Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre offers workshops in dreamcatcher and drum making, December 16 and 30

There’s also a session on how to make cedar-paddle rattles, plus an extended run of 100 Years of Unity – Celebrating 100 Years of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) to May 2024

SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL Centre is offering a series of workshops throughout December for people to make their own Indigenous items.

First up, on December 16 at 10 am, is an immersive craft workshop on making a traditional Salish hand drum using deer hide and a cedar frame. According to legend, the drum is more than a musical instrument; it’s said to have a life and spirit of its own.

On December 30 at 10 am, there’s a workshop in making a wooden paddle rattle using pre-cut cedar and copper beads. Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations rattles, or shakers, are traditionally used in ceremonies and community songs or are given as gifts.

And finally there’s a dreamcatcher workshop on December 30 at 3 pm. Materials include feathers, beads, sinew, and a suede-wrapped hoop.

Alongside the seasonal workshops is 100 Years of Unity – Celebrating 100 Years of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). The exhibition’s run has been extended to May 2024, the show honouring the date that 16 villages came together in a watershed political merger as the Squamish Amalgamation on July 23, 1923. Curated by Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee (Squamish Nation) and assisted by Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal (Lil’wat Nation), the show features weaving, carving, and historical belongings in an overview of the history of the Squamish Nation, its connection to land throughout the territory, Siy̓ám̓ – Hereditary Chieftainship, and today’s elected council members and their roles and responsibilities. Guests can join hourly guided tours of the SLCC as part of regular offerings, beginning with a welcome song and short film, and can connect with a Cultural Ambassador who shares storytelling throughout the Great Hall and permanent collection in Gallery 1.

More information is at www.slcc.ca

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