The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will take place in the traditional territory of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations.
To celebrate their role as First Nations Games hosts, Squamish and Lil'wat Nations are jointly developing a unique cultural and historical asset that will act as a long-term legacy for the people of British Columbia.
Squamish Chief Ian Campbell shared the First Nations vision for the Sea to Sky Corridor to approximately 40 business representatives during a Chamber luncheon presentation Tuesday (Feb. 20).
"The fact of the matter is our land has changed and it's altered," said Campbell. "And what do we do? We either succumb to it or we adapt, and for us this is one way that we're showing that adaptation can be a celebration as well."
The Sea-to-Sky Cultural Journey will permanently transform the 140-kilometre drive from Vancouver to Whistler into an experience rich with mythological creatures, legendary battles and unique Aboriginal culture.
Combined with the development of Whistler's 30,400 square foot Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a unique program to embed traditional images and symbols of the host Nations - such as the paddle, raven and bear - into provincial road signs along the Sea to Sky Highway. The road signs will be linked to a network of high-visibility interpretive stations located at scenic, historic and culturally relevant points of interest along the highway.
"The reason it's called Journey is to take the emphasis off destination," said organizer Drew Leathem. "The Ministry of Transportation is not very fond of this idea - they have an emphasis on keeping people moving, keeping people fast, reducing driving time to Whistler. But the emphasis can also be on slowing people down, allowing them to understand there's an experience here, there are places to explore."
Campbell acknowledged the challenge of getting those travellers that are in love with the land into Squamish's downtown core, and saidhe hoped the Journey project would bring people together.
"Often we hear 'We don't know what to use when it comes to First Nations, we don't know where to go to find out information,'" said Campbell. "So we're trying to be proactive in providing some of those venues and those opportunities so that it isn't such an 'us and them' divisiveness."
Capilano College has shown strong support for the project, and representative Stephanie Wells said she hoped to see more involvement in projects that celebrate the region.
"I love your phrase 'we all take ownership to enrich this area,'" said Wells. "It's not just about you continuing to bring your history forward but all of us continuing to build on this great area as well." The two main features of the Sea-to-Sky Cultural Journey - the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and Sea-to-Sky Highway Transformation - are under development and the initiative is set to open to the public in October of 2007.
The project is spearheaded by the Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society, a partnership between the Squamish and Lil'wat host Nations. Spo7ez is currently seeking financial support from foundations, corporations and individuals to assist it in finalizing the remaining elements of the Sea to Sky Cultural Journey.
All inquiries concerning the Sea-to-Sky Cultural Journey can be directed to Linda Calla, Project Manager, at 604-913-1810 (extension 222) or by email at [email protected].
