To continue on my theme of education posibilites that exist, I decided to look into some of the longhouse programs that are available in my area.

The closest to my school is the Shxwt’a:selhawtxw Longhouse Program.  Sto:lo has worked closely with the school district with every Grade 4 student in the district taking part in interactive cultural activities.  Other classes have the opportunity to design their own tour from a list of options including; bannock, carving, cedar, bark & wool weaving, fishing, slahal, speakers, story telling and land & resources information.

Grouse Mountain offers the híwus First Nations Cultural Program.  In their feasthouse students receive an authentic cultural experience including legends, songs, dances, crafts and food.

In Mission, the Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre is currently closed, and unfortunately I haven’t been able to find out why.  I have been to programs at this particular site before and have found them to be very informative and well run.   This is believed to be the oldest dwelling in BC, dating back 9,000 years and Hatzic Rock is a “transformer site”, the Sto:lo story that 3 chiefs were turned to stone after challenging the Creator. Hopefully they’ll reopen soon!