Squamish & Lil’Wat First Nations Launch New Logo and Highway Signage at New Cultural Centre, now being Built at Whistler

WHISTLER, BC, Feb. 27 – Two B.C. First Nations have joined forces to build a magnificent $30-million cultural centre in Whistler’s Upper Village. The shared initiative resulted directly from the historic Squamish Lil’wat Protocol Agreement signed in March, 2001 which heralded a new era of mutual cooperation and the resolution of centuries-old territorial overlaps.

Now three-quarters through the construction phase, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (Skwxwu7mesh Lil’wat7ul) will showcase the rich history, arts, culture and cosmology of the two neighbouring Nations. Standing as a real-world symbol of a new friendship, it will open in spring 2008.

The centre, built on 1.6 hectares of Crown Land, will offer a “doorway to the forest” and house a Class-A museum space, gift shop and Great Hall. A permanent display area will contain Squamish and Lil’wat cultural and heritage materials; another will showcase visiting collections. The entire project will be approximately 30,000 square feet in size.

During today’s ceremony, Squamish and Lil’wat Chiefs invited guests for a walkabout of the 30,000-square-foot cedar structure. Chiefs, dignitaries, politicians and Olympic officials witnessed for themselves the Great Hall where a 220-foot-long glass curved wall affords a spectacular view of the forest and mountains. B.C. Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen made a presentation.

On the mezzanine, a cedar platform appears to float above the forest floor, offering views of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The grounds will feature an indigenous plant garden – a 20-minute walk beside a glacial creek.

Once complete, the centre will also host conventions, private events, tour and school groups and welcome visitors of all ages. First Nations cuisine will be offered at a café and to all catered events.

“This new centre will provide us an opportunity to showcase our culture to an international audience,” said Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish Nation. “Having the opportunity to contribute to the regional provincial economy is a very exciting possibility for our people, especially with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to our neighbourhood.”

“This building is built on friendship,” said Chief Leonard Andrew of the Lil’wat Nation. “Together, we’ll share our cultures – there are many similarities and many differences – with visitors from around the world. Before, during and after the Olympics.”

Afterwards, during a news conference held across the street at the Four Seasons Resort, the Chiefs will lead the launch of a new logo and brand to market the centre and its activities. The Chiefs will hoist their paddles in the air in a symbolic gesture of a renewed friendship and cooperation. This logo represents a shared vision, a tangible expression of this new cooperative approach.

The Squamish and Lil’wat art will also adorn new signage along the entire Sea-to-Sky corridor. All non-safety highway signage is being replaced with signs that showcase the new Cultural Journey that will greet visitors traveling the highway.

A series of sign shelters at pullouts along the highway will explain supernatural creatures and legendary battles at particular geographic locations. A new book will further explore these themes.

Total cost of the cultural centre is estimated at $30 million. Major funding was provided by the B.C. and Canadian governments as well as Bell Canada.

It is expected the centre will generate approximately 25 full-time and 30-40 part-time jobs during peak summer months, and approximately 40 to 50 jobs during the construction phase.

In a related development today, the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and the Four Seasons Resort Whistler signed a memorandum stipulating the three parties will work together to provide café and catering services at the centre.

Squamish is a Coast Salish Nation recognized around the world for its cedar carving; the Lil’wat is an Interior Salish Nation known for its intricate baskets and traditional weaving.

WHEN
Tuesday, Feb. 27 @ 2 p.m.

WHERE
Four Seasons Resort Whistler, 4591 Blackcomb Way

For further information: OR TO REQUEST AN ARTIST’S RENDERING OF THE CENTRE, OR B-ROLL CLIP: Alex Rose, (604) 376-0417, agrose@shaw.ca