Members of the Squamish Nation are hosting a special blessing ceremony for the recently completed longhouse at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, and to recognize the return of special piece of history.
On Thursday, March 19, the Chief Joe Capilano blanket will be returned to its traditional Salish territory, where it will be on display on a six-month loan from the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
The blanket, which is made of revered mountain goat wool, was worn by Chief Joe Capilano in 1906 during land issues talks with King Edward VII, and was meant to provide spiritual protection on the journey.
The SLCC already boasts the world's largest permanent collection of Squamish and Lil'wat cedar and wool weavings, but according to a recent press release, this treasured piece of history represents "the completion of a journey and the realization of a shared vision of many people" for the First Nations communities.
The SLCC is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information on the centre, visit www.slcc.ca .
