Kahtou 0004
February 2001

(Mission, British Columbia)---Local philanthropist, Erwin Singh Braich, continues his tradition of giving generously to worthy projects in his hometown of Mission. He has committed $100,000 to the pithouse and longhouse construction projects at Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre at Hatzic Rock.

Braich, who has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Mission community, states, "It is my privilege to support the ancient and significant Hatzic Rock site. I am fortunate that I can contribute to this project from one of my children¹s offshore trusts. My consultancy arrangements with this and other trusts demand that I travel extensively around the world and I clearly recognize what a treasure we have in Xá:ytem."

Braich hopes that this donation is just the "tip of the iceberg" of his commitment to help Hatzic Rock develop into a world-class interpretive centre. While critical of governments for failing to capitalize on the tremendous cultural resource offered by Xa:ytem he also felt that it presented an opportunity for governments and local people of means to give back to the community. Given its historical and cultural significance he is confident it will attract people from around the world, put Mission on the international map, and bring much needed tourism dollars into the valley. Braich said, "I was asked to chair this project a few years ago but was entangled in protracted matrimonial litigation and thus had to decline. Furthermore, I am deeply honoured by the title Si:yam meaning "respected leader" that has been bestowed on me by Xá:ytem. I look forward to participating in the next phase which includes building "Erwin S. Braich Hall"."

Xa:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre is adjacent to an ancient Sto:lo settlement carbon dated to nine thousand years old ­ making it older than the pyramids of Eqypt or England¹s Stonehenge. Xa:ytem is a place chosen by the Sto:lo people to share their cultural knowledge. Guided tours are offered at Xá: ytem. Longhouse Interpretive Centre, 35087 Lougheed Highway. The Centre, one of 30 heritage properties owned by BC Heritage, is open to the public Monday to Friday 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tour bookings and workshops are offered all year. For further information call (604) 820-9725.