The Whistler area has history between two nations and the centre makes this apparent in the modern context. "We have about 20 ambassadors and seven support staff working 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. seven days a week. During the day the centre is open to the public for tours and exhibit viewings; in the evening the centre hosts evening galas and private functions for a maximum of 700 people at a reception and 130 to a sit-down dinner." The centre has a commercial kitchen, cafe, and gift shop.
Anderson says, "The gift shop contains an extensive selection of Coast Salish and Interior Salish artists and others from the Lower Mainland," and artists from the USA's Pacific North West. "Visitors are greeted by an ambassador and treated to a cultural performance followed by a 15 minute film that shows both Nations in their traditional territories and communities." The tour reveals modern and traditional art and history and a discourse about mysticisms inhabiting the valleys of Coast Mountain corridors and lakes.
"The Great Hall contains canoes, and weaving displays, hunting and fishing and traditional gathering practices on display. The 'What We Treasure Gallery' contains archival and interactive displays to teach the languages." The original Chief Joe Capilano Blanket is on display, his original negotiating garment made of mountain goat wool, which Chief Joe Capilano wore to England in 1906 when he met with King Edward VII.
"Modern Art is displayed in a contemporary art gallery upstairs," says Anderson, "and the outdoor exhibits feature a Long House, and a historical representation of an Istken," a re-created dwelling for Interior Salish people. The site contains a Salish workshop where guests are invited to work at making crafts like bracelets, medicine bags, and 'paddle' necklaces. The centre provides a nature walk for 100 metres with signage that explains the flora and fauna of the territory.
"The two nations spoke different languages and the displays and events in the Great Hall and the surroundings showcase the differences. Squamish used wool in garments, whereas Lil'Wat used cedar." Canoes differed since Squamish made ocean-going vessels whereas Lil'Wat traveled the rivers and lakes. "Despite these obvious differences they were close through trade and shared the territory in Whistler in harmony. They have a common history about a shared village called Sto7ez village that was destroyed by a landslide."
There is a lot of talent and energy around Whistler and the centre gives Whistler a complementary First Nations presence. The cafe's menu has been indigenously inspired, says Anderson. "The foods are spiced with our own herbs and in-house smoked salmon and pemmican is available. Visitors want a Canadian Aboriginal experience, which gives them reason to further explore Canadian First Nation culture. We are taking it deep and we are noticing the summer crowds are very good for us." Performance groups come from both nations and event planners deliver a balanced program in all seasons. The employment strategy for the centre involves Capilano University and the Aboriginal Youth Ambassador training program.
First Nation security company T'musta7 Aboriginal Protection Services (owned by Lyle Leo of Mt. Currie First Nation) will be providing security services to the Resort Municipality of Whistler and other businesses, including Crown Corporations, during 2010 Winter Games. Lyle is partnered with United Protection Services Inc. Aboriginal division United First Nations Corp. headed by VP Earl John. Leo’s focus is on the Sea-to-Sky area, “We are looking at 100 pairs of boots on the ground within the next two or three months,” he says.
T'musta7 is a 100% Aboriginal security services contractor operating jointly with United Protection Services of Edmonton, Alberta with business development mentoring of Earl John, VP and BC Surrey office support and guidance of Ken Robertson, Business Development Manager and Lizette Peters, Human Resource Manager who also delivers licensed security training program which is governed in BC by the Justice Institute (BCJI). BCJI administers a wide variety of public safety programs throughout the province and has an education partnership with Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute (WWNI) in New Aiyansh, Nisga’a Nation.
Leo develops business aspects from his office at the New Earth Business Solutions Centre in Mt. Currie. He developed clear operational objectives out of a $75,000 INAC grant to build a multi-year business plan for an Aboriginal security service. “We are closer than ever to operational status since clarifying and renewing business relations. We had to after VANOC rejected our bid for services directly related to the 2010 Olympics,” he explains.
Leo remains firm in his resolve. “We were the only Aboriginal group with troops on the ground,” he says, “and to be honest, it was quite disappointing to be rejected by VANOC.” T’Musta7 reassessed in order to create a sustainable long-term opportunity as a sub-contractor. They now have personnel trained and picking up assignments across Canada. “We are particularly interested in pursuing the market in First Nation, Métis, and Inuit operations,” he points out. “We are going to be a national service.”
Leo's company was going on two years of experience. He says, “We’re not entering the field to be competitors but to meet the demand for trained Aboriginal security officers.” He says that Aboriginal security services are in high demand at a minimum of 22 airports in Canada and bilingual services are required in many of these contract opportunities. “We are working toward training and licensing 2,000 Aboriginal security guards,” says Leo, “and while we are excited about Olympic-related opportunities—even after VANOC looked right past us—we will be happy to work in the Resort Municipality of Whistler and beyond.”
The T’Musta7 recruited security men and women to work at the music festival in Whistler and a 4X4 rally at Pemberton. Leo has actively recruited First Nation personnel and has since been joined by Chief Don Harris of Douglas First Nation, who is, Leo says, “making a lot of headway for Aboriginal community economic development since partnering run of river projects with Cloudworks Energy. They want to take part with organizing opportunities for First Nations with the 2010 Winter Games."
Chief Harris delivers business that issues from a Douglas First Nation energy program. Leo says, "Chief Harris is tuned in with the changes in the aboriginal community with his participation in the election of National Chief Shawn Atleo and the opening of the Osoyoos Business Centre.” (Chief Harris was speaking at the IPPBC Conference Nov. 3-4, 2009 in Vancouver.)
Leo applied for security services contracts with the BC Hydro Aboriginal Procurement process and in partnership with the Douglas First Nation has plans for licensed security courses to start between 12 to 20 recruits.” Chief Harris says about T’Musta7, “We are recruiting in the Lower Mainland where Douglas First Nation has a lot of members. I am working on the political agreements with INAC to get people trained for employment. Lyle has contracts and we have a 40-hour training program to start between 12 and 20 recruits."
First Nations were players in Whistler pre-Olympic developments, according to Ken Melamed, Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), who says they have big plans for the area. Early in the development of the 2010 Olympic program for Vancouver, the opportunity arose to bring First Nations closer to the community and deeper into the cultural organization of the 2010 Olympics. First Nations received 300 acres of land in Whistler, allowing a certain amount of flexibility in economic opportunity. Local First Nations are working with the municipality to conform to official community development plans. “We agreed to recognize each others plans for development,” said Melamed.
Proposals include a commercial, a residential, and a recreational development. Melamed says recreational development could include a golf course or similar attraction. The recreation development for the Callahan Valley is a big investment and opportunities within the RMOW are “being treated according to the Community Charter, which demands [First Nations] are treated as any other investor.” The mayor welcomes this opportunity to work with First Nations, whether they take on projects themselves or engage other developers in the process.
Melamed points out that the new Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in town, "is within the municipality on land that was earmarked for community uses. When First Nations approached us it seemed outside our thinking, but it was such a good idea and within our interests, therefore, we donated the land waived property taxes and a significant economic investment was made there for the benefit of the whole community.” Tax breaks gave start-up business a better chance at success. Melamed says, “They’re up, and they’re rolling, and there is no question that this is a major contribution because already the response from local business members and visiting tourists alike has been very positive.”
The mayor notes that 50 % of the construction of Whistler Olympic Village Park was done by First Nation contractors like Creekside Resources, and employees. He says, “Capacity-building and jobs went into the Squamish Nation, which was given new community resources, and that is a very cool thing.” He added, “We are very happy with that, and I must say the quality of work was exceptional.”