David Jimmie has spent most of his life building bridges to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and businesses together. David, who will receive an honorary doctorate at UFV’s June 9 convocation ceremony, says that from a very young age he recognized the barriers that often existed between First Nations communities and the broader society around them. Those early observations helped shape his commitment to creating…

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) welcomed researchers, elected officials, policy-makers, agriculture industry leaders, farmers, students, and community partners to its Chilliwack campus May 13 for the Grounded Innovation 3.0 Sustainable Food and Agriculture Summit.  Hosted by Dr. Lenore Newman, director of UFV’s Food and Agriculture Institute and co-chair of the Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) national…

The University of the Fraser Valley is welcoming Byng Giraud as its first Executive-in-Residence, focused on supporting practical approaches to economic reconciliation through work with Indigenous nations and organizations.  As UFV transitions from reconciliation as a concept to 'Reconcili-action' as a tangible reality, the president of Vancouver-based Sedgewick Strategies will work towards bridging the gap between academic learning/institutional policy and real-world partnerships, with a focus on Indigenous businesses.  Supported and hosted by UFV’s Faculty of Business and…

When Dr. Síyamíyatelíyót (Elizabeth Phillips) received an Indspire Award recognizing her lifelong dedication to Halq’eméylem language revitalization, she chose to turn the honour outward. Instead of keeping the award for herself, Dr. Síyamíyatelíyót gifted it to Halq’eméylem language students at the University of the Fraser Valley, encouraging them to carry the language forward. The gesture…

As you walk the halls and pathways of UFV’s campuses, you’ll encounter many pieces of Indigenous art, entrusted to this community by the artists who created them. Teresa Carlson, the university’s curator, collaborates with these creators to document and share their work with the world. “Indigenous art isn’t just a picture or carving on the wall; it’s a representation…

Two UFV researchers from seemingly disparate backgrounds have found that by combining their strengths, they can offer support to Indigenous groups in northern Canada interested in improving food security. Dr. Cindy Jardine and Dr. Lauren Erland, both federally funded Canada Research Chairs at UFV (Cindy in Health and Community and Lauren in Berry Horticulture), decided…

From outer space to flood zones and frozen frontiers, four women who thrive where most would turn back are coming together to talk about what it takes to work — and lead — in extreme environments.  The first Science Café of the 2025–26 academic year takes place at the University of the Fraser Valley Chilliwack…

Kamaldeep (Kam) Singh Sandhu is using his talent for business development, improving the economic outlook for BC Indigenous communities.    The 2025 recipient of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) is a graduate of UFV’s Bachelor of Business Administration program (2012). A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager…

Every September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday honours survivors of Canadian residential schools, their children, and the impact on the families and communities of those who never made it home.   It became a national holiday in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 80th…

Mary Stewart never planned on being a teacher, until she found herself in the first-ever Halq’eméylem class at the Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq’eméylem Language Program through the Stó:lō Nation Agency. She was 36, with a UFV Social Services diploma under her belt and a permanent job lined up. But when the opportunity came to learn Upriver…

Hi:olemtel Clarence Pennier, known to most people as Kat, has devoted his life to fighting for equity for Indigenous people in general, and the Stó:lō people in particular. Land rights, Aboriginal rights, education, and reconciliation are among the causes he has advocated for through a long list of formal roles, jobs, and projects. As he…

Gwen Point had a thirst for learning from an early age. But like many Indigenous children, she faced barriers that made it difficult for her to thrive in the education system. She persevered, never giving up on her dream. Success followed, but not without struggle. She earned her bachelor’s degree. And her master’s degree. And…