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Squamish Nation celebrates new West Vancouver sport facility ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The sounds of cheers, singing and drumming filled the air as the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) celebrated the grand opening of a new multi-purpose facility.
Ḵw’eshḵw’shétsutay̓ (Playing Place) is a recreation building in West Vancouver that will be used for sports games, community events, outdoor movies, art and yoga classes and more. “It’s a place for people to gather and play,” said Squamish Nation councillor Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) at an opening event June 20. “[The amount of] healing and medicine this place is going to provide for the next 100-plus years for people is quite magical.” The new facility – replacing the old lacrosse box torn down in 2021 after needing significant repairs – has concrete floors and a customized digital scoreboard, as well as seating for 370 people on bleachers with more room around the boards for standing. A red and green design colours the building’s side, inspired by a woven blanket worn in 1906 by 7ápeleḵ/ Ḵiyáplanexw Siy̓ám̓ (Chief Joe Capilano) during a visit to see the King of England. The roof over the facility is meant to
Sam Seward (left) and his nephew Preston Seward are all smiles during the grand opening of Ḵw’eshḵw’shétsutay̓ (Playing Place). ABBY LUCIANO / NSN symbolize a blanket, wrapping around and protecting the Squamish people and everyone who visits Playing Place. The grand opening celebration featured performances from singing and dancing groups, food, a skills and drills session held by Vancouver Warriors lacrosse players and coaches, and a spirited lacrosse scrimmage to end the day. Playing Place will officially open on July 3.
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‘Medicine’ game k’éxwa7 (lacrosse) is a big deal for the Squamish Nation, a sport many Nation members grew up with, passed down from one generation to the next. Lacrosse is called the medicine game for Squamish People as it was an outlet to escape challenges and negative Continued on A22