Aboriginal Archive
The Indigenizer: Shirley Hardman’s journey of discovery guides her mission
Shirley Hardman remembers the shock she felt when a government clerk asked: “And what kind of Indian are you?” “How do you know I’m an Indian?” replied Shirley, whose Stó:lō name is Swelchalot. “I can tell just by looking at you,” replied the clerk. The thing is, at that point in her life, Shirley wasn’t…After a decade, the beloved Shakespeare Garden returns to UFV
It was a time of reflection and growth when dozens gathered to unveil UFV's new Shakespeare Reconciliation Garden on the Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park on Friday, July 16. Though the latest incarnation was planted recently, its roots run very deep. If you were involved in Chilliwack’s arts community during the 1990s and 2000s, chances…UFV statement on 751 unmarked graves identified in Saskatchewan
Trigger Warning: //past trauma, death, residential school experience// The magnitude of Canada’s genocide against Indigenous peoples has been tragically revealed once again with today’s announcement of 751 unmarked graves on the former residential school grounds of the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. This ongoing dark legacy of abuse and multi-generational trauma continues to heavily impact…Crim alumnus and podcaster Aaron Pete gives back by encouraging
Aaron Pete (BA Crim '17) is the personification of the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” He grew up along the corridor of downtown Chilliwack’s Wellington Avenue, the only child of a single mother with a disability. As he made his way to and from Central Elementary each day, he did so…Sponsor steps in to enable publication of first English-to-Chinese translation
A book about Indigenous culture and history will soon be available for Chinese readers, thanks to the financial generosity of a Canadian business person. Shandong University Press will publish the first English-to-Chinese translation of one of University of the Fraser Valley historian Keith Carlson's books on Canadian Indigenous history and settler colonialism. When Chris Pereira,…Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired Orange Shirt Day, to speak
UFV will be commemorating Orange Shirt Day a little early this year, and presenting a special guest to provide insight and education about the generational impacts of the Indian Residential School system in Canada. Phyllis Webstad, whose personal story inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement, will speak at UFV in a Zoom meeting format on…Research Excellence Award 2020: Robert Harding is recognized for his
Three decades ago, in a different life, professional actor Robert Harding sat with a friend — one of New Zealand's top Maori actors — watching a news report showing Indigenous peoples protesting Columbus Day on New York City streets. "Pete turned to me, and said, 'What're the Indians so upset about, mate?'" Harding recalls. "When…Teacher candidates adapt to sudden switch to virtual classroom
Before schools paused for spring break on March 13, UFV Bachelor of Education student Tsandlia Van Ry was living her dream of becoming a teacher. She was posted to Vedder Elementary in Chilliwack, close to her Skowkale First Nation traditional home. Van Ry, who also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from UFV, had completed just…Anti-violence Moose Hide Gathering Feb 24
Although all people, regardless of gender identity or expression, may experience violence and abuse, Indigenous women and children are disproportionately impacted. This February, UFV will be taking a stand to prevent violence against women and children by participating in the Moose Hide Campaign. From Feb. 10-27, UFV students, staff, and faculty may learn more about…Historian Jean Barman to speak about Abbotsford legend Irene Kelleher
Governor General Award-winning author Jean Barman will present a talk about Abbotsford teacher Irene Kelleher at the University of the Fraser Valley on February 10. In her new book, Invisible Generations: Living Between Indigenous and White in the Fraser Valley (Caitlin Press), Barman explores the history of the region and the prejudice people of mixed Indigenous and…Sto:lo ceremony officially opens Building K
UFV’s newest building was formally opened on January 10 with a ceremony grounded in Sto:lo cultural traditions. Building K, the former Phoenix restaurant and Finnegan’s pub that UFV purchased from the Esposito family in 2018, has been transformed into a classroom and lab complex after a major renovation. A total of 10 classrooms, two drop-in…NSO embraces new format, welcomes students with Invocation, and adds
New Student Orientation embraced a new format this year, and set new records for attendance. More than 1,200 new students attended the day-long event on the Abbotsford campus. The orientation event featured UFV’s first-ever Invocation ceremony, a welcome event with a bit of pomp and circumstance, designed to mirror the look and feel of Convocation.…Eric Davis looks back on decade as Provost
Dr. Eric Davis arrived at UFV at an exciting time. Davis, who winds up his term as Provost this month and will return after an administrative leave as Special Advisor to the President, took some time recently to reflect on his 27 years at UFV and his decade as Provost and Vice President Academic. Davis…Sad news: Ken Brealey has passed away
Dr. Ken Brealey, who joined UFV as a faculty member and later served in key senior administrative roles, passed away on August 14, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Ken is survived by his wife Norma and his three step-daughters. Most recently, Ken served as acting Associate Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations within Human Resources. Prior to…Deep roots — the Crabtree connection carries back to UFV’s
There are not many people whose connection to UFV goes back as far as Tom Crabtree's. And that long-time connection has led to new support in the form of bursaries for UFV students. The Honourable Mr. Justice Thomas Crabtree, as he is formally known, was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in May…UFV student residence is now Lá:lem te Baker
UFV announced a reimagined name for its student residence on March 23 at a celebration held in the new Indigenous garden on the Abbotsford campus. Baker House, which opened in 2007, will now be known as Lá:lem te Baker, appending the Halq’emeylem language word for house to the Baker name. Kyle Baillie, UFV’s Executive Director…Local locks sheared in support of Indigenous language scholarship
We’ve all heard of COVID hair. A certain segment of the population saw the pandemic as an opportunity to unleash their 1980s hair-band or 1970s prog-rock look as people worked from home and were reluctant to venture out to the hairdresser or barber shop. Now as people gradually return to the office, some come with…How to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation —
As Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday for the first time, there are a variety of events at UFV and in surrounding communities where you can learn more about the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. UFV will be closed on September 30 to…The Indigenizer: Shirley Hardman’s journey of discovery guides her mission
Shirley Hardman remembers the shock she felt when a government clerk asked: “And what kind of Indian are you?” “How do you know I’m an Indian?” replied Shirley, whose Stó:lō name is Swelchalot. “I can tell just by looking at you,” replied the clerk. The thing is, at that point in her life, Shirley wasn’t…After a decade, the beloved Shakespeare Garden returns to UFV
It was a time of reflection and growth when dozens gathered to unveil UFV's new Shakespeare Reconciliation Garden on the Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park on Friday, July 16. Though the latest incarnation was planted recently, its roots run very deep. If you were involved in Chilliwack’s arts community during the 1990s and 2000s, chances…UFV statement on 751 unmarked graves identified in Saskatchewan
Trigger Warning: //past trauma, death, residential school experience// The magnitude of Canada’s genocide against Indigenous peoples has been tragically revealed once again with today’s announcement of 751 unmarked graves on the former residential school grounds of the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. This ongoing dark legacy of abuse and multi-generational trauma continues to heavily impact…Crim alumnus and podcaster Aaron Pete gives back by encouraging
Aaron Pete (BA Crim '17) is the personification of the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” He grew up along the corridor of downtown Chilliwack’s Wellington Avenue, the only child of a single mother with a disability. As he made his way to and from Central Elementary each day, he did so…Sponsor steps in to enable publication of first English-to-Chinese translation
A book about Indigenous culture and history will soon be available for Chinese readers, thanks to the financial generosity of a Canadian business person. Shandong University Press will publish the first English-to-Chinese translation of one of University of the Fraser Valley historian Keith Carlson's books on Canadian Indigenous history and settler colonialism. When Chris Pereira,…Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired Orange Shirt Day, to speak
UFV will be commemorating Orange Shirt Day a little early this year, and presenting a special guest to provide insight and education about the generational impacts of the Indian Residential School system in Canada. Phyllis Webstad, whose personal story inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement, will speak at UFV in a Zoom meeting format on…Research Excellence Award 2020: Robert Harding is recognized for his
Three decades ago, in a different life, professional actor Robert Harding sat with a friend — one of New Zealand's top Maori actors — watching a news report showing Indigenous peoples protesting Columbus Day on New York City streets. "Pete turned to me, and said, 'What're the Indians so upset about, mate?'" Harding recalls. "When…Teacher candidates adapt to sudden switch to virtual classroom
Before schools paused for spring break on March 13, UFV Bachelor of Education student Tsandlia Van Ry was living her dream of becoming a teacher. She was posted to Vedder Elementary in Chilliwack, close to her Skowkale First Nation traditional home. Van Ry, who also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from UFV, had completed just…Anti-violence Moose Hide Gathering Feb 24
Although all people, regardless of gender identity or expression, may experience violence and abuse, Indigenous women and children are disproportionately impacted. This February, UFV will be taking a stand to prevent violence against women and children by participating in the Moose Hide Campaign. From Feb. 10-27, UFV students, staff, and faculty may learn more about…