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 Special Exhibits
Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes
Date: May 10 – December 1, 2024
Description: This exhibition shares the history of the Chiefs of eleven communities that came together to sign the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes, on May 10, 1911. These St̓at̓y̓emc Nation communities including the Lil’wat Nation share the same culture and language with Southern, Northern, and the Lakes dialects, and they gather together each year to celebrate Declaration Days.
Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist
Date: July 10, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Description: The exhibit explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899 – 1981), including his influence as a First Nations rights advocate and his career as an actor. Longshoreman, actor, musician, lecturer, poet, activist, environmentalist and First Nations leader, Dan George is well remembered. Raised on the Burrard Indian Reserve #3, the son of hereditary chief George Sla-holt, he spent much of his life working as a longshoreman and logger. He began his acting career later in life during the 1960s and 70s and appeared in many television, movie and stage productions in which he worked to promote a better understanding of First Nations people. Although focused on Dan George, the exhibition also delves into significant events in the First Nations rights movement in BC and Canada.
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, and guided forest walks at 2 PM. After the tour, guests are encouraged to revisit areas of the museum that piqued their interest.
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 to pick up a memorable Whistler gift