The official launch of the Cultural Journey Sea to Sky by the Squamish and Lil'wat people represents a significant shift for the two first nations.
By including the Squamish Nation names for places on highway signs and publishing the accompanying book, Where Rivers Mountains and People Meet, the nations are taking a distinct step away from the oral tradition they've carried on for thousands of years.
While many people expressed pride and excitement at the ceremony last Thursday (June 24) in Whistler that launched the Cultural Journey, the shift from passing knowledge orally to publishing traditional knowledge did not go unnoticed.
Squamish elder Eugene Harry, who was called as a witness to the ceremony - a practice that's part of the two nations' oral tradition - told the crowd that at first he didn't like the fact that the Squamish language was being written down.
But now, he went on, he's "proud" to see the language written because his grandkids are starting to speak it and it encourages him to read.
Squamish Chief Ian Campbell said many stories in Squamish history are about change and transformation, and the Cultural Journey is about the survival of the culture and how it's applied in a modern context.
"As I drive through [Highway 99], I see the signs and to me it reminds me of adaptation," Campbell said. "It's a new form of relationship to the land and to each other."
The launch of the Cultural Journey marks the end of a decade of work to officially recognize and honour the aboriginal people of the Sea to Sky. Including Squamish place names on signage, or naming recognition, is one of the legacies from the 2010 Olympics negotiated by the Lil'wat and Squamish people.
"For far too long we have been invisible in our own lands," Campbell said.
The whole idea was to give the nations a visible presence as the world arrived at Whistler's doorstep for the Games, he said. Part of the plan was to build the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), the final destination of the Cultural Journey. The information kiosks and signage with Squamish place names on Highway 99 were also designed to help revitalize aboriginal tourism in the corridor.
"Naming recognition was an integral component to showcase the Squamish and the Lil'wat - that we are still here and we have a living, breathing culture," Campbell said.
In addition to the interpretive kiosks and highway signs, the Cultural Journey includes an interpretive foldout map, an audio guide, a Cultural Journey exhibit at the SLCC and the new book, Where Rivers Mountains and People Meet.
Squamish Chief Gibby Jacob said the project is about putting the nation's mark back on their lands. It's the first initiative of its kind in Canada.
Jacob said though he realizes people won't be able to pronounce the Squamish names on the signs, those who travel the Sea to Sky Highway are invited to stop at the kiosks and learn a little about the Squamish people and their history. It shows respect to stop and learn, he said.
Some information about the Lil'wat Nation is included in the northernmost kiosk at Brandywine Falls, an area that's shared territory between the two nations. Lil'wat Chief Leonard Andrew said it's "gratifying" to see the project completed.
People are starting to realize there's a history here that goes well beyond the 50 or so years since the Whistler ski resort was first developed, he said.
"It's about honouring the people here," Andrew said of the project.
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre was honoured at Thursday's ceremony, and she unveiled the new highway signage and book. She said the Cultural Journey is an improvement to the tourism infrastructure for the entire Sea to Sky area that will benefit all the corridor's communities.
