June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and there's no better place to mark the occasion in Whistler than the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).
The SLCC has a full month of immersive programming planned, all leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, June 21.
“We’re excited to host a celebration of Indigenous People by showcasing our artisans, comedians and musicians," said Curator Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal in a release. "Come join us and learn about our culture and history through art.”
As part of its summer programming, guests to the revered cultural museum are invited to explore revitalized permanent exhibitions in the Great Hall and Gallery One, "which now feature updated interpretive content curated through engagement sessions with over 250 community members from the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation)," the release said. "These refreshed storyboards share authentic voices, perspectives, and languages that deepen understanding and connection to the land and its people."
Through its daily guided tours and craft workshops, the SLCC offers guests meaningful ways to engage with Indigenous knowledge and living culture.
"Guests will experience the Legends of the Land exhibition, and newly repatriated Squamish Nation ancestral belongings that emphasize the Centre’s commitment to cultural revitalization and education, as a path toward reconciliation," the release said. "Daily tours include storytelling with Legends of the Land Tour, the Interpretive Forest Walk and the signature What We Treasure Tour. Vendor Markets will feature artists and creatives from the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation on the first Saturday of every month beginning Saturday June 7, then July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6, along with June 21.
The SLCC's National Indigenous Peoples Day programming on June 21 includes a feature fashion show in partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) and DJ Kookum, comedy with Keith “Bubbas” Nahanee, live music from Spiritual Warriors, Spo7ez cultural sharing, artist demos, a Curator Tour of the revitalized Great Hall and Gallery One, a bustling Indigenous Artists Market, and Solstice Yoga with Chelsie McCutcheon.
The SLCC is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in June, July, and August. From September onward, it returns to its regular schedule of Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays)—visit slcc.ca/visit for the most up-to-date hours
For full program details and a schedule of National Indigenous History Month events head to SLCC.ca/nihm.
