Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre wins tourism award

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) has been recognized by Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia (ATBC) as the recipient of the Cultural Centres and Attractions Award. The First Nations museum, located in the mountain resort setting of Whistler, was honoured March 29 at the ATBC industry awards event held during the National Aboriginal Tourism Opportunities Conference at the Nk’Mip Resort in Osoyoos, BC. The SLCC was recognized as the cultural/interpretive centre or attraction “committed to ensuring cultural authenticity in sharing their knowledge, histories, exhibits and traditions.”Nominees in the category included cultural centres, interpretive centres, galleries, museums and attractions. “We greatly appreciate this recognition from Aboriginal Tourism BC,”said Casey Vanden Heuvel, SLCC Executive Director. “This award has been earned by our dedicated Guest Service Ambassadors who represent their Nations’ culture through their delivery of tours and sharing of their knowledge and local cultural traditions to the thousands of guests who visit us each year.”The SLCC is a three-storey, 30,400-square foot complex located on a 1.76 hectares of forested land near Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in the Upper Village area of Whistler. The SLCC has established itself as a trademark Aboriginal cultural centre in British Columbia and has garnered significant media exposure since its opening in the summer of 2008. The SLCC has helped raise the awareness of aboriginal cultures and on a local level, has created meaningful employment opportunities for members of the First Nations’ communities. Through the work at the SLCC, and the representation of local First Nations’ peoples, cultural traditions have seen a revival. The SLCC continues to build upon its mission to inspire and educate guests about the depth and beauty of the distinct Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and Lil’wat7ul (Lil’wat) cultures.