Oct 08, 2024

Honouring the Land: Highlights from the Mathxwi House Post Celebration

We are pleased to share highlights from a special event last week at Xchange Business Park, a joint venture partnership between QuadReal and Hungerford: “Honouring the Land: Mathxwi House Post Celebration.” This celebration marked the unveiling of the completed house posts, located on the ancestral lands of the Mathxwi (Matsqui First Nation), and underscores our commitment to recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the land on which Xchange is built.

A heartfelt thank you goes to local Coast Tsimshian carver, Michael Epp, for his incredible craftsmanship in creating the four stunning house posts now proudly displayed in the outdoor gathering plaza at Xchange. Michael expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I was very honoured to do these house posts. I started working with QuadReal and Hungerford, and it has been a joy working and a really good experience with them.”

We would also like to extend our appreciation to Matsqui First Nation Councillor Brenda Morgan, as well as Matsqui members Elder Jackie Julian, Ronald Modeste, and Melissa Epp, for their invaluable contributions to the celebration. A special thanks goes to the City of Abbotsford’s Mayor, councillors, and staff, along with the consultants involved in this project, for their support and collaboration.

Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Mathxwi culture through traditional drumming and storytelling, deepening our connection to this shared history. Mayor Ross Siemens articulated the importance of the event, saying, “On behalf of the City of Abbotsford and Abbotsford city council, it’s a real honour for us to be here today. This is a very meaningful opportunity for us. One of the great honours I have as mayor is working closely with our First Nation neighbours and friends. Earlier this week, we observed National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which reminds us how essential it is to have ceremonies that highlight Indigenous traditions and cultural practices that have, in the past, been marginalized. I look forward to learning more about the creative process and the meanings behind these posts. I hope that people passing by in the future will not only appreciate their beauty but also reflect on their significance.”

As we move forward, we are excited to continue this journey of collaboration and cultural appreciation within our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this meaningful celebration.