Early school tour (1991)
Thousands of students came to tour Xá:ytem every year. Initial tours combined scientific theory and the spiritual aspects of the stone. Tours would begin with a history of the site, followed by a brief walk to the rock and explanation regarding the scientific and spiritual origins of the stone. Next, the guides would go over the archeological site, explaining archeological principles and introducing new material. Later students would be able to sift through the dirt themselves, before later being shown significant artifacts that had been recovered at the site.
“Teacher Sharon Jenken says that her fourth-grade class was so ‘fascinated by the idea of spirits in inanimate objects [like Hatzic Rock] that we began to discuss those ideas back in class”
– Wall Street Journal, October 30, (1991)
After the longhouse was built, further educational programs were offered that introduced students to Stó:lō culture. Basket weaving and totem carving were prevalent on the site.
“Everybody listen. You children here, it’s time you listened. Because you people are young, you don’t understand why the rock is singing. Why is he singing? Can you answer that? He wants something that’s why. He wants something from somebody; somebody that used to be a relative years ago, from you children here. You’re supposed to give the rock an offering, say a little prayer to the rock or whatever you think. Just thank the rock that he’s here for you children to see it. And enjoy looking at the rock. It’s a Great Spirit that’s been left behind for you children. I talked to the rock already. I thanked the rock for coming to see it”.
– Stó:lō Elder Aggie Victor speaking at Xá:ytem, September (1991)
Educational program for Chehalis School (1994)
Children and young people were extremely receptive to the spiritual concepts that would have otherwise not have been introduced via traditional school. In 2001, fifteen thousand people visited Xá:ytem and experienced Stó:lō culture, history, archeology, spirituality and enjoyed traditional hands-on activities. Site manager Linnea Battel states that of eleven thousand of which were children, and that since racial tension in local schools had decreased.