On November 23 and 24, 2012  the Squamish Historical Society hosted the 2 day inaugural Squamish Culture & Heritage at Quest University Canada.  From all reports, the event was very well received. It provided an opportunity to build local pride by bringing residents together to celebrate who we are and where we’ve been and to anticipate where we’re going as a community. With over 30 displays and presentations one of the outcomes of the festival was to contributing to building a network of resources, both human and material, for future reference and access. Our guest speakers shared their expertise on subjects ranging from the volcanology and geology of the Sea to Sky Corridor, to the archaeological remnants of an indigenous culture dating back more than 10,000 years. Festival goers learned about our extensive railway, forestry and maritime history and heard about the first settlers who tilled the soil in Brackendale and the ground-breaking journeys of backcountry explorers in Garibaldi Park and the vertical exploits of legendary climbers who scaled the Staw-amus Chief.

Traditional wool weaving, cedar bark weaving and wood carving workshops were offered by members of the Squamish Nation and the Cedar Valley Waldorf School showcased a variety of activities for children. Over 300 local elementary and secondary school students directly participated in the festival. Students from Squamish Elementary displayed their research projects and students from Garibaldi Highlands Elementary and Howe Sound Secondary joined the festival on a field trip during which they engaged in various activities and learning experiences.

The SHS would like to thank all the volunteers who helped before and during the event. We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors for their generous support: Telus, The Chief, The Squamish Reporter, The Source, The White Spot, London Drugs, Parkside Dental Group, Opto-meyes, The Squamish Legion, Sea to Sky Ford, Valhalla Pure, Squamish Terminals, BP communications, Rona, Greg Gardner Motors, Scotiabank, RBC, Sea to Sky Adventure Company, and Urban Alpine.