Culture
Celebrating And Invigorating a Vibrant Culture
The reclamation, preservation, and promotion of Lil̓wat7úl culture and language is an important community value. The community keeps its culture alive by the use of Ucwalmícwts (language) and supporting classes in traditional arts and crafts, such as hand-drumming, basket weaving, carving, regalia-making, and participating in saq̓úta (singing and dance).
Culture protocols that outline respect and sensitive engagement are observed at all Gatherings and are supported by the Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre. Awareness of this rich and dynamic culture extends beyond the community through the work of the Iswalh Dancers, the Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre and the Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.
The Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre
The Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre displays the art, crafts, and language of the Líl̓wat people with displays and programming. Located at Ts̓zil Learning Centre, 125 Lillooet Lake Road, the Centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, closed all statutory holidays.
The centre’s work can be summed up in a single word: Nt̓ákmen (Our Way). Nt̓ákmen refers to the traditional values that inform all aspects of a person’s life, from how they live on the land to using the Líl̓wat Ucwalmícwts. The Centre embraces these values and reflects them back to the community.
The Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre is key to the development, promotion and understanding both traditional and modern Lil̓wat7úl culture. Community members can participate in the centre’s year-round cultural programs that operate under the guidance of Elders. These programs include drum making, Ucwalmícwts classes, guided nature walks, carving and leatherwork.
To find out what programs and classes are currently being offered, please contact Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre at 604.894.2300 ext. 2260
Including in the centre̓s offerings are unique pieces of traditional Líl̓wat artwork including cedar carvings and baskets. Known as “the world’s most beautiful baskets,” these decorative and practical pieces feature intricate designs inspired by nature. Líl̓wat7úl weavers achieve this imagery by using cedar roots, cedar bark, wild cherry bark, various grasses and reeds.
Leather goods including rawhide drums, moccasins, jackets and ceremonial regalia are also available for sale at the centre.
These one-of-kind, handmade items have been created using the same techniques and methods Lil̓wat7úl craftspeople have employed since time immemorial.
The Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre also promotes contemporary art featuring traditional imagery.
The Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre is located at the Tśzil Learning Centre in Mount Currie, at 125 Lillooet lake Road.
The centre is open Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed all statutory
Admission is free, but donations, which support the centre’s operation, are gratefully accepted.
Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre
Phone: 604-894-2300 ext 2260
Email: info@lilwat.ca
Ucwalmícwts / The Nation’s Traditional Language
Preserving and increasing the usage of Ucwalmícwts (language) is a priority for the Nation. Entrenched in the Nation’s strategic plan, the increased use of Ucwalmícwts is facilitated by in-class instruction for children enrolled at the Úll̓us Childcare Centre and Xet̓ólacw Community School. Adult language classes are available through the Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre and Ts̓zil Learning Centre.
Ucwalmícwts retention efforts began in the 1970s. In fact, language and cultural preservation were key factors in establishing Xet̓ólacw Community School. The first language of the Líl̓wat Nation, Ucwalmícwts is the language that was first spoken when telling the stories that bind the people to the land. It is the language that connects the people to their true spirit — to the very essence of being Lil̓wat7úl.
Efforts to create a writing system for the spoken language were supported by Simon Fraser University in the early 1970s. Today, that work continues through the work of First Voices initiative and the Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre. In 2013, Ts̓zil Learning Centre partnered with Capilano University to create a Líl̓wat Nation Language and Culture Certificate Program. This program offers significant instruction in Ucwalmícwts and is one of the ways the Líl̓wat Nation is working to ensure its traditional language remains a living language.
To assist with your learning. the Lil̓wat7úl Culture Centre has developed an Ucwalmícwts dictionary to help familiarize the community with the language. Copies are available for purchase at that centre.
FirstVoices is another great resource for those interested in learning more about Ucwalmícwts. An internationally recognized online indigenous language archive and teaching resource, FirstVoices makes it possible for First Nations communities to document their language for future generations. Every year we are adding recordings of more words.
FirstVoices offers audio files to assist with the pronunciation of Ucwalmícwts words, word and phrase dictionaries and a downloadable version of Aboriginal Font for both PC and Mac. This font allows for the punctuation necessary for proper pronunciation of Ucwalmícwts and other First Nations languages. (If you receive squares or circles in emails, this means you need to download the font so that your computer will recognize the Lil̓wat language.)
Visitors to FirstVoices can also access spellings and translations for close to 1,400 Ucwalmícwts words and 800 phrases. As well, the site features learning games such as word searches, quizzes and jigsaw puzzles to increase language ability.
To connect with First Voices, please click here.
First Voices has also created a website especially for children featuring games and colouring sheets. To connect with FirstVoices Kids, please click here.
Skwxwú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre
Located in Whistler, in the heart of the Líl̓wat and Squamish Nation’s shared territory, the Skwxwú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre / Squamish Lil̓wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) showcases Líl̓wat culture in a state of the art facility. Featuring permanent displays and unique exhibits, the SLCC provides visitors with both historical understanding and contemporary information about the Lil̓wat7úl culture.
Opened in 2008, the centre is jointly owned by the two Nations. Much more than a “museum,” the SLCC is a living cultural centre where visitors have interactive experiences, learning from Aboriginal Youth Ambassadors, artists, Elders and the centre’s dedicated staff. Located two hours from Vancouver, the centre is perfect for a day trip. Enjoy a snack, lunch or an early dinner at the centre’s excellent onsite eatery, The Thunderbird Café, which feature modern takes on traditional food including salmon chowder and bannock. As well, the SLCC’s gift shop features the work of local Líl̓wat artisans.
The SLCC is located in Whistler, BC Canada, at the corner of Blackcomb Way and Lorimer Road. (Across from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the Upper Village.)
The centre is open Tuesday thru Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission is $20 for adults, $17 Seniors (65+), $15 Young Adult (13-18), $7 Students, $5 Child (6-12), Family Pass $45
