ABOUT THE Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre (SLCC)  

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre (SLCC), is the heart of Whistler's authentic Indigenous experience, with a First Nations Museum, Art Gallery and Gift Shop, and the Thunderbird Café. Connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share a traditional drum song, an inspiring short film, and take guests on a guided tour of the Museum sharing stories from two distinct Nations: the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. Experience distinctive carved house posts, canoes, spindle whorls, weaving, regalia, and bold artwork throughout the museum and galleries. Admire the extraordinary building designed to evoke a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken – and see the traditional Longhouse and Istken Pithouse via the Mezzanine and an interpretive forest walk via the Salish Stroll. Shop handcrafted Northwest Coast art and authentic Indigenous keepsakes in the Gallery & Gift Shop and enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café.  

WHAT SETS THE SLCC APART IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY? 

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler is an Indigenous-owned organization, a non-profit registered charity*, and employs over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors. All proceeds are invested into meaningful employment, training (including the Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program), and cultural revitalization programs for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), through the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líḻwat7ul Cultural Centre. 

The SLCC is the result of a pioneering and collaborative partnership between our two distinct nations: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil'wat Nation). The SLCC shares our two distinct cultures as a means to foster a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples around the world. Whistler, a world-class resort destination, is situated on our shared territory, making it a natural setting for our authentic and distinctive cultures to be shared with an international audience. Daily operations at the SLCC include cultural sharing, museum tours, dining, and shopping opportunities that connect visitors with our knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors.  

HOW HAS SLCC ADAPTED TO TODAY'S BUSINESS CHALLENGES?  

At the core of SLCC's success story is its dedication to prioritizing meaningful employment for its First Nations communities. With over 90 percent of its workforce from the Nations and other Indigenous communities and its board comprising of Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation leadership, the centre sets a remarkable precedent in championing Indigenous representation. However, SLCC's commitment to diversity extends far beyond its hiring practices. In a move towards decolonization, the center collaborated with local Indigenous business amawílc to revitalize its recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes. This partnership reflects Líl̓wat7úl ways of knowing and being and also promotes inclusivity through more accessible language and interview methods. By removing education requirements from most job descriptions and conducting interviews via phone or video conferencing, SLCC eliminates barriers posed by internet service and transportation, thus opening doors to a broader pool of candidates. The centre supports accessible employment by providing transportation to all its Ambassadors travelling up to 4 hours a day from their home communities to work at the centre in Whistler, BC, where the two Nations meet on the shared territory. One of the centre's most impactful initiatives is the Indigenous Youth Ambassador (IYA) Program, a transformative platform that provides skills training and employment opportunities to Indigenous youth. With over 600 graduates to date, the program empowers young individuals to pursue meaningful employment while preserving their cultural heritage. SLCC's dedication to diversity is amplified through its innovative strategies and policies. The centre strives to create a culturally cognizant workplace where non-Indigenous peers and customers can learn Indigenous ways of knowing and being. By fostering relationships rather than transactional interactions, SLCC redefines the traditional service industry model, opening pathways for meaningful connections and mutual understanding. The centre's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its recruitment initiatives, training programs, and awareness initiatives. From investing in succession planning to increase Indigenous representation in senior management to offering cultural workshops and Indigenous language courses, the SLCC strives for inclusivity, equity and understanding. 

WHAT ARE SUCCESS STORIES OR ACHIEVEMENTS YOUR BUSINESS HAS HAD IN RECENT YEARS? 

SLCC Ambassadors were named Citizens of the Year in the Whistler Excellence Awards for 2023, hosted by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, and winners were selected by the Whistler Community Foundation. The Indigenous Ambassadors at the SLCC have been citizens of the land in Whistler long before it was a town. Whether they are giving guided tours, curating the next museum exhibit, teaching their languages, sharing traditional foods, or caretaking for the business and building, the SLCC Ambassadors provide an immeasurable amount of inspiration and belonging to future generations of Indigenous Youth while beckoning people from all over the world to see Indigenous peoples in a more fulfilling and powerful light. 

The SLCC was named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2024. Canada's Best Diversity Employers recognize employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs where employees can thrive. The award celebrates the SLCC's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, embracing Indigenous traditions, and empowering its community through cultivating an Indigenous led, culturally aware, and empowering environment for Ambassadors, working together as a family and feeling at home at the centre. 

In 2021, the SLCC was recognized with the National Indigenous Tourism Award at the Annual Canadian Tourism Awards hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. (ITAC). The award recognizes the SLCC for demonstrating a commitment to the development, promotion and delivery of an innovative, enriching and authentic Indigenous cultural visitor experience through tourism. 

In 2022, the SLCC was recognized with the BC Indigenous Operator of the Year Award presented by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The Annual BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards were hosted by the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC). The Award recognizes Indigenous tourism businesses that demonstrate authenticity, cultivate a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history and traditions, and contribute to the resilience of the local Indigenous community."  

HOW HAS YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH THE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA BENEFITED YOUR BUSINESS?  

Membership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada greatly benefits the SLCC with industry insight, resources, and support for organizations across Canada, along with recognition and amplification of authentic Indigenous voices and the ongoing work of the SLCC shares as part of the vibrant tourism industry across Canada.