March 2025 News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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March News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this March 2025!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

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Psychology

  • Andrea Albonico, Assistant Professor of Psychology, co-authored “Chapter 20 – The Lateralization of Reading” in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology – Volume 208, 2025, alongside Jason J.S. Barton and Randi Starrfelt.

Political Science

English

  • Dr. Prabhjot Parmar (English) was a featured speaker at Decolonial Conversations (Western University), exploring the role of Indigenous philosophy and Sufi traditions in resisting colonial power. She also chaired a panel on activism through dress, bodies, and speech.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Championing Indigenous communication and empowering student voices

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Championing Indigenous communication and empowering student voices

In January 2025, Dr. Kelsey Blair joined the UFV School of Communication as the new Assistant Professor – Indigenous Communication Specialist. Welcome, Dr. Blair!

Dr. Blair brings a passion for the transformative power of communication—whether it’s connecting communities, sharing stories, teaching, or challenging power structures. Her dedication to fostering meaningful conversations and learning opportunities is truly inspiring.

Get to Know Dr. Kelsey Blair:

What inspired you to specialize in Indigenous Communication?
I am passionate about communication and its various potentials: to teach, entertain, connect, share stories, and resist power imbalances. These potentials come alive in Indigenous Communication, allowing us to learn, connect, and share alongside Indigenous people and communities.

What do you hope students take away from your classes?
I hope my students feel inspired to reflect critically on themselves, their surroundings, and their communities. Most importantly, I want them to feel empowered to communicate confidently across various settings.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
As an educator, the most rewarding aspect has been supporting students on their learning journeys—whether that means introducing them to new ideas or helping them develop new skills.

We are excited about the knowledge and passion Dr. Blair brings to our community. It’s great to have her on UFV’s team!

From an English Major to a Curatorial Practicum: Kellyn Leclerc’s launch into uncharted territory

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Kellyn picture -credits for Skylar Janzen

From an English Major to a Curatorial Practicum: Kellyn Leclerc’s launch into uncharted territory

Kellyn picture -credits for Skylar Janzen
credits: Skylar Janzen

When we think of curators, we often imagine individuals with backgrounds in Visual Arts or Art History, meticulously assembling exhibitions with years of specialized training. But what happens when a storyteller, a writer with a passion for community engagement, steps into the role?

Meet Kellyn Leclerc, a Bachelor of Arts student whose love for storytelling carved an unexpected path into curation. Kellyn’s journey twisted with the unpredictability of a well-spun tale, leading him to The Reach Gallery, where he transformed words into visual narratives and sparked conversations through art.

From a young age, Kellyn was drawn to the art of storytelling. While initially planning to pursue Social Work, he found himself captivated by the world of literature, eventually transitioning into full-time English studies.

Taking a leap into the unknown

Despite not having a background in Visual Arts, Kellyn saw an open position for UFV’s student curatorial role at The Reach Gallery. This is a competitive eight-month internship that is typically offered to UFV’s BFA and VA students.  Instead of doubting his qualifications, he took a leap of faith:

“When I first got the email invitation to apply for the position, it was one of those moments in my life where I figured, why not? I don’t have a background in Visual Art or Art History, but I do have a passion for community engagement and discussion.”

What Kellyn discovered was that curation wasn’t just about art—it was about storytelling. His experiences in Social Work courses and his time as a concert promoter in the local punk music scene helped shape his ability to organize events with a strong thematic narrative.

“As a curator, it’s critically important to have a nuanced understanding of the type of community you’re working in, and how the works you select for presentation might connect to said environment. Years ago, when I organized all-ages punk shows, I thought not just about the bands, but about how their identities created a larger story through the night. That same mindset helped me as a curator, crafting a visual art experience that could inspire meaningful, reflective discussion.”

After months of preparation, Kellyn’s curated exhibition debuted at The Reach Gallery. It was a night to remember for the audience and for all those who had taken a chance on him.

“What I witnessed during the intro to the exhibit you curated at The Reach was nothing short of magical. You were so in tune with the artist’s work and intentions. It has been a pleasure to watch you tap into your creative passions and talents over the past year. Despite any personal obstacles, you have only demonstrated resilience and professionalism—without compromising who you are.” – Tamara Courage, Arts External Liaison Coordinator at UFV – College of Arts.

“When I was a child, my family was told I might not graduate high school due to my diagnosed learning disability. So, now it feels incredibly surreal to be this far into my degree.”

Looking to the future

So, what’s next for Kellyn?

He is currently weaving his first horror novel into existence: a Lynchian-inspired ghost story set at an evangelical Christian summer camp. Writing remains his deepest passion, but his love for community arts continues to grow, shaping a future where storytelling extends beyond the page and into the heart of the world around him.

When asked what advice he would give to students considering a practicum, Kellyn doesn’t hold back:

“How do you expect to find a job post-graduation if you haven’t built a network of contacts or a portfolio of real-world experience? Do you think you’ll just be handed a degree and land a job instantly? Practicums are the key to unlocking doors—they let you prove your skills to the very people who can shape your future.”

For those considering English as a major, Kellyn’s advice is just as bold:

“Keep an open mind. Say yes to opportunities—even when they seem outside your comfort zone. An English degree isn’t a limitation; it’s a launching pad. Whether you go into journalism, publishing, editing, community programming, or teaching, the only limit is how wide you’re willing to open the door.”

Kellyn’s journey—from horror writer to gallery curator—proves that storytelling isn’t confined to books. It lives in art, music, conversation, and the spaces between words, shaping the world in ways we least expect. Whether through literature or curating, his ability to craft meaningful narratives has opened doors that once seemed out of reach.

And sometimes, the biggest opportunities come from simply asking yourself: ‘Why not?’

February 2025 News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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February News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this February 2025!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

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School of Creative Arts

  • Davida Kidd, Associate Professor of Visual Arts in the School of Creative Arts, has had her work curated for three exhibitions:
    • 2025 International Triennale Gravure at La Boverie Museum, LiĂšge, Belgium
    • The Shifting Point: Masters of Printmaking from Canada at Titanikas Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts, Vilnius, Lithuania
    • 2025 International Triennial Graphics – Color in Graphics / Traces Exhibition in collaboration with Wozownia Art Gallery, ToruƄ, Poland

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Accountability in Palestine – Dr. Mark Kersten, Assistant Professor of Criminology, presented Troubled Waters but Reasons to Hope: The Future of the International Criminal Court and Accountability in Palestine at Langara College in January.
  • UFV’s Faculty of Criminology and Criminal Justice made significant contributions to the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference (February 6-8, 2025, Seattle, WA) through the following presentations:
    • Amanda McCormick & Dr. Zina Lee, Associate Professors of Criminology, presented The Impact of Court Rulings on Sexual Assault Investigations (with Negrin, S.).
    • Erin Osterberg, Associate Professor of Criminology, spoke about Unanticipated Consequences: The Perils of “Catch and Release” in Drug Investigations (with Davies, G., & Champion, A.).
    • Irwin Cohen & Dr. Kevin Burk, Associate Professors of Criminology, discussed The Challenges That Technology and Court Rulings Present for Homicide Investigations (with Pastia, C.).

Psychology

Arts & Integrated Studies

  • Dr. Dale McCartney, Assistant Professor of Arts & Integrated Studies, participated in a UBC-hosted discussion on The Crash of the International Student “Market” as part of the Green College Special Event series.

Political Science

  • Noah Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Political Science published an article called “Grandpa Joe’s hunting rifle: morality policy framing in Canadian Parliament” in the journal Policy Sciences, that encourages a diversity of perspectives.

A journey of passion, persistence, and creativity

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A journey of passion, persistence, and creativity

In the halls of UFV’s School of Creative Arts, where passion and creativity thrive, Hannah Bricknell, a first-year Bachelor of Media Arts student, is carving her own artistic path. Since childhood, art has been more than just a passion—it has been a way of making sense of the world. Drawing since the age of five, Hannah found that art provided both a sense of calm and a means of communication, especially as she navigated the challenges of a learning disability that affected her verbal expression.

“Over time, drawing became the best way for me to communicate my ideas and thoughts,” she shares.

Now, as she steps into the next phase of her journey, UFV’s Bachelor of Media Arts program is providing the space for her to refine her skills, explore new mediums, and discover where her artistic talents can take her. At UFV, she can experiment with different creative disciplines before deciding on a specific career path. Also, she is excited to apply for a co-op program, which provides hands-on experience, helping students explore professional opportunities related to their studies. But Hannah already knows her superpower: “Creativity and imagination are probably the most important skills to keep. They’re key in critical problem-solving.”

An artist getting ready to shine.

In January 2025, Hannah received formal recognition for her art for the first time when she won the Emerging Artist Award at the 20th Annual Arty Awards, organized by the Abbotsford Arts Council. It was a moment that reinforced her belief in her work and solidified her confidence as an artist.

The pieces that she exhibited reflected her artistic journey and individual experiences. One of her most meaningful works is a painting titled “How I Process”, which is about her learning disability, using an analogy she often shares with others.

“On one side, there’s a messy room, symbolizing my brain. On the other side, there’s a tidy room, representing how other people’s brains work.”

Through her art, Hannah translates personal challenges into visual storytelling, offering a perspective that is both intimate and universal.

Recently, she was given the opportunity to contribute to an anthology comic, collaborating with experienced comic artists—some of whom previously helped her create her first comic book – a project she created during Grade 11 called “Two Faces”.

As she continues to grow as an artist, her story serves as an inspiration to those forging their own creative paths. Hannah Bricknell’s journey is just beginning—but with her talent, dedication, and ever-evolving skills, the possibilities ahead are limitless.

December News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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December News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this December 2024!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

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đŸ“„ Subscribe to our Arts Newsletter

School of Creative Arts

  • Marcel Casarini, Assistant Professor, Media Arts – This year, Marcel released a book titled Level Design and Architecture: Space and Digital Environment (Level Design e Arquitetura: Espaco e Ambiente Digital), published by Senac in Brazil. The book is available in both digital and hard copy formats throughout the country. Publisher: Senac Release Date: Aug/24.
  • Associate Professor, Visual Arts, Shel Stefan, was recently involved in a number of initiatives:
  1. They presented their work in a two-person art exhibition at the Museum of the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The exhibition, entitled They, They, & It: Reflections on Trans Identity, ran from April 11, 2024 – July 5, 2024, and drew upwards of 1000 visitors to the museum in support of the work. Stefan featured two series of works in the show: Self Portraits, a set of 6 life-size acrylic paintings on panel, and Gargolla, a series of 10 clay, wood, and wire sculptures. One of their paintings was also featured in The Georgia Straight Newspaper 2024.
  2. Their exhibition, work, and research were featured in The Source Newspaper: 2024 The Source, “They, They, & It”. Exploring the Deep Connection Between Italian and Transgender Identity, Curtis Seufert, Volume 24, Issue 21, May 28-June 11, 2024.
  3. They were a panelist on June 21, 2024 for the Queer Discussion Panel: Safe and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQ2SIA+ at the Museum of the Italian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC.
  4. They exhibited their work in the 2023 Fraser Valley Biennial, a group art exhibition which toured several regional galleries and museums from May 30, 2023 – September 30, 2023. Stefan’s drawings were featured in shows at four of the FV Biennial venues: the Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford, the Langley Arts Council Gallery, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre Gallery, and the Ranger Station Harrison Arts Council Gallery.
  5. Their work was featured in the Fraser Valley Biennial in two publications: 2023 The Chilliwack Progress, Artists Explore Human Body in Fraser Valley Biennial Show, Jenna Hauck, Nov 1, 2023, and 2023 Preview Art Magazine, 2023 Fraser Valley Biennial, Michael Turner, Feb-March 2023.
  6. They collaborated in two interactions of their live art performance entitled Drawing, Tending, Tying: An Art and Rope Experiment. In October 2023, Drawing, Tending, Tying 2: An Art and Rope Experiment was performed at the opening ceremonies of Unabashed in Denver, Colorado, USA. In May 2024 Drawing, Tending, Tying 3: An Art and Rope Experiment was performed at Diva’s Den in Vancouver, BC.
  7. They also had one of their paintings featured in & Magazine: 2023 & Magazine #2, She Rope Re-Members Rosemary, Image Feature, Maine College of Arts & Design
  8. They were also interviewed by Maine College of Art & Design.

 

Criminology & Criminal Justice

  • Associate Professors, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Dr. Zina Lee and Dr. Irwin Cohen, report on the remediation of residential homes used in drug production was cited in a Vancouver Sun article.
  • Assistant Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Mark Kersten, was interview by CBC News in an article called Indigenous leaders praise report on Canada’s ‘disappeared’ residential school children. The article features Kimberly Murray’s research about abuse of children at residential schools.
  • Assistant Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Dr. Mark Kersten, was invited to speak at the House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee on Canada, recognizing Palestinian statehood.
  • Professor Emeritus Mr. Yvon Dandurand co-authored an article on children whose parents are in conflict with the law. Capp, M., & Dandurand, Y. (2024). Supporting children whose parents are in conflict with the law through the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Honoring the legacy of Hon. Landon Pearson. The Canadian Journal of Children’s Rights, 11(1), 15-37.

Political Science

May to November News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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Presentation during an event

May to November News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up to from May to November 2024!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

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đŸ“„ Subscribe to our Arts Newsletter

Philosophy

  • Philosophy Associate Professor Dr. Glen Baier presented at the 2024 Friedrich Nietzsche Society conference at the University of Verona, in Verona, Italy. It was entitled “Nietzsche in the Anthropocene” and it ran from July 25-27. Dr Glen presented a paper entitled “Sin, Alienation, and Tragic Art. The Problem of Nature in Nietzsche’s Birth of Tragedy”.

 

  • In August 2024, UFV student Nicky Whitehouse gave a presentation at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy in Rome along with co-authors UFV Philosophy faculty member Anastasia Anderson and Abbotsford School District teachers (and UFV alumni) Elizabeth Wilson and Karla Toro-Chacon (in absentia). The co-authors’ research was inspired by their work in philosophy for children through the UFV Philosophy department and UFV Centre for Philosophy for Children and their experiences with the Thinking Playground summer camps. The 25th World Congress of Philosophy had approximately 5000 attendees from all over the world and showcased presentations on a wide range of philosophical topics.

 

English

  • English Associate Professor Dr. Alex Wetmore presented a paper titled “Springs of Emotion” at the Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studiesin Fall 2023, on figurative allusions to spring-regulated clockwork mechanisms in sentimental literature, related to his current book project on the intersections of emotion, literature and technology, 1660-1830.

 

  • English sessional instructor Dr. Carl Peters will be presenting two papers at the MLA in New Orleans: “Poe Dies on Netflix: Life Is a Narrative & The Crisis of Narration: The Tell-Tale Heart” (sponsored by Poe Studies Association) and another on contingency: “Art & Fear: Reflection on Self-Recognition, Disillusioned Maturity, and Moral Steadfastness in the Midst of a Bad Situation” (sponsored by MLA Committee on Contingent Labor in the Profession). The MLA also accepted for publication “I Wanted to Teach a Poem,” to be included in a book on William Carlos Williams: Approaches to Teaching the Poetry and Prose of William Carlos Williams, published by the MLA scheduled for 2025.

 

  • Fraser Valley Writers’ Festival took place November 1-2 in Evered Hall. We welcomed Angela Sterritt and Billy-Ray Belcourt as keynote speakers, with panel discussions and workshops led by important Canadian authors offered to students and the public free of charge.

 

Modern Languages

  • Spanish Associate Professor Maria de Luna presented in two conferences. The first one was “A 2900 Millas de Distancia: Voces de Migrantes Temporales en un Mundo de Fronteras LingĂŒĂ­sticas.” – Paper presented at Lengua, Identidad y Racismo: un Enfoque LingĂŒĂ­stico/Language, Identity and Racismo: a Linguistic Approach, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. The second one was “Identidad, TradiciĂłn y Creatividad: Integrando la Cultura Popular en la Enseñanza del Español LE/L2/LH.” – Workshop presented at 34th Congreso Internacional de la AsociaciĂłn Para la Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera (ASELE), Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

 

  • The Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Dr. Molleen Shilliday, presented their work in two occasions. The first one was called “Trauma Based Adaptations.” APFUCC ((l’Association des professeur.e.s de français des universitĂ©s et collĂšges canadiens) Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. MontrĂ©al, June 2024. The second presentation was called “Extreme Adaptations”, presented at 58thannual Comparative Literature Conference at California State Long Beach. April 2024.

 

Political Science

  • Political Science Associate Professor Dr. Edward Akuffo accepted an invitation to appear as an expert witness in front of  the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade for its study on Canada’s engagement and interests in Africa on October 2, 2024.

 

  • Dr. Akuffo was featured in University Affairs magazine, where he discussed how his passion for global politics has inspired innovative approaches to international relations. The article explores his work in bridging the gap between Canada and Africa, and his efforts to foster new dialogues in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

 

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Associate Professor Dr.  Carlos Ponce co-authored an article on drug policy. Bouchard, M., & Ponce, C. (in press). Structuring adaptations: Resilience, restrictive deterrence, and the Cunningham precursor control papers. International Journal of Drug Policy.

 

  • Associate Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce presented at a webinar on July 30, 2024 by the American Chamber of Commerce in El Salvador, “Prospective Security Analysis: Exploring Potential Crime Scenarios in El Salvador.”

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand was a keynote speaker at the Borderlands of Criminal Law Conference held at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law. Mr. Dandurand spoke on “The Future of International Cooperation in Criminal Matters” on June 20, 2024.

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand co-authored an article on the treatment of child victims and witnesses. Le, D. H. T., & Dandurand, Y. (in press). Improving the treatment of child victims and witnesses of crime in the Vietnamese justice system: Unfinished reforms. International Journal for the Semiotics of Law.

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand presented on September 25, 2024 to the Eastern Caribbean Development Partners’ Group Meeting on Citizen Security, “Crime Prevention and Response Interventions in CARICOM Countries: A Gap Analysis on Behalf of Global Affairs Canada.”

 

Graphic and Digital Design

  • The Graphic and Digital Design (GDD) department and Assistant Professor Trevor Embury host a public seminar series called Counterforms – Practices, Theories, and Methods, happening on Wednesday, October 9th at 6-8pm – UFV Abbotsford, Room C1422. The initiative invites students to explore the complexities of design across its various modalities, from practice and activism to discipline and ways of knowing, and beyond.

 

Psychology

 

 

Social Justice

 

  • Dr. Geetanjali Gill, Associate Professor Global Development Studies, presented in the following conferences:
    • 1 -Photovoice: Aiming for Impact 2024 Conference, Photovoice Worldwide, Oct. 17, 2024. Presentation title: “Photovoice with youth in Mali and Senegal for research on youth agency and empowerment, evaluation, and advocacy”;
    • 2 – New Frontiers in Research Fund Midterm Forum, Sept. 12-13, 2024. Presentation title: “Impact, Knowledge Dissemination and Institutionalizing Change: Participatory Action Research with female sex-trafficking survivors living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal: Addressing intersectional gender oppression and advocating for well-being and inclusion”;
    • 3 – Featured speaker at: Pathways to Gender Equality Conference, SPUR Change, Inter-Council Network, and Government of Canada, Ottawa, Nov. 7, 2024. Presentation title: “Small Steps, Big Results: small and medium organizations advancing gender equality.”

 

  • Chelsea Klassen, Global Development Studies Sessional Instructor, presented at UK Development Studies Association 2024 Conference, June 26, 2024. Presentation title: “’Bad Girls’: Using the aspiration cycle of women’s sports in Afghanistan (and beyond)”. Her presentation was also highlighted in the DSA’s article, “Social Justice in Many forms at DSA 2024.”

 

  • Chelsea Klassen was a guest lecturer at WJ Mouat Social Justice 12 class on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, 2024. GDS 100 students are also virtually making presentations on different global conflicts to the Social Justice 12 students.

 

School of Creative Arts

  • The School of Creative Arts (SOCA) featured an exhibition called Portals into Nature on the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery. This is a group exhibition exploring the evolving relationship between humans and nature. Through sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the artists reflect on transition, transformation, and the passage of time. Each piece acts as a portal into overlooked or forgotten moments, bridging the gap between urban life and nature. Featuring works by Megan Ali, Jacqueline Pan, Devin Pigeau, Yukun Lin, Cobi Timmermans, Arty Urdabayev, and Ruby Woo, and curated by SoCA student Megan Ali and recent graduate Yukun Lin.

 

  • Presented by the UFV SOCA Acting and Production Classes, The Paper Bag Princess is based on the popular and beloved children’s book, The Paper Bag Princess © 1980 Bob Munsch Enterprises Ltd (text) and Michael Martchenko (art), published by Annick Press. This production was built in partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, that is hosting a few performances in their Rotary Hall Studio Theatre.

 

Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub

  • UFV Changemaking debuts at Community Showcase – UFV debuted its changemaking efforts at the celebration of St’elt’elawtexw, the university’s annual community report. The Community Health and Social Innovation Hub supported these efforts, with students speaking with community members about what changemaking meant to them. These responses were brought together in a beautiful graphic recording capturing the evening’s discussions artistically.

 

  • CHASI research shows VisionQuest program reduces criminal recidivism by 55% – A new report from CHASI looks at VisionQuest‘s substance use treatment program in Logan Lake, B.C. The report, prepared by Dr. Darryl Plecas, Dr. Martha Dow, and Chelsea Klassen, MA, found that the program demonstrated capacity to reduce collective crimes committed by 55%, and suggests that the VisionQuest program has the potential to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the criminal justice system.

 

Social, Cultural, & Media Studies

  • Dr. Beaulieu presented Reconciliation in Action Award – On September 24, Dr. Sarah Beaulieu, a UFV SCMS assistant professor and CHASI Faculty Associate, was honoured with the Reconciliation in Action award at the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact in Surrey. Her ongoing work supporting Indigenous communities in their search for unmarked graves has led to international attention on the history of Canada’s Indian Residential School system.

UFV’s partnership with Chilliwack Cultural Centre fuels arts education

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The School of Creative Arts at UFV has created a remarkable theatre experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world performance through a meaningful partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. This collaboration offers students the unique opportunity to work in both a close-knit theatre environment and the larger, professional-scale stage of a renowned arts venue—a blend that amplifies their skills, confidence, and creative expression.

UFV’s Black Box Theatre on the Abbotsford campus is an intimate space, seating around 40 to 50 people, where students can experiment and connect closely with audiences. Shelley Liebembuk, Director of the School of Creative Arts and Associate Professor, calls it “a perfect lab for experimentation, where students are encouraged to interact with their audience and explore their craft.” This year, after the opening week of performances in this intimate setting, the students tour both their fall and winter productions to the 160-seat Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (CCC). This experience allows students to tackle new challenges, from managing sound and lighting for a bigger space to actors projecting their performances for a broader audience.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre! I’m also really excited because its going to be in front of a big audience. Its going to be a super cool and fun experience!”, says Marie Brideau, production class student working as the Stage Manager for The Paper Bag Princess.

The success of this partnership is due in large part to the vision of Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Executive Director, Jean-Louis Bleau. Liebembuk notes that Bleau has been “an amazing collaborator, welcoming our students with open arms and investing in their growth as future artists.”

The School of Creative Arts continues to enrich its programs, expanding student access to diverse training environments, mentorship, and pathways for careers both on and off the stage. “The students are working with professional technology, so when they graduate, they’re ready for anything,” adds Giuseppe Condello, Production Manager of the Theatre Program. Condello explains that UFV’s equipment aligns closely with that at CCC’s Rotary Hall, so students are well-prepared to adapt to the new venue.

One exciting result of this partnership is the TakeOver festival, where UFV arts practicum students curate a one-day festival at Rotary Hall. This unique opportunity came from Bleau’s own idea of empowering students to take ownership of the space. “It’s a rare experience for students to plan and execute a full festival,” Liebembuk shares. “It gives them real-world experience in arts management and production.”

Through this partnership, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and UFV are creating a powerful learning pathway that bridges education and the arts industry. Thanks to Bleau’s support and UFV’s School of Creative Arts’ innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and community connection that prepare them to make their mark on the arts.

Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

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Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

In the heart of our university, where stories of heritage and identity intertwine, a program stands out for its deep impact on students and the broader community. The Power and Place program is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a journey of discovery and reconciliation. Today, we spotlight Meghan Hilton, one of our remarkable students whose experience in this program has been nothing short of transformative.

“I was motivated to enrol in the Power and Place program as I am a Metis student studying Indigenous Studies,” shares Meghan, currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at UFV. The decision to join the program stemmed from a desire for an immersive, hands-on learning experience that would deepen her understanding of Indigenous studies.

As she recounts her journey, the passion and dedication to her studies are evident. When asked about a specific moment or lesson that deeply resonated with her, Meghan finds it challenging to pinpoint just one.

“It is challenging to pinpoint a single moment or lesson from the Power and Place program that resonated with me the most, as each class and lesson contributed uniquely and significantly to my understanding of Indigenous studies and Stó:lƍ history. Each lesson resonates differently with everyone, while providing support and guidance on how to apply this knowledge in meaningful ways in the world around us.”

When asked about the impacts of the Power and Place program and how she felt empowered to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities, Meghan says:

“The Power and Place program has given me the tools I need to positively contribute to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and settler communities. Through this program, I have gained a deep and complex understanding of Canadian Indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, and worldviews. Thanks to the intensive program structure I feel more prepared to advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights and facilitate respectful conversations about these topics. Through engagement with real-world scenarios and case studies, we as students have gained a greater awareness of the structural challenges and injustices that many face. Additionally, community engagement and collaboration are prioritized in the program’s approach to complex problems. Respecting the knowledge and experiences of Indigenous peoples, you learn to collaborate in a way that prioritizes and encourages culturally appropriate efforts.”

For those considering enrolling in the Power and Place program, Meghan’s advice is both heartfelt and practical.


“I would advise students who are considering enrolling in the Power and Place program to make the commitment. I advise approaching every lesson and class discussion with an open mind and an intent to participate wholeheartedly. The Power and Place program is a life-changing opportunity that engages students in an immersive learning environment and teaches many skills necessary to support efforts towards truth and reconciliation in a good way.”

As we celebrate the stories of students like Meghan, we are reminded of the power of education to transform lives and bridge communities. The Power and Place program continues to be a beacon of hope and understanding, shaping the next generation of advocates for truth and reconciliation.

Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

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Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

Hannah Reimer’s journey into the Power and Place program began with curiosity. As a first-year student at UFV, she decided to learn the Halq’emĂ©ylem language, native to her area. This interest blossomed into a deep appreciation for the language and sparked her desire to learn more about Indigenous culture and reconciliation. Encouraged by her friend Meghan, Hannah enrolled in the Power and Place program, a decision for which she’s incredibly grateful. Now minoring in Indigenous Studies, Hannah has found a profound connection to reconciliation and the power of place and story.

One moment that stood out for Hannah was an activity where students had to choose from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a related story.

“I like to think of myself as a poetic person, and there was a day when we got to pick from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a story that came to mind. I picked, “walk where you will become dust” and was able to, for the first time, think about what that meant and share it with others. It was a beautiful moment for me, a quiet person, to feel validated in taking the time to share out my story and have others listen. I did not feel rushed, I felt at peace, which I have never felt before in a classroom. I realized that day the beauty of learning differently.”

Completing the course has empowered Hannah to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities. Through listening to elders, attending ceremonies, and participating in field trips, she gained knowledge and understanding that only experience can provide.

“Throughout those experiences, something just clicked, and now I view reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities in a way I never would’ve been able to before. It’s not something I can explain or pass on myself, but I now know the tools to get there. If someone were to ask me how, I would say you can never have enough experience, and try to truly submerse yourself when gathering knowledge. I feel empowered to contribute to reconciliation because I’ve allowed myself to become empowered through Power and Place. It’s not a matter of taking an Indigenous studies course, writing a paper, and doing that ten more times. It’s a matter of getting your mind and body involved.”

Hannah’s advice to other students considering the Power and Place program is to be prepared to open up in unconventional ways.

“Be prepared to open up in ways you are not used to doing in a classroom setting. The beauty of the Power and Place program is we learn collectively and individually, all primarily from the heart instead of the mind. It’s a wonderful chance to explore deep into who you are, how you define meaning, and where your values are born. Through this course you will learn how to wake up parts of yourself you didn’t know were asleep.”