Fraser Valley » Sites & the Cultural Tours

Xa:ytem
35087 Lougheed Highway
tel: 604. 820-9725
admission: $6
open: year round
address: 35087 Lougheed Highway

Xá:ytem is located 5 kilometers east of Mission on the Lougheed Highway and welcomes visitors to learn, interact, and experience Sto:lo, history, culture, archaeology and spirituality.

Xa:ytem is the first native sacred site in Canada to be recognized by both provincial and Federal governments and is also home to the oldest house in BC. Carbon-dated at 9,000 years old, the centerpiece of the ancient Coast Salish village site is a sacred transformer stone named Xa:ytem, meaning 'the transformed one.' This large " transformer" rock overlooking the Fraser River represents three ancient Sto:lo "si:yam" , or Chiefs. All three were transformed into stone to teach their people to honor and share the gifts of the Creator.

The Sto:lo Nation has erected a longhouse at the site where visitors can learn more about traditional First Nations' culture and history. A guided tour of the archeological site and interpretive centre are available.

Visitors are offered fully-guided tours, a choice of a number of hands-on cultural, archaeology or fishing programs; workshops such as basket making, drum making, Salish weaving, and mask craving; cross-cultural awareness seminars, and immersion and overnight programs. There is 4,000 square foot longhouse, two pit houses (circular underground dwellings), and a gift gallery that offers local Native art as well as souvenir items and books.

Dr Linnea Battel Linnea (Ai:yametkwa: she who brings the sun) is director of Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre and is responsible for the on-site development featuring two pit houses, a traditional cedar longhouse and an archeology shelter which are annually visited by 11 000 students alone.

The Interpretive Centre began with the discovery of artifacts in a barren field, but it was Linnea who led the ensuing fight to protect the land and artifacts the way a mother protects her children, and the land is now a National Historic Site. A First Nations activist, speaker, grandparent, entrepreneur, multiple award-winner, leader and participant of countless committees; the list just keeps going. The site offers ample free parking and is wheelchair accessible. Allow yourself at least two hours to be able to see and experience everything.

Sasquatch Tours
tel: Toll Free: 1-877-796-1221
Cruise & Riverside BBQ Salmon Lunch (4 hours) $59
open: year round
address: 5061 Chehalis Road, Agassiz

Sasquatch Tours is located in Chehalis, a small First Nations community in Southwestern British Columbia. It lies midway between the resort community of Harrison Hot Springs and the roadside community of Harrison Mills, on the banks of the Harrison River. The Charlie family operates enriching and memorable Aboriginal cultural cruises, interpretative programs and workshops within the beautiful Coast Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, on pristine Harrison Lake and Harrison River.

Sasquatch Tours is a unique First Nations tour operator, owned by the highly regarded Charlie family, a traditional First Nations family from Chehalis, British Columbia. Willie, along with his brothers Kelsey and Darren, have been guiding in the Harrison and Chehalis areas for more than seven years. And equipped with the history, legends and knowledge of the land, they were encouraged to share their cultural sites, even the most sacred.

The rest of Willie’s family also plays a large part in the success of Sasquatch Tours, with nieces, nephews, and his own children performing traditional dances.

"Sasquatch Tours is run “Very traditional in all aspects. We tell the stories the way we’ve been told and we operate as a family from the kids on up. When you do things for the right reason, with a good mind and a good heart, it’ll work out.” Willie describes his vision of Sasquatch Tours is offering visitors a very traditional experience and a rare opportunity “To hear, see and feel the Chehalis history" with guided cultural tours of ancient sacred archaeological and pictograph sites.

They offer tours that include traditional drumming, story telling, singing, performances and the history of the cultural landmarks in Chehalis territory. Visitors are able to call ahead and bring their group or see if there is space available to join a tour that is happening the day they are in town. Tours leave from the government dock at Harrison Hot Springs Resort.

In Harrison Hot Springs park your car close to the Harrison Hot Springs Public Boat Docks. The Harrison Hot Springs Public Boat Docks are located in front of the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa to the right.

Shxwet'astelawtxw Long House
admission: group rates
tel: 604. 858-3366
open: year round
address: 7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack

The long house is located at Sto:lo Nation in Chilliwack and offers visitor’s opportunities to participate in demonstrations of fishing, weaving, dancing and drumming. Shxwet'astelawtxw Long House, the House of Long Ago and Today is an opportunity to experience aspects of the Sto:lo way of life, Philosophy, technology and culture in a non-museum, hands-on approach. Call & arrange a time & have the pleasure to meet with Maxine for a tour and visit to the original longhouse at the Sto:lo Nation administration centre in Chilliwack.

Skawahlook First Nation Centre
tel: 604. 796-9877
lunch $5 - $7
address: 58605 Haig Highway, Agassiz
open: year round

Skawahlook First Nation has just recently opened a Business Development Centre on # 7 Highway (Lougheed Highway) in Agassiz, 30 minutes from Chilliwack. The Centre is a beautiful log building with Big Foot Café, a First Nations Art Gallery, a Framing Store and Black Bee Fish and Tackle Store.

The Business Development Centre, serves as a business incubator for management training. The facility is across the highway from the Fraser River with some of the best sports fishing around.

Diamond Printers
tel: 604. 796-0080
address: #85 Chowat Road Agassiz

James and Sandra Bobb are the very proud owners of Diamond Printers - a First Nations owned and operated one-stop printing service located on Seabird Island, Agassiz, BC. They carry a good selection of screen prints, artwork, t-shirts and other clothing and are open Monday to Friday.

Sto:lo Artisan Centre
Tel: 604-858-0009
Address: Unit 29-6014 Vedder Road, Chilliwack

The Sto:lo Tourism has recently opened an Artisan Centre that reflects the talents of their people living in the lower mainland. Thanks to the efforts of Paula Cranmer Underhill’s hard-work & and innovative dedication the centre provides an outlet to show-case one of the most innovative economic development art and cultural initiatives with an excellent selection of quality authentic Aboriginal produced gifts and collector items.

Visitors are welcomed and are often able to meet the artists and learn about their works and mediums. The Artisan Centre features: Spirit Elk Designs by Rikki Kooy from Shuswap/ Stó:lō. Her beautiful designer clothing is made of earth friendly fabrics with elegant hand beading, $20 and up. Rosalie Dipcsu from Lil’wat with original paintings and limited edition prints; Steven Peters from Seabird Island with wildlife paintings and carvings; Diamond Printers from Seabird Island, community minded business & creator of the Aboriginal Youth Art Calendar, stationary sets, art and Christmas Cards. Starting at $3, Calendar $15

The newest local artists that have met the authentic criteria are: Nancy Dawson from Kwakwaka’wakw with silver necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, from $40; Dolly Adams from‘Nlaka’pamux with Native Dolls and leather clothes/ moccasins, regalia. $95; Mahalia Young with Haida Shell Candles (natural Cinnamon scent), as seen at the Christmas Craft Market at the Heritage Centre, $20; Sumas Beadworks, Cathy Ned with beaded Christmas theme and luxurious earrings – Yes, the ones sold out at the Chilliwack Arts Centre Christmas Craft Market $10 - $20 and Cedar Child Studio Jewelry from ‘Namgis with new designs and colours, $10 and up.The centre carries these amazing books; A Stó:lō Coast Salish Historical Atlas, You are Asked to Witness and “I am Stó:lō”.

The centre is a great resource for finding events, tours or sites in the Sto:lo territory and have a good event calendar on their web-site.

Kwelaxtelotiya - A Cultural Guest House 

Seabird Island, Agassiz

Accommodations, cross cultural training & cultural activities

Planet Earth Coffee and Deli
tel: 604. 824-9996
lunch $6 - $9:
address: 6330 Vedder Road, Chilliwack

Planet Earth Coffee and Deli is located in the Tzeachten First Nation in Chilliwack on Veddar Road in Sardis. They serve healthy & delicious lunches & have a full-service cappuccino menu. Very delightful spot with lots of sitting and newspapers to read while you see what is happening in the community and meet the locals. A favorite spot for Sto:lo Nation employees to meet for lunch.

Kilby Museum & Campground
tel: 604.796.9576
admission: by donation
address: 215 Kilby Road, Harrison

Kilby store and Farm is at in beautiful Harrison Mills, B.C., located only 30 minutes east of Mission and twenty minutes west of both Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs, just 1.6 km off the scenic Highway 7. The Heritage site is owned and operated by three local First Nations entrepreneurs.

Located near the junction of the Harrison and Fraser Rivers, the Kilby Store and Farm stands as the only reminder of the once thriving community of Harrison Mills.

Step back in time and take a guided tour of Kilby Store and Farm with its magnificent 1906 General Store Museum. Visitors may view a fascinating gallery of products and packaging dating back to the 1920's and 1930's. Don't miss the intriguing artifacts in the Heritage Post Office and Manchester House Hotel; both were integral parts of the Harrison Mills community at the turn of the Century. Be sure and leave time for lunch and to wander to the bay. Enjoy the cozy café and gift shop featuring the Sto:lo artisans work. Just down the road is a 22 site campground and boat launch facilities the Eagle Viewing Station. Camping is $20 per night. Toll free: 1-800-689-9025