Shxwt’a:selhawtxw Longhouse Program
Background
Shxwt'a: selhawtxw – The House of Long Ago & Today has been in operation since 1995. This program offers teachers and students a hands-on approach to learning about the Stó:lō way of life, philosophy, technology and culture. Stó:lō artists and crafts people are the cultural interpreters who create original objects and replica pieces while interacting with guests.
Activities
Tours: Maintain Shxwt'a:selhawtxw Interpretive Centre, Ethno botanical garden and Longhouse as a First Hand Place of Learning, unlike a public school environment or Museum. Provide access to public for group or individual tours year-round.
- Grade 4 Program: Host over 900 Grade 4 Students from School District 33 for interactive cultural learning opportunities.
- Stqó:ya Program - School Outreach Program: Provide interactive learning opportunities in classrooms through presentations and workshops.
- Events: Cultural Committee member that assists with cultural events such as Stó:lō Veterans Day, First Salmon, Burnings, Naming, Graduation and honoring Ceremonies.
Partners
- Chilliwack School District
- Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre
- Stó:lō Nation Departments, Communities, Programs, Elders groups
- Chilliwack Social Health programs
- Veterans are involved in universal gatherings.
Desired Outcome
- Incorporate the Halq'eméylem language as the first language in all resource materials and presentations'.
- Establish a resource library of Stó:lō history, culture and traditional values.
- Stó:lō Nation Departments, Communities, Programs, Elders groups
- Curriculum development of archived Stó:lō stories and legends that can be used in the education system.
Maintain Shxwt'a:selhawtxw Interpretive Centre, Ethno botanical garden and Longhouse as a first hand place of learning unlike an public school environment or museum. - Continue working relationship with Chilliwack School District and Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre.
Statistics
- Tours: Each tour participant completes an evaluation form, and the data is recorded.
- Grade 4 Program: Teachers and students complete evaluation forms, which are recorded and stored.
- School Outreach Program: Cultural resource worker will record all activities attended and report will be prepared.
- Artifacts: Traditional artifacts and display items which are donated to the Stó:lō Nation Shxwt'a:selhawtxw, Longhouse Extension Program are logged into inventory.
- Events: Attendance is recorded by sign in and these sheets are kept on file.
Evaluation Strategy
- Evaluation form feedback for each tour participant.
- Tour Booking Expansion.
- Each event is measured by the equivalency of attendee's, which increased each year. Recognition for success is recorded in the return of guests, volunteers and officials.
- Many of the events, tours have become regional, provincial, nationally and internationally recognized by those eager to learn more about the Stó:lō people.
