University of the Fraser Valley

UFV’s allyship program fosters genuine friendship with Indigenous communities

UFV’s allyship program fosters genuine friendship with Indigenous communities

Dr. Keith Carlson, Director of UFV’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre, speaking during the 2023 Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building program.

Before Jordon Fernandez enrolled in the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building program last year, he says he didn’t know enough about Indigenous peoples in the Fraser Valley. 

“On a scale of one to 10, I’d say I was at a one,” he admits. “I knew there was lots to learn, but I just didn’t know how to acquire that knowledge.” 

Fernandez is hardly alone. Though Chilliwack is home to more than 10 First Nations communities, and there are many more throughout Fraser Valley, B.C., and across Canada, there’s a great deal to learn about Indigenous culture and history. 

Working at UFV, Jordon has been able to learn firsthand about the rich culture and heritage that many are missing. He participated in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies, saw students interacting with visiting Elders, and became deeply curious about the culture. 

“At UFV, we talk about being allies to Indigenous peoples, but I needed to check myself and my own understanding of what that actually means,” he said. “True allyship goes much deeper than simply encouraging a friend, relative or stranger to learn more about Indigenous culture.” 

Dr. Keith Carlson, Director of UFV’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC), says there’s no one definition of allyship, but an important principle is moving from tolerance to acceptance, and ultimately respect and friendship with Indigenous peoples. 

“What that means is you can turn to them for help, they understand you and you understand them, you don’t have to agree, but you respect them,” Carlson said. “We’re in a world that doesn’t reward that right now, so you’re swimming against the current when you try to make that a priority in your life, but we should all be trying our best to make that swim.” 

The Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building program is a good first step to doing that. 

The popular program, which includes two sessions a month from now through December 2025, is hosted by PARC. The program kicks off with a cedar weaving workshop on Feb 8 with Gracie Kelly. Feb 13 brings a session on archaeology and heritage resources with Tl’elktelemexw (Dr. David Schaepe). 

Topics covered in the program include, but aren’t limited to, lands and resources, settler colonialism, governance, assimilation and residential schools, and culture and spirituality. Elective workshops include drum making, cedar bark weaving, a Placename tour, introductions to the Halq’eméylem language, and other land-based learning experiences. 

“I found the course content truly engaging,” Fernandez recalls. “The mix of lessons, workshops, and online readings ensures you’re seeing the whole picture of Indigenous ways of knowing and history, not just the white version of it. I came away from it knowing a lot more than when I started, but also that there’s so much more to learn.” 

“One part of allyship is transitioning from complacency to continuous learning.” 

Carlson says the program is unlike any other in Canada, led by Stó:lō Knowledge Keepers who guide participants on the journey to becoming genuinely good neighbours and friends with Stó:lō peoples.   

“If you want to contribute to Indigenous resurgence and the building of genuine Indigenous-settler reconciliation, this program is for you,” he says. “It is a safe and welcoming learning environment that previous participants have described as ‘transformative.’” 

PARC offers the program in partnership with  UFV Continuing Education, the Stó:lō Nation, the Stó:lō Tribal Council, the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre, and the Stó:lō Grand Chief’s Council. 

Participants are asked to commit to attending a minimum of 15 sessions/workshops to honour the collective effort and time of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and facilitators who are sharing their teachings. 

Phone 1-888-823-8734 and select option 1 to register for course number 20283.