A host of First Nations and government dignitaries gathered at Totem Hall Monday (July 24) to acknowledge a joint federal and provincial investment of $1 million into the Squamish/Lil'Wat First Nations cultural centre being built in Whistler.
The donation creates yet another dimension to the partnership project, which brings together the two First Nations showcasing their different languages, history and traditions as well as their similarities.
"We've been struggling for many years to construct the building," said Lil'Wat Chief Leonard Andrew. "This will ensure it's being done."
"It's the first time two First Nations come together to share their differences and their things in common," said Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacobs.
Jacobs and Andrew joined Chuck Strahl, the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Foods and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board, BC Minister Colin Hansen, West Vancouver/Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky MP Blair Wilson and West Vancouver- Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre in a witnessing ceremony commemorating the funding from the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, which is jointly administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the provincial Ministry of Economic Development. The province had previously committed $6 million to the project.
"Congratulations to the Lil'Wat and Squamish Nations," said Strahl. "I'm looking forward to seeing the many people throughout the world share in your powerful history."
The Squamish and Lil'wat Nations plan to develop a five-acre cultural centre that will include a First Nation traditional village, interpretive trails and ceremonial gathering area. The centre will generate approximately 15 full-time and 30 part-time jobs during peak summer months, and approximately 40-50 jobs for a one-year period during the construction of the facilities.
The government officials all said they were excited to be part of a project that encourages visitors to discover a part of Canada's unique heritage.
"This facility will help raise the profile of First Nations in this area and all over the world," said Hansen.
Following a groundbreaking ceremony last fall, McIntyre captured federal officials' imagination with a description of the cultural centre's goal during a two-minute speech in the House of Commons.
"Aboriginal based tourism is part of a growing industry," she said. "This cultural centre is the jewel in the crown of this riding."
Jacobs said the cultural centre will be ready to educate and entertain visitors from around the world by Oct. 2007 "come hell or high water".
