MISSION, British Columbia, July 22, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), today announced funding for the Sto:lo Heritage Trust Society.
This funding will help the Society produce a 15-minute video presentation for visitors of the Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre. The video will depict the Sto:lo culture, history and ways of life, along with information about the 9,000-year-old village on the grounds. The presentation will set the stage for the self-guided tour of what is believed to be one of the oldest human occupation sites in North America, and which includes the culturally significant Hatzic Rock, a First Nations spiritual site.
"Our Government recognizes the importance of initiatives like this to ensure the preservation and presentation of Aboriginal cultural heritage," said Minister Moore. "The Sto:Lo Heritage Trust Society is increasing public awareness of the rich and diverse culture of the local Aboriginal peoples."
"The Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre is an important piece of heritage in our community," said Minister Strahl. "This project will provide great opportunities for local residents and visitors alike to learn about the history of the area and its people."
"We at Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre are thrilled with this funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage," said Dr. Linnea Battel, Director. "We are so pleased to be able to go forward with the Visitor Video Project, which will add so much to the experience of the site's 15,000 annual visitors."
The mandate of the Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretative Centre is the preservation and interpretation of the Hatzic Rock Site. 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 $29,700 through 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.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
