First Nations
Cultural Program

híwus Feasthouse Cultural Program (full day) or híwus 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 Kwel-a-a-nexw, 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 Valley Station and escort you to the mountain top. Enroute to the híwus Feasthouse, students will enjoy a guided nature walk through a sub-alpine forest.

Upon booking, choose one song and one story for your group. If none are chosen, our First Nations Elder will choose for you: 

Songs

Chief Dan George Song - a prayer song given to the Coast Salish First Nations people to use
Sea Lion Song - generosity, sharing of natural resources and the resolving of negative situations without doing harm
Bear Song - owned by Kwel-a-a-nexw (Willie), shows respect to this powerful creature
Snowbird Song - Sung by Willie's great grandmother,  healing song
Owl Song - an exit song, imparting peace, goodwill and positive feelings

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 medicine man or Indian doctor
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

Program Info & Pricing

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

Full-day híwus Feasthouse Cultural Programs
The híwus Feasthouse Cultural programs are available year-round, and last approximately 5 hours. The program price includes Grouse Mountain Admission, snowshoe rentals (winter) or Ecowalk (summer), guides/storytellers, craftwork and lunch (hot chocolate, West Coast vegetable soup, flat bread, candied salmon and chocolate chip cookie).

Our regular híwus Feasthouse Cultural program is suitable for students Grade K-7. Students are taught about respect and caring for one another in their community; 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 spirit animals and honoring them through a traditional dance. The craft is an example of a First Nations wall hanging using templates depicting traditional First Nations animals. 

Through the híwus 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 choose a traditional First Nations animal that best represents their spirit, and transfers the image in their own First Nations style onto a tile, that can be worn around the neck or on a keychain. This program is designed for Secondary students and adults as some content may be unsettling for a younger audience.
Cost - $41.00 + GST = total $43.05. Minimum 25 students. 

Sample Schedule

9:30am Arrive at the base of Grouse Mountain
9:45am-10:00am Skyride to Alpine station
10:15am-11:45am Interpretive eco-walk or guided snowshoe to híwus Feasthouse
12:00am-1:30pm híwus Feasthouse Cultural Program with lunch and craft 
1:45pm-2:00pm Skyride to base
2:30pm Depart Grouse Mountain

Booking



Booking Bookings must be made in advance. Click here for booking information. 

The híwus Feasthouse has the capacity to allow for several classes at once. Why not book with others from your school or district and come together?

Read more about Prescribed Learning Outcomes that fit with this program