Fraser River Lodge Receives Authentic Indigenous Designation

A Place to Gather, With Greater Meaning

Fraser River Lodge has always been a place where people come together.

For weddings. For celebrations. For time away. For reconnecting.

That foundation remains unchanged.

What is changing is the depth of the experience.

Guests are no longer just visiting a destination. They are stepping into a place with history, meaning, and a living connection to the land and water that surround it. In Halq’eméylem, the language of the Stó:lō people, place and identity are deeply connected. That understanding is beginning to shape how the Lodge is experienced.

This is what Indigenous tourism looks like in practice.
Not something added on. Something lived, shared, and experienced with care.

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Community, Culture, and Responsibility

This work is guided by the Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community members of Cheam First Nation.

We are grateful for the trust that has been placed in us, and for the willingness to share culture, stories, and perspective.

Together, there is a shared responsibility. Not only to operate a business, but to care for the land and water, and to ensure that what is being built reflects the values of the community for generations to come.

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Creating Opportunity and Connection

As the Lodge continues to evolve, so does the opportunity to deepen connection between guests and place.

This is already taking shape through initiatives like the Xwchíyò:m Farm Market, now open and featuring locally sourced products. Produce from Cheam’s regenerative farms will begin coming into season this summer, with ingredients making their way into the Lodge’s menus and culinary experiences.

Guests will see this reflected across the property.

In house-made meals and snacks available through the market.
In long table and chef’s table dinners where each course tells a story rooted in the land.
In experiences that feel connected, intentional, and grounded in place.

These efforts reflect a broader commitment to land-based sustainability while creating meaningful economic opportunities within the community.

For guests, it becomes something more than a stay.
It becomes a way to connect with the land, the culture, and the people behind it.

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Leadership Perspective

“We’re honoured to share this designation with our guests. It reflects the work that’s been happening, the direction we’re heading, and our team’s commitment to serving the community and supporting the growth of Indigenous tourism.”
Claudette Krahn, General Manager, Fraser River Lodge

“Xwchíyò:m have lived in S’ólh Téméxw for thousands of years and have inherited values of taking care of the Land as it takes care of us. This is something I noticed amongst the staff while visiting the Lodge; it was apparent that the previous owners and staff had similar values. The staff also carries Let’s emo:t, ‘one heart one mind,’ a teaching passed down through our people. The Fraser River Lodge is a strong economic investment that also supports our culture.”
Chief Michael Victor, Cheam First Nation

“This designation is an important milestone, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of how we are choosing to move forward. Our role is to build something that is both economically strong and deeply respectful of Cheam’s culture, land, and values. Fraser River Lodge is becoming a place where those things come together in a meaningful way, creating lasting opportunity for the community and a more authentic experience for every guest.”
Jason Metcalfe, CEO, Cheam Enterprises Inc

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Looking Ahead

This designation marks an important step, but it is only part of a larger path forward.

The focus remains on continuing to learn, building with intention, and creating something that reflects the values of Cheam First Nation while strengthening the experience for every guest who comes to the Lodge.

Fraser River Lodge is evolving into something deeper.
A place rooted in land, shaped by culture, and guided by community.

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Learn more about this designation here.