The Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park is scheduled to open today until dusk.  Avalanche Canada’s regional hazard rating for today is: high. Snowshoers must stay on marked trails.
For up to date information on Snow School Lessons please visit: Today on Grouse - Lessons.
For more information on current activities and dining options, please visit Today On Grouse.

First Nations programming

Choose from a presentation or a full day program

first nations Cultural Program (full day) or first nations Presentation (45 minutes)

The híwus Feasthouse is the meeting place, to enjoy a full day of vivid legends, songs, dances and crafts. Step into an authentic Pacific Northwest Longhouse and let our Squamish First Nations Elder take you back in time to discover the traditional way of life of our First Nations people.

Our guides will greet your group at the base plaza and escort you to the mountaintop. Enroute to the híwus Feasthouse, students will enjoy a guided nature walk through a sub-alpine forest.

STORIES

Cedar Basket Story - learning, listening to one's elders, patience, friendship, sharing our own special gifts
Seagull Story - sharing, generosity, doing one's best, caring for one another
Sea Lion Story - the use of earned powers of a healing person 
Captain George Vancouver - welcoming, first meeting with Europeans
Floating Island - a story of how a ship was mistaken for a floating island, sharing of gifts

CRAFT

Grades K-3 - Wood Necklace Craft. Students decorate a wooden round and create a necklace with beads while discussing the historical barter system. 
Grades 4-7 - Animal Felt Craft. Students discuss traditional Coast Salish symbols then craft the animal symbol using felt.
Grades 8+ - Cedar Animal Painting Craft. Students and adults are guided by our Squamish elder to paint traditional First Nations symbols on a cedar plank.

Program Info & Pricing

45-minute First Nations Presentation
This presentation can be chosen as one of the three activities in our Wildlife Education program or Mountaintop Adventures. Limit 100 people per presentation, up to 4 presentations daily. For more information on these programs visit our Field Trips Program page.

First Nations Cultural Programs
The First Nations Cultural programs are available year-round offering a 45-minute presentation and a 45-minute craft. The program price includes Grouse Mountain Admission, snowshoe rentals (winter) or Ecowalk (summer), guides/storytellers, craftwork, and a delicious West Coast lunch.

Our regular First Nations Cultural Program is suitable for students Grade K-12 and adults. Guests are taught about respect and caring for one another in their community and environment; traditional cedar uses and the importance cedar played in First Nations history; the importance of storytelling and learning about their own culture and family customs; and the meaning behind symbols and legends and honouring them through a traditional dance. The crafts are examples of traditional First Nations art using templates created by our First Nations elder. 

Through the First Nations Heart program, our First Nations Elder shares some of his experience living in a Residential School, talks about respect and caring for one another, and opens the floor to a short Q&A at the end of the program. During the craft session, students will be guided by a First Nations elder and discuss creative outlets. This program is designed for secondary students and adults as some content may be unsettling for a younger audience.

Our full-day First Nations programs have been designed to meet Big Ideas and Curricular Competencies for Social Studies and Physical Education for Grades K-12.

sample schedule

9:30am - Arrive at the base of Grouse Mountain

9:45am - 10:00am - Skyride to Alpine station

10:15am - 11:30am - Interpretive eco-walk or guided snowshoe to the híwus Feasthouse

11:30am - 12:00pm - Lunch 

12:00pm - 1:30pm - First Nations Cultural Program with craft

1:45pm - 2:00pm - Skyride to base

2:30pm - Depart Grouse Mountain

booking & Pricing

Please note that bookings must be made in advance. 

The híwus Feasthouse has the capacity to allow for 2 classes at once. Book with another class from your school or district!


PRICING
$46.35 per student + GST (minimum 25 students)

lunch

Menu items
  • Westcoast vegetable soup – tomato based (no meat, no dairy, no nuts, no seafood)
  • Bannock (bread)
  • Jerky Salmon
  • Hot Chocolate – contains dairy (dairy free alternative juice box)
  • Cookie
  • Piece of fruit