David Burke, Whistler Question
Published: Thursday, July 16, 2009
Whistler – About 300 people turned out last week for a ceremony that served two main purposes: marking the completion of construction on the outdoor exhibits at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) and the signing-on of more than a dozen organizations as Whistler 2020 Sustainability Plan partners.
Among those signing a Whistler 2020 partnership poster were the leaders of the SLCC, the year-old facility showcasing the cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples.
Pleasant summer weather greeted attendees of the 90-minute-long program, which included prayers and dedications for the traditional Lil’wat istken (pithouse) and the Forest Walk, an outdoor cultural stroll that features native plants that have medicinal and spiritual significance to the Squamish and Lil’wat people. The walk begins on a pathway next to the longhouse, the traditional gathering place of the Squamish.
Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob was his usual jovial self as he and Lil’wat Chief Leonard Andrew greeted guests on the wooden patio behind the main cultural centre building. Those in attendance included SLCC staff, leadership and family members, municipal officials, representatives of the Whistler 2020 signing organizations and invited guests.
While the main SLCC opened a year ago, its outdoor features and exhibits were completed only recently. “Today is a very important day for Taya (Andrew) and myself, because today we can get this project off our desks,” Jacob joked, drawing chuckles.
Taking on a more serious tone, he motioned toward the Squamish and Lil’wat “ambassadors” who comprise the staff of the SLCC.
“The young people you see standing here is the reason we do what we do,” Jacob said. “To give them a chance to share in the benefits of our culture.”
“It seems like yesterday that we were turning ground here,” Andrew said, referring to the start of construction of the $30 million centre. “Some who were here then aren’t with us any longer, but today we celebrate the completion of our house and what are called the external exhibits. They are a really important part of our culture.”
Jacob said partnership — with the Lil’wat, with the governments of Whistler, British Columbia and Canada, and with corporate sponsors — was one of the key building blocks of the centre.
“We’re here to participate in this community and to share a little bit of what and who we are,” he said.
Joshua Anderson and Willie Lewis, SLCC front-line managers, led the SLCC staff in singing and drumming sessions during the ceremony. Lil’wat Elder Priscilla Ritchie led the gathering in an opening prayer, while chiefs Andrew and Jacob joined Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed in unveiling a specially painted stone bearing the Whistler 2020 logo. Ruth Dick and Julie Baker, president and vice president, respectively, of the Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society, also offered words of greeting.
Melamed said the signing of the Whistler 2020 partnership agreement by 14 different groups increased the number of Whistler 2020 sustainability “partners” to more than 50. Being a Whistler 2020 partners commits the signatories to the pursuit of the Whistler 2020 goals of environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Added Melamed, referring to the SLCC, “This facility is enriching the lives of our community and all who visit.”
Groups signing the Whistler 2020 partnership poster included the SLCC, Communities that Care Whistler, the Community Foundation of Whistler, the Green Table Network, Hostelling International Whistler, Lululemon Athletica Whistler, Late and Unique Nighttime Alternatives (LUNA), the Mountain Youth Society, the North Vancouver Outdoor School, Resort TV, the Whistler Film Festival, The Question and Whistler RV Park.