Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations Cultural Centre

[inac.gc.ca]

Canada and B.C. fund $7.7 m for Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations Cultural Centre

Whistler, British Columbia
June 21, 2003

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development marked National Aboriginal Day by announcing nearly $8 million for a new cultural centre that will showcase Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations
culture and diversity.

"The new centre will help create new jobs and economic opportunities for
First Nations," said Premier Campbell. "It will also be a place where visitors from around the world can experience the strength and vibrancy of Squamish and Lil'wat culture and heritage. The centre is one way we're furthering our New Era goal to materially improve First Nations' quality of life. It's also an example of new opportunities that the 2010 Winter Olympics will create for all British Columbians, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike."

The Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations are receiving $3 million in
provincial economic measures funding and $4.7 from the Government of Canada through the regional partnership fund for the development of the cultural centre. The First Nations have also signed a 30-year lease with Land and Water BC for the 1.6-hectare property where the centre will be built. In 2001 and 2002, the Government of Canada provided $392,500 for the planning stages of this project. Private-sector funding and in-kind support are also being sought.

The cost of the project is estimated at $15 million.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the incredible value this project
brings not just to Whistler and B.C., but to Canada as a whole," said Nault.
"Not only will it bring jobs and industry to this area; it will showcase the
best in contemporary and traditional First Nations' cultures to visitors from
around the world. It is also a tangible sign of the partnership with First
Nations that is integral to Canada's 2010 bid for the Olympic Winter Games."

"This project presents exciting opportunities for our two 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," said Chief Leonard Andrew of the Lil'wat First Nation.

"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," said Chief Gibby Jacob of Squamish First Nation.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre will be located on 1.6 hectares of
provincial Crown land opposite the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel. 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.

The provincial $40-million Economic Measures Fund creates new
opportunities for First Nations participation in the economy, including
activities related to oil and gas, tourism, shellfish aquaculture, forestry
and the 2010 Olympic bid. To date, 113 projects worth a total of $25 million have been approved. 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.

Since April 2002, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has invested $7.2
million to support 66 projects in British Columbia. Today's announcement
further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to work with First Nations and contribute to strengthening aboriginal entrepreneurial and business expertise while supporting strong, self-sufficient First Nation communities.

This announcement coincides with the eighth anniversary of National
Aboriginal Day, a day to pay tribute to the unique heritage, culture and
contributions of aboriginal people in Canada.

For photos of this announcement please visit
http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem/ppot/gallery

This release is also available on the Internet at http://www.inac.gc.ca
and http://www.gov.bc.ca

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
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SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre will be located on 1.6 hectares of
leased provincial Crown land opposite the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel,
within the boundaries of the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The centre will include a First Nations village, interpretive trails and
a ceremonial gathering area. Economic development plans include a high-tech
theatre, a conference centre, a display area for native art, a craft market, a
restaurant, a gallery and a tour-guide expedition. A large portion of the land
will contain only interpretive trails.
The architectural firm chosen by the Squamish Lil'wat First Nations is
Waugh, Busby Architects, based in Vancouver. Alfred Waugh is the lead
architect. The project will comprise a main building of about 25,000 square
feet and eco-tour buildings totalling 6,000 square feet. Completion is
proposed for mid-2005.
The centre will promote and showcase aboriginal cultures from British
Columbia, Canada and other parts of the world. A permanent display area will
contain Squamish and Lil'wat cultural and heritage materials; another display
area will showcase visiting collections.
Construction costs are estimated at $15 million. The Province of B.C. has
contributed $3 million from the Economic Measures Fund. The Government of
Canada has contributed $4.7 million through the Regional Partnership Fund. In
2001 and 2002, the Government of Canada provided $392,500 for the planning
stages of this project. The First Nations will raise the remainder through
fundraising activities, including seeking private-sector funding and in-kind
support.
The First Nations have obtained a 30-year lease from Land and Water BC,
with an option to renew and an option to buy at fair market value. The rent is
$24,864 per year for the commercial component of the development, which
comprises a restaurant, cafeteria and gift shop; a $1 fee for land used for
non-commercial community purposes has been waived.
The project will provide 50 construction jobs, an estimated 15 year-round
jobs and additional jobs in summer, for a total of up to 31 full- and part-
time staff during the peak season.
The completed centre will provide a venue for the Squamish and Lil'wat
First Nations to showcase their traditional cultures to an international
audience, as well as employment and economic development opportunities. The
planned development will also benefit the Resort Municipality of Whistler,
enhancing its attributes as a destination resort.
The Squamish Nation has about 3,000 members. Its traditional territory
encompasses the Squamish Valley and much of Greater Vancouver. The Lil'wat
Nation has about 2,000 members. Its traditional territory lies between
Squamish and Lillooet.




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For further information: contact: Kelly Gleeson, Media Relations,
British Columbia, (250) 356-8527, (250) 361-6313 (cell.); Avril Archibald,
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, (604) 666-5232, (604) 317-8669 (cell.);
Krissy Jacobs, Squamish First Nation, (604) 980-4553, Sheldon Tetreault,
Lil'wat First Nation, (604) 894-6115

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