Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located on lands where the territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat Nation meet, reflecting the coming together of two distinct Nations, cultures, and histories. The centre draws from the forms of the Squamish longhouse and Lil’wat pit house, expressing this relationship through both architecture and landscape.

PWL contributed to the landscape design, working alongside the Nations and broader project team to shape outdoor spaces that support cultural expression, learning, and gathering. The landscape extends the architecture into the surrounding environment, creating spaces for storytelling and community use.

Planting is grounded in species traditionally used by both Nations, forming an ethnobotanical landscape that reflects knowledge systems connected to land, food, and ceremony. Developed through close collaboration with the Nations and specialty growers, each plant was carefully selected for its cultural significance and use.

Outdoor spaces support both everyday use and cultural programming, creating a setting that is welcoming, flexible, and rooted in place.