The Stó:lō Resource Centre
Stó:lō Resource Centre - Project Background
The Stó:lō Resource Centre (SRC) is currently being built in the heart of S'ólh Téméxw ('Our World; Our Land'), on the Coqualeetza Grounds in Chilliwack, B.C. (prior site of the Coqualeetza Residential School). The SRC is being translated from concept to concrete, shaped by over two years of input from many Stó:lō advisors and ultimately funded through Canada's Economic Action Plan. By September 2010, we will have a brand new facility dedicated to taking care of our 'Treasures' -- our sacred possessions, our Old People, our cultural knowledge.
In 2007 a plan was hatched to build a centre housing Stó:lō cultural heritage-, lands- and resource-based information – a central place providing the Stó:lō and their neighbours with better access to resources. Central to this plan were much needed improvements in language, archive and artifact facilities serving to maintain and fortify the Stó:lō's rich and treasured cultural heritage and knowledge.
Initial collaboration between the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre and Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre (CCEC) branched out to gain broad-based recognition, support and involvement of the Stó:lō Nation, Stó:lō Development Corporation, Stó:lō Community Futures, Stó:lō Tribal Council, and Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe. The Stó:lō Nation is the main proponent of this project, contributing over $4 million dollars in funding.
As the Stó:lō came together centuries ago to build Qoqolaxel (the innovative inverted gable 'Watery-Eaves' longhouse at the junction of the Chilliwack and Fraser valleys), we are now building the Stó:lō Resource Centre on the Coqualeetza Grounds. Together we are building a Siy:ám House; a place of respect… a place of culture, knowledge, economy, and sharing. This is a place that will help with the important task of 'xyólhmet te mekw'stám ít kwelát'… taking take fare of everything that belongs to us, the Stó:lō. This is a place that will benefit all Stó:lō and all our neighbours, locally, throughout the Fraser Valley, and beyond. For the support and assistance we received from all those who helped make this project a reality, we raise our hands in thanks -- 'Y'alh yexw kwás hó:y'!
We look forward to seeing you at the Grand Opening – date to be announced!
Sqwelqwel Te Stó:lō Resource Centre
Below, we provide sqwelqwel ('true facts; news') of the Stó:lō Resource Centre Project:
Community Adjustment Fund - Funding Announcement
August 11, 2009 - Stó:lō Nation (SN), Stó:lō Tribal Council (STC) and the Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre (CCEC) were pleased to affirm a significant financial contribution towards the construction of a Stó:lō Resource Centre (SRC). The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, made the official announcement that $6.75 million was allocated to the construction of the Stó:lō Resource Centre. This federal funding is being provided by Western Economic Diversification (WED) through the Community Adjustment Fund and as a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Stó:lō Nation, itself, is contributing over $4 million as part of this $11-plus million project.
"Our Government, through the Community Adjustment Fund, is providing a timely, targeted stimulus to western Canadian communities, helping reduce the impacts of the global recession. This project will help create jobs and maintain employment in Chilliwack, helping our community overcome the challenges currently facing our region."
- The Honourable Chuck Strahl
(as quoted from his Announcement-day speech, August 2009)
"This funding significantly enhances our ability to showcase Stó:lō culture. Our new Centre will benefit our community members and the general public alike by improving access to a tremendous collection of cultural resources previously out of sight, unrecognized, and underutilized. For us, recognition of this scale is few and far between. This project represents a legacy to the Stó:lō, their partners, supporters, and neighbours throughout the region that will provide immediate benefits, for all of us now and for all of our future generations."
- Chief Joe Hall, President, Stó:lō Nation
(as quoted from his Announcement-day speech, August 2009)
The Stó:lō Resource Centre (SRC) is a 24,800 square foot three story office building that is planned to house the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC), Stó:lō Development Corporation (SDC), Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre (CCEC), Shxwt'a:selhawtxw Longhouse Extension Program (LEP), the Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe and others. Key features of the facility include a Stó:lō Elders room, library, historical archives, artifact repository and curation space, video conferencing and 'smart-technology' boardrooms, Halq'eméylem language lab, Stó:lō cultural artifact and artwork display and interpretive space, and an education / artistic performance space as a central feature of the new building.
Project Management Team
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 (click to enlarge image) |
Building & Design Team
| Preview Builders | Construction Manager |
| Patrick Stewart Architects | Architect |
| Krahn Engineering | Structural |
| Stantec Consultants | Mechanical |
| Omega & Associates Engineering | Civil |
| Inland Technical | Commissioning Authority |
| Craven/Huston/Powers/Architects | Landscape Designer |
| Tunbridge & Tunbridge | Survey |
| Murphy Design Services | Electrical |
| CSA Building Services Western | Building Envelope |
| Scott Resource Services | Environmental |
| Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre | LEED Consultant |
| Atmosphere Interiors | Interior Designer |
| Schick and Shiner Associates | Performance Space / Gallery (Light & Sound) Design |
SRC Project History - Timeline
| 2009 | ||
| 2007-2009 | Plans are hatched to build a new centre to house Stó:lō cultural heritage knowledge, archives, and object collections. Initial collaboration between the SRRMC and CCEC branches out to gain the support of the SN including the CDD/LEP and SCD/SCF, as well as other organizations including the STC and Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe. Funding is sought to support the development of what emerges as the Stó:lō Resource Centre. |
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| May 2009 | The Community Adjustment Fund proposal targeting federal Stimulus Package funds administered by Western Economic Diversification (WED) is finalized and submitted by the SRRMC and SDC, on behalf of the Stó:lō Nation and partners. |
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| Aug 11, 2009 | Minister Chuck Strahl (Minister of Northern and Indian Affairs and the Honourable Lynne Yelich (Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification) make the official SRC Project Funding Announcement. The SRC Project is one of the first and largest WED project in western Canada. |
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| September 23 | SRC Ground Breaking Ceremony. |
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| Oct – Dec | Building foundation completed and concrete wall panels are formed and poured on-site. |
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| 2010 | ||
| January 22-24 | Concrete tilt-up walls are raised. |
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| January 23 | Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Development Excellent (2009) is awarded to the Stó:lō Nation for the Stó:lō Resource Centre. |
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| February | 45' redcedar posts are brought in; the roof is installed. | |
| Photo Gallery | |||
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(click to enlarge images below) | |||
 Announcement of WED / CAF funding |
 Groundbreaking Ceremony |
 SRC Building Development Sequence |
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| Artwork Fundraising |
The SRC Project Team is fundraising to support the incorporation of artwork as an integral element of this project. Fundraising is necessary as the WED grant cannot be used to fund artworks. The Art Selection Committee has identified many other artworks that they would like to see incorporated into the SRC, although funding is a serious issue. The Stó:lō Heritage Trust has graciously agreed to support this SRC fundraising initiative.
Donations made by individuals, companies, First Nations, and organizations in support our SRC Artwork Project are tax deductable charitable contributions! All donors will promptly receive a tax deductable receipt for your charitable donation, in accordance to the governing laws of British Columbia. All funds will be administered by and audited through the Stó:lō Nation finance department, on behalf of the Trust. Your contributions are integral to supporting this important cause!
Donation Chart Donation Category $20,000 Diamond $10,000 Platinum $5,000 Gold $2500 Silver $1000 Bronze $500 QuartzDonations may be sent directly to:
Stó:lō Resource Centre Project – Artwork Fundc/o Tracey Joe, SRRMC/Stó:lō Nation
7-7201 Vedder Road
Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 4G5
Check or money orders should be made out to the 'Stó:lō Heritage Trust' - noting your contribution as a donation for the SRC Project – Artwork Fund. Please do not send cash. If you are interested in donating and have questions or a suggestion for fundraising, please contact Tracey Joe in the Stó:lō Research & Resource Management Centre via email Tracey.Joe@stolonation.bc.ca or directly at 604.824.5113.
Major Artworks - Funded to Date
The SRC Art Selection Committee, including members from the SN, CCEC, and outside agencies, was formed to direct the selection of all artworks commissioned for and incorporated into the SRC. The committee works with the Staff Team to develop ideas for possible artwork commission and consults with elders and the House of Respect and Caretaking committee before making final decisions. Of the numerous proposals developed by the Committee, desired for the SRC, the following artworks represent those funded and commissioned to date:
Carved Cedar Welcome Figures – Monumental!
Through a private donation to the Stó:lō Nation made by the estate of Clifford Roger Young in memory of Hannah E. Young's lifetime devotion to the Coqualeetza site, the Stó:lō Resource Centre Art Selection Committee commissioned two monumental-sized 13' and 15' Welcome Figures. Our Welcome Figures will be carved by Stó:lō artist George Pennier (Scowlitz First Nation). Representing the household heads of a siya:m (highly respected) family, these monumental male and female figures will stand at the main entryway welcoming all visitors the SRC. Both figures will be designed in traditional Stó:lō style and carved from local western redcedar.
It is planned that Mr. Pennier will be carving the welcome figures on-site at the Coqualeetza Grounds – and will be open and available for visits with the public. Throughout the carving process, we will be posting a site location map as well as dates and times when the public is welcome to visit George. We anticipate beginning this monumental carving project in March! Stay tuned to find out more!
Come out, participate, and share in this experience!