Helping Women and Children Triumph Against Family Violence Since 1988

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   Our History

Thank you to our elder, M. Uslick, for giving us our name "Xolhemet", in 1988, which translates to "someone who cares".

HER  SPIRIT  SHALL  BE  WITH  US  FOREVER

The Xolhemet Society was created in 1988, through an application to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (C.M.H.C) and Project Haven, through the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. The Xolhemet Society is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to providing services to battered women and their children, and to provide education and support.

Our Society is Federally registered and is governed by the appropriate constitutions and by-laws related to non-profit societies. At the present time our Board of Directors consists of five members, each of whom serve a two year term. In addition to Federal registration, we are also a member in good standing of the B.C. Yukon Society of Transition Houses, which provides access to information and networking on common concerns, both provincially and nationally.

The Xolhemet Society has operated a six-bedroom Transition House for battered women and their children since April 1 of 1991. Annually, approximately 200+ women and children access the services offered through our Transition House. Our house is located in the Chilliwack area and although we are funded operationally by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, our services are available to all women victims regardless of ethnicity and their children who require safe and temporary shelter and support services.

In 1993 our Sister, Sam Byers, was brutally murdered by her partner, a respected school teacher. Because of this tragedy, the Xolhemet Society decided to expand our services by designing a Second Stage Housing facility for women and children surviving family violence. Our housing complex is made up of five individual, self-contained 2 and 3 bedroom partially furnished apartments, including a wheelchair accessible suite. 

In Loving Memory of Wilma Mussell

Wilma sat on the board for 21 years and was one of the founding members of society.  She taught us so much by the sharing of our culture, ensuring our path continued in a genuine and straight line.  She always remained focused on the reason for Xolhemet's existence, keeping in sight the ultimate goal to end family violence against women and children. Wilma always found time to mentor the younger generation and I for one, will never forget her never-ending energy; her unconditional love, support and guidance for the past 21 years and her friendship for over 30 years.  The Xolhemet society will never be the same that is for sure but we will continue our struggle in honor of Wilma and try our very best to accomplish our goal and make her proud.  On behalf of the  Xolhemet Society Board of Directors, staff and volunteers we say good-bye to one of the most precious people put on this earth by our Creator, we love you Wilma

Ya'lh yuxw kw'a'as ho';y

(Thank You)

All my Relations

Susanne Point

Executive Director of the Xolhemet Society

Xolhemet Society - 1-888-558-0468

"Someone Who Cares"