Indigenous Connections

Since time immemorial, the Squamish (Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh) Nation and the Lil’wat (L̓il̓wat7úl) Nation have existed on this shared this territory in and around Whistler. These Nations' histories are inextricably connected to the beautiful,  nourishing mountains, rivers, forests and wildlife of the Sea to Sky corridor. 

Historically, there was an Indigenous village called Spo7ez near the Cheakamus River where the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation would meet to trade with one another. 

As we understand it, one of the traditional stories speak of how the Squamish (Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh) Nation and the Lil’wat (L̓il̓wat7úl) Nation came into conflict (as neighbours sometimes do) and then the Thunderbird flapped his wings, causing a volcano (a mountain now known as Black Tusk) to erupt, burying the village of Spo7ez. Those who survived the disaster returned home with a message of peace, urging the two communities to get along. (https://slcc.ca/history/) 

Historically, people of the Squamish (Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh) Nation and the Lil’wat (L̓il̓wat7úl) Nation hunted, maintained traplines and harvested vegetation for food and traditional medicines throughout the Whistler region. There is still evidence in the area of historic traditional uses of the landscape, such as culturally modified trees and Istken-Pithouses. While many local Indigenous folks now participate in more contemporary living, some traditional ways of life continue today, both supporting and supported by these communities. Hunting and traplines remain common and trees, plants, mushrooms and other natural resources are used for many things including shelters, canoes, food, medicine, art and spiritual ceremonies. 

Today, the Whistler community is strengthening connections with the Squamish (Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh) Nation and the Lil’wat (L̓il̓wat7úl) Nation, working to deepen an understanding of Indigenous history and commitment to truth and reconciliation. 

Whistler is home to the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl (Squamish Lil'wat) Cultural Centre (SLCC), a unique immersive, dynamic museum showcasing the two First Nation communities that live in the Whistler area. 

Check out these resources: SLCC "History" page