We Treasure

The permanent exhibit is dedicated to the core of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) culture; ceremony, language, regalia, and stories told through different mediums. They honour the legacy of their Ancestors by creating objects vital to their culture and each piece is infused with the history of their families. The collection features baskets, blankets, canoes, carvings (also known as totem poles), drums, tools, and regalia (traditional clothing).

Current Exhibit

UNCEDED: S7ulh temíxw / Ti tmicwkálha / Our Land

Date: December 21, 2022 – October 8, 2023
Description: Set in breathtaking Sea to Sky locations from K’emk’emeláy (Vancouver) to Ts’zil (Mount Currie) mountain, this exhibit asks guests to look at the world through a different lens. Marrying regalia, elders, chieftainship with the modern world around us, reshaping how we view our presence here, bringing a sense of belonging to both the viewer and the people celebrated in the exhibit. Join the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a photographic journey into belonging, on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the Líl̓wat7úl, and where their territories meet in Whistler, BC.

Hourly Guided Tours

These guided tours are offered on the hour, every hour, from 10 AM – 4 PM daily. Friendly Cultural Ambassadors from both the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations share their culture and knowledge in this immersive cultural centre. The hourly guided tour includes a traditional welcome song, fifteen minute film and exhibit tour. General Admission includes access to the galleries and exhibits throughout the main level (Great Hall) and mezzanine. After the tour, guests are encouraged to revisit areas of the museum that piqued their interest.

Feature Tour – Summer 2023

Saturdays and Sundays at 1 PM until October 8, 2023

Hosted by a Cultural Ambassador, the feature tour includes a welcome drum song, short film, guided tour of the Great Hall, and introduction to the Unceded Exhibition. Guided tour is included with museum admission.

Nourish Spring Series by Cornucopia:

Spo7ez Wellness Feast

Date: June 10, 2023
Experience a wellness journey brought to life through authentic Indigenous cultural sharing, and a traditional shared feast. Blending medicinal storytelling connecting to the land, with long table dining in the Great Hall, and Spo7ez Performers in regalia sharing songs from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl. Experience this signature event as part of the Nourish Spring Series by Cornucopia, a true celebration of the spring season with a fresh menu, and a fresh perspective that will be sure to nourish your spirit. Learn More

Holistic Tour & Indigenous Tea Offering

Date: June 17 & 24, 2023
Experience an authentic Indigenous wellness tour with Cultural Ambassadors through the Salish Forest followed by a tea offering. Beginning with a welcome song, short film and brief introduction to the Centre, a Cultural Ambassador will guide an interpretive forest walk, presenting herbs and medicinal plants that grow in the region. Following in the Longhouse, guests learn and savour the healing benefits of traditional teas, served with First Nations traditional bannock. Learn More

Other Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre highlights include:

  • Permanent and temporary exhibits from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations
  • Seasonal Live Demonstrations of weaving, carving, cedar prepping, and other cultural regenerative activities
  • An outdoor Lil'wat Istken (earthen dwelling) and Squamish Longhouse
  • An interpretive forest walk along the Salish Stroll, available from May to September
  • Hands-on activities with SLCC Cultural Ambassadors. One-on-one, led crafts where you make your own medicine bag, dream catcher, drum, and other traditional crafts. Throughout the process, Ambassadors share the stories and significance of the craft. Offered seasonally, or through special events or private tours.
  • A theatre showcasing a 15-minute film
  • Whistler’s largest First Nations gift shop, offering products authentic and unique to the Squamish, Lil'wat, and other First Nations peoples of Canada
  • Thunderbird Café, an indigenous-inspired eatery in the SLCC’s admission-free area
  • The gift shop and Thunderbird café can be accessed without paying the admission fee to the SLCC, making it the perfect place in Whistler to pick up a memorable gift

Admission

  • Adult (26-64): $20
  • Child (6-18): $7
  • Child (5 and under): Free
  • Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children under 18 years): $45

When to Visit

Weekdays Hours Weekends Hours
Monday Closed Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM – 5 PM
Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM    
Friday 10 AM – 5 PM    
  • Thunderbird Café open 10 AM – 4 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

Location

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in the Upper Village at 4584 Blackcomb Way. Limited parking is available onsite; additional parking is available along Blackcomb Way and in the Day Lots.

View Map of Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Whistler Cultural Pass – $30 per person

The Whistler Cultural Pass provides access to the Audain Art Museum as well as the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre at a reduced price. Save up to 20% when you purchase tickets as a dual admission pass.

Please note that the Audain Art Museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is closed on Mondays. Passes are not dated and can be used at any time.

*Hours of operation and admission prices subject to change.

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Photos of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre