The RMOW is partnering with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) on National Indigenous Peoples Day, including funding a variety of programming including free admission at the SLCC.

Programming will feature a series of COVID-19 safe activations throughout Whistler Village, including at Whistler Olympic Plaza, which is in the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People and the Squamish People. Whistler was originally 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. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Programming for National Indigenous Peoples Day includes:

• Spo7ez Performance Team Drum Circle at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 4 p.m.
   
• 215 wooden orange hearts displayed between Maury Young Arts Centre to the SLCC.
   
• Bridge on Fitzsimmons Connector lit orange from June 21 to July 1.
   
• Free admission to the SLCC on June 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
   
• Free Bannock at the SLCC on June 21 all day.
   
• Chief Ian Campbell Art Show at the Maury Young Art Centre.

For full programming details visit slcc.ca.

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 People’s Day is a day for recognizing and celebrating the cultural teachings and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. It is my hope that on June 21 everyone in the community spends time deepening their knowledge about our local First Nations communities” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton.  “Through deepening our learning about the culture and heritage of our neighbours, we help step into improved awareness and understanding of ourselves and of each other.”

“In a year where people have connected back to nature and the outdoors, celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is one more step towards understanding Indigenous Peoples’ connection and passion for the land and all of the original stewards and keepers of the territories across Canada,” said Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. “We are growing from a place of intrigue and appreciation back to a sustainable life with mother earth, and our human existence.”

Pascal added: “Culture is medicine, and National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the cultures that the SLCC Ambassadors work so hard to reclaim, preserve, and share.​”