slow road, finale

Last but definitely not least was our long desired visit to the architecturally stunning Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Planned for many years and opened five years ago, it received a lot of attention during the 2010 Winter Olympics (I thought that’s when it opened). It has a blend of contemporary First Nations work along with historical collections. Please read about it on their excellent website. We’ve long been very impressed by their strong culture and arts so it is a wonderful thing to see it so beautifully presented here and being actively used by the Squamish and Lil’wat people.

RoundDiskCarving.jpg
A huge carved and rotating wooden disk, one of two overhead to greet visitors as they come in the main entrance.

IstkenHall.jpg
Note the inspiration from First Nations architecture in the Istken Hall.

NativeBoat.jpg

NativeBoat2.jpg
One style of boat is for the sea-going people and the other for the inland river fishing tribes.

GreatHall.jpg
A view of the Great Hall from upstairs.

PitHouse.jpg
A re-creation of the Pit House which is normally underground. Note the benches where each family member had his or her own sleeping spot.

PitHouseEntry.jpg
There is an opening in the top of the house to allow smoke to leave and was also the entry/exit with a notched pole as a ladder.

Clay_shell_Mask.jpg
A clay and shell mask, one of many artifacts in the museum area.

I also enjoyed learning more about the BC Aboriginal legends and symbology on their website. You may like to view a short video and slide show which gives a better idea of the Centre than our few photos.

Added later: If you’ve missed the earlier posts in the slow road series and would like to visit them, they are here:
part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, interlude and part 6.

July 21, 2013 in Canada and BC, Culture, History, Other artists by Marja-Leena