Stó:lō News: The Long Story Behind The New Stó:lō Resource Centre

The story that lead up to Saturday’s grand opening of the Stó:lō Resource Centre is an invloved and complex story that has only been possible through the joint efforts of many people. [Click On Image For Full Story]

The new Centre houses the Stó:lō Language and Cultural departments, Stó:lō archives and artifacts, and brand-new interactive displays for all members both the Stó:lō community and the community at large to enjoy and learn from.

Saturday’s grand opening included cultural ceremonies, dignitaries, and an unveiling of the new amenities.

The Project Team

Stó:lō Resource Centre (Artist's rendering)

Project Management Team
Willy Hall, CEO, Stó:lō Nation Mike Watson, General Manager, Stó:lō Development Corporation David Schaepe, Director, Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre Gerold Grahn and Dustin Hall, From Preview Builders

The Project Management Team

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

The Idea

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.

Traditional Qoqolaxel

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’!

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.

MP Chuck Strahl Making Funding Announcement

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.

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.

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.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

September 23 – SRC Ground Breaking Ceremony.

Oct – Dec – Building foundation completed and concrete wall panels are formed and poured on-site.

2010

January 22-24 – Concrete tilt-up walls are raised.

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.

February – 45′ redcedar posts are brought in; the roof is installed.

- Announcement of WED / CAF funding

- Groundbreaking Ceremony

- SRC Building Development Sequence

The Project In Photos

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Come out, participate, and share in this experience!em>