Saturday, Sept. 30 will once again be a day of listening, learning and reflection at Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), as guests are invited to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Admission is free, thanks to CIBC, with programming supported by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).
“Visitors can hear the Guest Speaker Series, experience Spo7ez cultural sharing, carving demonstration, immersive crafts, First Nations-inspired cuisine and explore books for learning, authentic art and keepsakes,” reads an SLCC press release.
The cultural museum is currently closed due to unexpected flooding from a broken pipe, but will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30. The museum will again be open on Sunday, Oct. 1 for regular operations, including guided tours. The SLCC Ambassadors will take Monday, Oct. 2 to rest and be with family, and the SLCC returns to regular operations on Oct. 3.
“The SLCC welcomes community members and guests to show support by wearing orange to honour the children, survivors and families of Residential Schools for Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30,” the release said.
The RMOW, meanwhile, has several new installations to mark the day, including Survivors’ Flags, honouring the survivors of residential schools, in municipal buildings, and a new weaving exhibit at the Whistler Public Library. Transit will also be free on Sept. 30.
The weaving exhibit was created in September 2022 by celebrated Squamish Nation Artist Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph, in collaboration with members of the Whistler community, the RMOW said.
The Fitzsimmons Bridge will also be lit orange on Sept. 29 and 30 to mark the day.
The RMOW encourages the community to get involved by visiting the SLCC on Sept. 30, participating in Orange Shirt Day (shirts can be purchased online at slcc.ca/shop), and continue learning with a selection of curated books at the Whistler Public Library (read more at whistlerlibrary.ca/blog/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation).
Businesses can also take part by picking up Truth and Reconciliation toolkits from the Whistler Chamber or Municipal Hall.
“These are for Whistler businesses and include an orange heart decal to display in their business window, and letters from SLCC Executive Director, Heather Paul, and the mayor,” a municipal communications official said in an email. “They share information with businesses on how they can recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including posting the decal year-round as a beacon of hope, and a reminder that this learning journey continues.”
Here’s part of the SLCC’s schedule for Sept. 30. Find more info at slcc.ca/visit.
GREAT HALL, ENTRANCE, THEATRE & GALLERIES
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Self-guided tours, film series in the theatre, crafts for all ages.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Feature exhibitions: Gallery 2 – 100 Years of Unity Squamish Amalgamation; Gallery 3 – Unceded – A Photographic Journey into Belonging.
10 a.m.: Curator tour of the Unceded Exhibition with Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee.
10 a.m. to 1 pm: Live carving demonstration with Brandon Hall.
10 a.m. to 4 pm: Kids crafts, colouring and temporary tattoos.
10 a.m. to 12 pm: Craft rope bracelets (all ages).
2:15 p.m.: Moment of silence.
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Craft dreamcatchers (8+ years).
MEZZANINE PATIO & LONGHOUSE
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Guest speakers series – Truth and Reconciliation.
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Satellite Thunderbird Cafe in the Longhouse.
1 p.m.: Spo7ez Cultural Sharing.
1:30 p.m.: Break
2:15 p.m.: Moment of silence.
3 p.m.: Guided Interpretive Forest Walk in the Salish Stroll.
THUNDERBIRD CAFE
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Satellite Café in the Longhouse.
ART GALLERY & GIFT SHOP
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Explore authentic handcrafted Northwest Coast First Nations art, and explore the SLCC’s extensive range of books for your knowledge and learning. n
