MISSION, British Columbia, July 21, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament (Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission), today announced funding for the Stó:lo Heritage Trust Society.
This funding will support a project that seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of the rich culture of First Nations peoples by enhancing on-site interpretive programs. The Xá:ytem Presentation and Interpretation Enhancement project will install a house post carved especially for this purpose and enhance interpretive tour presentation displays to meet the growing demand by tour operators and general visitors to the historic site.
"Local heritage initiatives are vital for ensuring the preservation, management, and presentation of Aboriginal cultural heritage," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support projects that increase public awareness of the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal peoples."
"The Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre is an important piece of heritage in our community," said Mr. Kamp. "This funding will help Xá:ytem provide rich experiences for the many visitors that they receive each year. We are proud to be part of this program."
"We are so pleased to receive the support from the Government of Canada for our First Nations culture and heritage," said Linnea Battel, Director, Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre. "This financial contribution will help us immensely in our effort to enhance the presentation and interpretation of our artistic traditions."
The mandate of the Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretative Centre is the preservation and interpretation of the Hatzic Rock Site, a First Nations spiritual site and one of the oldest human occupation sites in North America. In July 1992, the Government of Canada officially designated Xá:ytem as a National Historic Site, one of the first Aboriginal spiritual sites in Canada to be formally recognized in this manner.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $16,000 under the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
