Evolve E-Bike Share is partnering with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to display First Nations art on Whistler e-bikes for National Indigenous History Month.
Chief Ray Natraoro (Ses Siyam), a well-respected Squamish artist, contributed to the initiative alongside Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews of the Lil’wat Nation who is also an SLCC Indigenous Youth Ambassador.
Art from both will feature on 20 Evolve e-Bikes around Whistler starting this June.
“Through this artwork, I hope people have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the land as we do,” says Natraoro in a press release. “Our people have been here for thousands of years and we’re still here today. We’re working together to share the stories of the original people of the lands.”
Andrews hopes that his material can inspire and prompt reflection on Indigenous history. “I hope that no matter where you’re visiting from, you will appreciate the artworks on these bikes and learn from the First Nations people who live on the land,” he tells the media.
This project is the latest in a partnership between Evolve and the SLCC that dates back to 2022. Evolve has an e-bike parking zone in front of the SLCC, encouraging riders to start or end their trips at the Centre, and works with SLCC on Evolve’s Inclusive Mobility Program which offers discounted rides to eligible community members.
“We’re excited about our partnership with Evolve E-Bike Share which allows us to celebrate and preserve authentic Indigenous culture for the area,” says T’ec Georgina Dan, SLCC Ambassador, in a release. “Their e-bikes showcasing Indigenous artwork provide a platform to share the rich stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples with a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the history of both the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation.”
