First Nations Programs | Grouse Mountain

Hiwus Programs

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 a 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

Primary and Intermediate Grades

Our regular híwus 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.

Secondary Grades (optional program)

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. This program is designed for Grade 8-12 students and adults as some content may be unsettling for a younger audience.

Sample Schedule

9:30am Arrive at the base of Grouse Mountain

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

10:15am-12:00pm Interpretive eco-walk or guided snowshoe to híwus Feasthouse

12:00am-12:30pm Lunch

12:30am-1:15pm híwus Program

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

2:30pm Depart Grouse Mountain

GUIDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS (5-18)

	BC Students	Non-BC Resident*	Extra Adults
Wildlife Field Trip	$25.00	$35.00	Same as student price

*Non-BC Resident - Payment due 2 weeks in advance. All rates are in Canadian dollars.

**hiwus Cultural full day requires minimum 25 paying attendees

Complimentary tickets for supervising adults: Grade K-3 1:5; 4-12 1:10. Ask for details. Group must have 15 minimum paying and be 75% students. Grouse Mountain Membership does not receive discounted rate. Weekend Guided Field Trips require a minimum of 50 students.

*Non-BC Resident Groups - Payment due 2 weeks in advance. All rates are in Canadian dollars.

GUIDED ADVENTURE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS (10-18)

	BC Students	Non-BC Resident*
Alpine Wilderness Survival	$35.00	$45.00
Scavenger Hunt	$25.00	$35.00
Team Building	$25.00	$35.00

Complimentary tickets for supervising adults: Grade 5-12 1:10. Ask for details. Group must have 15 minimum paying and be 75% students. Grouse Mountain Membership does not receive discounted rate.Weekend Guided Field Trips require a minimum of 50 students.

*Non-BC Resident Groups - Payment due 2 weeks in advance. All rates are in Canadian dollars.

Zipline add-on

	Price
3-Line	$45.00
5-Line	$89.00

Other

	Price
Hot Chocolate	$2.50
Extra Equipment Rental Fee OR Extra Activity	$5.00
Custom Program One-time-only Fee	$500.00