The Whistler Public Library is a partner in the Learning Communities initiative between Mt. Currie and Whistler. The project supports local capacity building by using online technology for individual learning, community networking and the creation of employment opportunities.
The proposal was spearheaded by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and brought together partners whose businesses include education and life-long learning. The partners consist of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Whistler Public Library, School District No. 48, Maurice Young Millennium Place, Capilano College and the Mt. Currie Band.
At a recent meeting of the partners held in Mt. Currie, the conference on aboriginal tourism that was held in Whistler Dec. 2-3 was discussed. The conference was the initiative of Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, and had representatives from Squamish and Mt. Currie as well as from across the country. The agenda included discussion of key issues related to artistic expression, cultures and tourism and traditional knowledge.
As a centre for life-long learning and "Whistler’s Gateway to Knowledge", the Whistler Public Library has many resources related to aboriginal issues – history, culture and the arts. The following are some titles of interest:
Traditions and history
Jonaitis, Aldona and Cole, Douglas, editors — Chiefly Feasts: The enduring Kwakiutl Potlatch Hawthorn, H.B. — Indians of BC
Kirk, Ruth — Wisdom of the Elders
Muckle, Robert J . — The First Nations of British Columbia
Neel., David — Our Chiefs and Elders: Words and Photographs of Native Leaders
Rose, Alex — Spirit Dance at Meziadin
Steltzer, Ulli — Potlatch
Tennant, Paul — Aboriginal Peoples and Politics
Waldman, Carl — Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes
Whyte, Jon — Indians in the Rockies
Wilson, James — The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America Aboriginal art and artists
Brown, Steven C. — Native Visions
Davidson, Robert — Eagle Transforming
Hawthorn, Audrey — Kwakiutl Art
Holm, Bill — Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form
Jensen, Doreen — Robes of Power: Totem Poles on Cloth
Jensen, Doreen — Looking at the Indian Art of the Northwest Coast
Reid, Bill — Black Canoe and the Spirit of Haida Gwaii
Stewart, Hilary — Looking at Totem Poles
Stewart, Hilary — Cedar
Wyatt, Gary — Spirit Faces: Contemporary Masks of the Northwest Coast
Wyatt, Gary — Mythic Beings: Spirit Art of the Northwest Coast Mythology and Legends
Bringhurst, Robert — A story as Sharp as a Knife: Classical Haida Mythtellers and Their World
Robinson, Harry — Nature Power: In the Spirit of an Okanagan Storyteller
Ruddell, Nancy — Raven's Village: The Myths, Arts and Traditions of Native People from the Pacific Northwest Coast
Wallas, Chief James — Kwakiutl Legends
