Other Name(s)
Xá:ytem / Hatzic Rock National Historic Site of Canada
Xá:ytem / Hatzic Rock
Xá:ytem / Hatzic Rock
Xa:ytem / Hatzic Rock
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2005/02/25
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
Xa:ytem is a site that includes an archaeological habitation site and an ancient Sto:lo transformer stone. The identifying feature is the transformer stone which sits on sloping, low-lying ground, formerly a beach on the northern banks of the Fraser River.
Heritage Value
Xa:ytem was designated of national historic significance because of the age of the «Hatzic Rock» (sic) habitation site and its close association to a transformer site of clear importance to the Sto:lo people. The transformer site is important because it exemplifies the importance of preserving Sto:lo history, culture, and spirituality.
The heritage value of Xa:ytem resides largely in the spiritual importance of the transformer rock and its association with the preservation of Sto:lo history, culture and spirituality. Xa:ytem is a testament to Sto:lo spirituality and to the survival of the Sto:lo nation; it is important in the teaching of Sto:lo culture, of the connectedness to Mother Earth, and of the history and creation of the Sto:lo people ; and it is a source of spiritual awareness and renewal. Visible from various vantage points near the site, the transformer rock is a landmark in the area.
The closely associated habitation site is one of the oldest discovered (ca. 5000 years). It is valued for its association with Sto:lo history and culture and for the scientific information it reveals.
Sources: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minute, June 1992; Commemorative Integrity Statement
Character-Defining Elements
Elements which characterize the heritage value of this building include:
- the site in its defined boundaries and siting near the Fraser River including the transformer rock and the habitation site;
- the transformer rock in its material form and location;
- the siting of the transformer rock in a cleared area where it can be seen from various vantage points on or near the site;
- the accessibility of the transformer rock which ensures that people can touch it and that those who can hear, can listen to it sing, cry and drum;
- the unimpeded viewplanes from the transformer site to Mount Cheam which underscores the connection between Xa:ytem and other transformer sites;
- archeological remnants of the habitation site including evidence of rectangular pit/ long houses of long-term occupation with remains of post, hearth and floor features, trade goods, storage, food, and spiritual activity;
- traditional use of the site by elders for passing on oral history.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Historic Sites and Monuments Act
Recognition Type
National Historic Site of Canada
Recognition Date
1992/06/04
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life
- Philosophy and Spirituality
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Religion, Ritual and Funeral
- Aboriginal Sacred Site
Historic
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
68
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a