Europeans interested in all things Native

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Xats'ull Heritage Village is located on a sunny shelf above the mighty Fraser River deep in the heart of the Cariboo, 37 km north of Williams Lake on Highway 97. Xats'ull, (pronounced hats'ull) is the Secwepemc or Shuswap word meaning "on the cliff". It fittingly describes the area that has been occupied by the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation for generations.

In 1990 a German couple came to Soda Creek and met with the chief and council to encourage developing the Xats'ull Heritage Village. They said there was a strong interest in the native culture in Germany and suggested drawing tourists to experience an authentic Aboriginal experience.

Elder Ralph Philips has believed for many years that "sharing the culture would help preserve it for the future generation." He said, "When the idea of the Heritage Village was presented, I knew it was a good thing right from the start. I remembered what I had been taught about saving our culture and I fought tooth and nail to help make it happen."

Cheryl Chapman, program coordinator, said, "The idea was brought before the community and at first there were concerns because the location of the site was in traditional fishing grounds. There were also many discussions with the Elders about selling out the cultural information that was sacred or could be exploited." These issues were solved in part by teaching cultural sharing guidelines. "Each community has sacred areas that are protected. Trainees are taught what can be shared with others," Chapman said.

The Xats'ull Village site preparation began in 1994 with digging pit houses, setting up the marketing, and training community members to give tours and maintain the site.

The grand opening was June1, 1995 with 1500 people attending the event, including special guest Ovide Mercredi as well as friends from the Navajo nation. Since then, as many as 5,000 guests per year, including students from nearby schools and tourists from as far away as Japan and Holland, have enjoyed the hospitality and cultural education extended by the local Secwepemc community.

A typical day visiting the Xats'ull Heritage Village begins with a two-hour tour through the village that includes commentary on the history and medicines of the people, incorporating the connection with the Gold Rush Trail, and interpretations of the local archeology. The traditional lunch may include baked salmon, moose or deer roasted over an open fire and fresh bannock. There are many activities connected with an Aboriginal lifestyle for guests to try. Some may choose to learn traditional crafts such as beadwork and friendship bracelets while others may be interested in catch and release salmon dipping. There is something for everyone.

Guests choosing the extended stay program can enjoy learning about the Xats'ull through the storytelling of the Elders. An evening of traditional songs, drumming and dancing around a campfire is also included before settling in for the authentic Aboriginal experience of sleeping in a tipi or pit house.

The Xats'ull Heritage Village received recognition in 1995 as Newsmaker of the Year and in 1996 by winning the National Award for Best Service and Best Product.

Philips is hoping to continue tapping into the European market, "When people come they are so interested in our culture. It helps our young people see that we have something important to offer and that it is important to preserve our heritage." The Xats'ull community invites other Aboriginal people to come and enjoy their hospitality.

Chapman says, " We are sharing the culture of the Northern Secwepemc nation. Come to relax and enjoy."

Philips also believes it is an "opportunity to share what they know with us."

From the lookout above the scene is tranquil. The Fraser River twisting through the valley, the grass blowing on the hillside and a settlement of tipis and pit houses nestled on the bank. Time is erased as the heritage of the area reaches out to embrace visitors.

Chapman xplains, "It is our way of keeping an eye for the future generations."