Multicultural Celebration Totem Hall Squamish

Our project is a community based multicultural event that celebrates unity in diversity through shared food, activities and cultural performances. Each July 01 since 1993, this event is hosted at Totem Hall by Squamish Nation Elders in collaboration with Squamish Multifaith Association.

Our story:
In the summer of 1993. a group of youth traveled across Canada on a bus called Peace Bus ’93. They came from diverse backgrounds and their mission was to foster friendship between the many different peoples that make up our great country. Squamish was a stop along the way where they were hosted by the Squamish Nation and spent one night bunking down at the old Totem Hall. Gwen Harry and Donna Billy put out a call to local church and religious groups to help with food and hospitality. The local Sikh and Baha’i Communities responded and something wonderful was set in motion. Everyone had such a good time, sharing food, stories and music. Friendships were forged and all decided that this coming together to share and celebrate each other’s diversity must continue. Multicultural Day at Totem Hall was born. What better day to celebrate this than Canada Day. Over the years other faith groups have joined in the celebrations allowing for a more diverse expression of faith and culture but one thing remains constant – a time to share and celebrate together.