When researching today’s post, I got side-tracked by a wonderful tweet by Canada’s own Jann Arden. Jann is a great follow, and often graciously shares bits and pieces of poetry which may turn into lyrics for future songs. This inside look into her creative process is welcome and very much appreciated, and on this day, her message hit home:
Last Sunday I achieved my perfect day! Stationed up in wonderful Whistler for a work conference, I decided to follow my heart and stay one extra day to explore. I have been to Whistler many times before but have never had a day where I can just follow my feet wherever they may take me. I needed a day like this! The crisp, fall morning dawned bright with the sun bouncing its rays off of the encircling mountain tops. I gathered my camera and headed out the door looking for adventure. Earlier in the week I had walked past one of the most spectacular pieces of architecture I think I have ever witnessed: The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. A sweeping structure of glass, stone and Douglas fir perched on a mountainside, the centre beckons you to venture within. I did a bit of research to learn that this would be a wonderful place to spend my day.
As I walked to the centre on Sunday morning, I was overwhelmed by an unexpected sense of peace, solitude and awe that seeped up from the leaf-covered ground, found my heart, and left me with a sense of oneness with the natural world around me. Golden leaves dropped lazily from trees. The ground smelled rich and gave off a scent of readiness for the snow that is surely just around the corner. A lone eagle flew over me, looking down before slowly soaring away. The sun felt warm on my face and a feeling of gratitude overcame me. This ground, this place, is special!
Once inside the centre, I learned very quickly why I felt this way. Whistler is home to two nations that have lived side by side for centuries, honouring the land as it shaped their daily lives. The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations came together on this spot in 2001 to sign an historic protocol agreement, the only one of its kind in Canada, to share and celebrate this spectacular natural setting with each other and with those of us who visit. Once inside the wide front doors, you are met with a pair of stunning spindle whorls, carved by Squamish artist Keith Nahanee, one of which is pictured above. Your eyes are next met with a gorgeous, long Great Hall, designed to resemble a traditional Squamish longhouse or a Lil’wat pit house. There, I enjoyed meeting local Lil’wat Nation Ambassador Alison Pascal from whom I learned about the Squamish and Lil’wat cultures through an immersive, interactive and thoughtful guided tour. I completed my visit with the best lunch I think I’ve ever had in the Thunderbird Cafe: salmon chowder, bannock and a steaming cup of tea.
I think Jann Arden would call this a perfect day!
If you would like to learn more about the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, please visit their website here. I picked up a wonderful book about the centre in their bookshop, called Where Rivers, Mountains, and People Meet, and you can order this book here.
If you would like to see a few more of the photos I took on my perfect day, please visit my website, and as always, thanks for joining me on yet another Vagabond Adventure!
Today I am going to leave you with inspiring words from late Squamish Chief, Joe Mathias, on the importance of sharing stories and being careful stewards of this beautiful land:
– Where Rivers, Mountains and People Meet
Hi, I’m Patti, wonderer, wanderer and photographer. During the week I’m a marketer in the publishing industry and on weekends I take to the road to explore this beautiful planet we live on. 