“Visitors to XÁ:YTEM will be able to walk into the past, to wonder and learn about life here long, long ago. They will also be able to share in some of the spiritual traditions of the Stó:lo people and hear the legends which have been carried over the generations…Visitors will be challenged and stimulated to get involved rather than merely observing Stó:lo culture at a distance.” — Gordon Mohs, Stó:lo Nation Archaeologist, 1991.
Our vision for the future is to create a heritage centre at XÁ:YTEM which reflects the values and the spiritual, cultural and archaeological traditions of the Stó:lo Nation to the world, without compromising the natural or spiritual integrity of this very special place.
A Few of Our Objectives for XÁ:YTEM:
To provide a focus for the expression of the cultural heritage of the Stó:lo people by preserving the site’s spiritual character and artifacts and to provide opportunities for Stó:lo cultural activities that promote and strengthen Stó:lo culture.
To increase public knowledge regarding historical and contemporary Stó:lo culture particularly as it relates to environmental cultural and spiritual heritage.
To support economic development within the region and to provide new employment opportunities for Native youth and spin-off benefits to all residents of the local community and region.
To develop a First Nations Historic site of national and international significance and to enhance the status of the Fraser Valley and British Columbia as destinations for tourists.
To conserve and manage the archaeological and cultural resources and the natural site features in response to the needs of the site interpretive programs and cultural activities.
To achieve and maintain a level of financing that sustains the site in a manner that contributes to the attainment of the site’s objectives.
Comments Supporting the Creation a World-Class Native Heritage Centre
“The Stó:lo Nation is determined to build a World Class Heritage Interpretive Centre at Hatzic, British Columbia, at an estimated cost of $6,000,000. The Chiefs of the Stó:lo Nation fully support the XÁ:YTEM Longhouse Interpretive Centre, Hatzic Rock Site and the efforts of those directly and indirectly involved with this project. Our vision of developing a World Class Heritage Interpretive Centre is also to showcase Stó:lo cultural, archaeological and spiritual traditions.”
—- Chief Steven Point, Stó:lo Nation Chiefs’ Representative, October 1996
“I would strongly urge support of this endeavour…. There is no permanent public interpretation of a First Nations archaeological site in British Columbia….This is a serious gap in our public history.”
—- Dr.Michael Ames, Director and Professor, Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, August 1991
“I could have had it developed and sold by now, but it holds someone’s heritage, and that strikes a chord . . . Maybe by cooperating, we’ll make history here.”
—- Harry Utzig, former property owner, 1991