The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre - where rivers, mountains and people meet - embodies the spirit of partnership between Whistler's two Native cultures, the Squamish Aboriginal people and the Lil'wat Aboriginal people. Squamish Nation territory extends from North Vancouver through Squamish to Whistler, and Lil'wat Nation territory starts in Whistler and extends north through Pemberton to Mount Currie. Our traditional territories overlap in Whistler. The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the first of its kind in Canada, offers guests the opportunity to learn about two distinctly different BC First Nations.

The Squamish and Lil'wat people welcome you to our Cultural Centre. We are open to the public daily between 9:30am - 5:00pm. We have a deep connection to this land ­- our people have lived here since time immemorial.

Meet our Squamish and Lil'wat ambassadors. Take a guided or self guided tour through our museum, exhibits and contemporary galleries. Join us in song and dance. Watch our spectacular 15 minute film showcasing our traditional and modern cultures. Engage in storytelling and make a craft; learn about Salish wool and cedar weaving.

Already a landmark, this magnificent venue is designed in the form of our two traditional dwellings; a Squamish Longhouse and Lil'wat Istken (underground pit dwelling). The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre adds a rich and distinct BC Aboriginal Cultural component to the resort community of Whistler. The Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation have coexisted respectfully as neighbors since time immemorial. We have thrived on the bounty of the ocean, the rivers, and the land, living in close relationship with the world around us. Our cultures are grounded in rich, ancient traditions, and continue to grow and evolve in a modern world.

We have built the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to preserve our cultures and share them with others. We have treated the site with respect, building on the northern side of the property, and leaving the forested area mostly untouched. The building is designed to evoke the longhouses of our Squamish people and the Istken (traditional earthen pit house) of our Lil’wat people with a modern architectural interpretation.

In 1997 the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) met with the Lil'wat Nation to consult about opportunities for the Nation's participation and presence in Whistler BC. Out of these discussions, the idea of a world-class cultural centre was born and a relationship in the spirit of goodwill and cooperation evolved.

Mindful of the historic precedence of shared lands and the overlapping interests in land stewardship, the Lil'wat Nation met with the Squamish Nation in 1999 to discuss land use and planning in areas of traditional territory overlap. As a result, in 2001 the two Nations signed a Protocol Agreement, which formalized our mutual relationship. This historic Protocol Agreement commits us to continued co-operation in matters of cultural and economic development, and co-management of shared territory. The only agreement of its kind in Canada, the Protocol Agreement, which formalized our mutual relationship.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler BC, where mountains, rivers and people meet, embodies the spirit of partnership between our two Nations and our shared values around preserving and sharing their traditional cultures. It stands as testimony to our proud heritage - from time immemorial to the present.

• Address:
  4584 Blackcomb Way
• Distance to Village: 0.0
• Website: http://www.slcc.ca/
• Phone: 1 866 441 SLCC (7522)

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