As you can see by the photograph below, the place where the cultural centre made it's first home is in dire need of repair. The building is in serious condition but is not a hopeless cause. It can be restored and renovated. The centre is diligently trying to raise funds to do just that so that we can move back in, implement a profit generating program to supplement operating costs and start developing a plan to construct a new, traditional style cultural centre.
The Big House is situated at 7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, B.C. on the Coqualeetza Property. The Centre's operations began in this house in 1973. This house was originally constructed for the principal of the Coqualeetza Residential school that was attended by First Nations from all over B.C., circa 1886-1939. The Big House was later used by one of the doctors employed by the Coqualeetza Tuberculosis Hospital, 1941-1968.
Renowned architect Thomas Hooper designed the Romanesque traditional building erected in 1894. Mr. Hooper was born in Devonshire, England in 1858. He immigrated to Canada in 1871, living in London, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he became an architect and contractor. By 1882, he made his way to Vancouver and soon opened offices in both Vancouver and Victoria.
Over a period of years, Hooper was known primarily for his house designs including the retirement home of A.C. Wells (1897). His fame has been preserved with other historic buildings in the area such as the Chilliwack City Hall, 45820 Spadina Avenue (1910-12); the Wells Home, Spruce Drive (1897); Edenbank House (1913); and the original Chilliwack High School (1912).
In addition to the attractive aesthetics of the Big House and architectural history, the Coqualeetza property, on which the Big House is located, is a traditional trading site of First Nations in British Columbia and western United States since time immemorial.
Our Dream
Eventually we hope to construct a new cultural centre that dipicts a traditonal longhouse style, similar to the photograph below.
The Si:yam's Dream - Celestin, the Si:yam, dreamt of a house for his people. There were many people and the house would be large. Once more his people would ask the cedar tree to meet their needs; it's strength to hold up the roof; split planks to hold out the wind and the rain. Together his family would live under a single roof. They would remember family member's songs and dances. The family names and history could be passed on in the naming ceremonies. Celestin could invite many witnesses for these public events. This big house could host many gatherings. The Si:yam felt peace. It could all be done in the traditional way. The elders would see it was right. The builders among the people had the knowledge. They would tell the people how the huge roof beams could be put in place. They had the skills to split the planks. And when it was all completed, runners must go out to call the witnesses to come and carry word of the new house to chiefs down the river and up the river and out to the islands. The first thing to start must be the posts. It would take time to bring the trees from the river bank. They must be carved. They would have the story of the people on them for everyone to remember and the children would see them from the time they began to be aware and would tow up knowing who they were. The Elders would remember and tell the children. The holes must be dug there for the posts; the trenches for the planks to form the walls. Celestin rose and walked around his house. It could be done. His people could accomplish the building. He walked back to his people. There was much talking to be done.
The story of Coqualeetza as passed down through oral histories and stories, a significant tradition of the Sto:lo.
Thousands of years ago Kw'eqwalith'a was the name we gave to this place on the Luckakuck River. Kw'eqwalith'a means "cleansing place". Before the immigrants came to our area our ancestors would come to this spot to wash their blankets, and to talk to one another about what was happening in those days. They learned from each other. Today, we call this place Coqualeetza. It is still a Sto:lo place. We still come here from around the Valley to meet with each other.
The cultural centre has played and continues to play a significant role in the lives of the Sto:lo people and the general community. The elders play a key role in Sto:lo communities and in self-government initiatives. The cultural centre has operated for 33 years and will continue to have a significant role within the Sto:lo communities. Life long friendships were formed, marriages tranpired, skills and education learned, jobs created, and history and culture tauight and identities as Sto:lo people fashioned. Many, many people became part of the rich and valuable history of Coqualeetza and being part of the accomplishments achieved over the years has given a sense of pride, honour and respect within each individual. It is particularly important to recognize the Elders of yesterday and today for the commitment and dedication to the Board and staff of the centre because they are the reason we exist today and will continue to exist for time immemorial.
History of the Coqualeetza Property
April 16, 1869 Crown Asset, 150 acres, issued to Ann McColl
1869-1892 parts of property sold to Mr. A.C. Wells and Mr. Horatio Webb
1882, Methodist Church acquired 33.9 acres
1884 Charles Tate, Methodist missionary established the Coqualeetza Home for
native students, land was given to him by a Skowkale Chief; 40 students attended
1891 December 3rd, home was destroyed by fire. Tate's received $4,000.00
from the insurance; they reconstructed with contribution received from
Missionary Society, Dominion government, General Board, Women's Missionary.
1893 April 26, Thomas Hooper completed the plans for new school and 1894
INAC contributes $2500.00
The Coqualeetza Industrial Institute was established, 120 students attended
staff of eight teachaers; second largest Indian residential school in Canada;
Methodist Church held 87 acres
1910 Methodist Church fell into economic hardship; forced to sell portions of the
land to private and government sector, maintained indian school
1923 The school burned down; federal government committed to rebuild in
exchange for land
1924 A new school was built
1939/41 School was phased out; 1941 converted to Coqualeetza Hospital, first
indian tuberculosis centre
1948 North wing destroyed by fire; reconstruction of hospital completed in 1951
1968 Hospital closed
1969 Skowkale First Nation occupied the building
The Sto:lo have been negotiating with Treasury Board for the property to be
transferred back to the Sto:Lo and given reserve status. At the time of this
writing, the official transfer has not occurred.