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First Nations Benefit
From Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympics
July 2003
Multi million dollar project will showcase
Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations
culture and diversity
June 2003
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June 21, 2003 - Whistler, BC
The Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations are receiving $3 million from BC and $4.7 million from the Government of Canada. Private-sector funding and in-kind support are also being sought. The cost of the project is estimated at $15 million.
Chief Leonard Andrew of the Lil'wat First Nation said the project presents exciting opportunities for the two First Nations, " . . . it recognizes the historic and present-day connection the Squamish and Lil'wat have to the land in and around Whistler - it will provide jobs and stimulate economic development for our communities - it will proudly showcase our culture and values to the world. All of this opportunity comes from working together-Squamish, Lil'wat and others."
Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault described the project as " . . . a tangible sign of the partnership with First Nations that is integral to Canada's 2010 bid for the Olympic Winter Games."
Chief Gibby Jacob of Squamish First Nation, said "The Cultural Centre will provide opportunity for our peoples to exhibit and showcase the richness of our heritage and our aspirations for the future while providing an opportunity to create economic synergies that will enhance the livelihood of members of both nations while restoring a link between our two nations."
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre will be located on 1.6 hectares of provincial Crown land opposite the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel. The First Nations have signed a 30-year lease with Land and Water BC for the property where the centre will be built.
The entire project will be approximately 25,000 square feet for the main building and 6,000 square feet for the eco-tour buildings.
The completed facility will include a conference centre, crafts market, high-tech theatre, restaurant, gallery, and guided expeditions.
In November 2002, the provincial government, Vancouver 2010 Bid Corp., Lil'wat and Squamish Nations signed an Olympic legacy agreement that includes land for economic development within shared territories, skills and training project and a naming and recognition project.
June 21, 2003 - Squamish and Lil'wat First Nation chiefs join federal and provincial officials as they unveil the model of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Pictured below, from left to right are Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault, his junior minister Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for Indian Affairs; Squamish First Nation Chief Gibby Jacob; Geoff Plant, B.C. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations; Lil'wat First Nation Chief Leonard Andrew; Lil'wat First Nation Councilor, Morgan Wells; and BC Premier Gordon Campbell
