In March 2024, a hard drive representing the culmination of a year’s worth of archival research returned to its rightful home. For most of the 20th century, Canada’s Indian Residential School system uprooted hundreds of young children from their community on Haida Gwaii. The forced separation of families left deep scars on the island’s…

Michelle Good is a Cree woman, an activist, lawyer, storyteller, mentor – and now a 2024 Honorary Degree recipient from the University of the Fraser Valley. Through her writing and activism, she has confronted the genocidal nature of Canada’s laws and policies regarding Indigenous people, in particular, the pervasive removal of children through the Residential…

Eddie Gardner was drawn to drumming and singing at an early age, from learning songs from Indigenous people back east where he grew up, to having Stó:lō songs come to him upon returning to his territorial and cultural roots. “Songs help connect us with our ancestors and bring harmony and joy to the work we…

The work of a UFV alumna was front and centre at last week’s Chowiyes-Xwithet/Rise Up--Wake Up gathering on the Chilliwack campus. Stó:lō artist Bonny (b.wyse) Graham (Dip GDC ‘86) created the powerful logo that was featured on the program cover and displayed on two large screens. Everyone who came to the CEP Gathering Place on…

Trigger Warning//past trauma, death, residential school experience// The following post includes description of the fate of Indigenous children in British Columbia. This content may be disturbing and you may wish to avoid reading further if this will be upsetting. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line:…

Eryn Braley is thankful to have chosen a career in Indigenous public health that allows her to connect with her Indigenous identity. “I am so appreciative of the Indigenous mentors and peers who have guided me in my career and personal journey. Through teachings, connection, and ceremonies, I am connecting with who I am as…

éy swáyel Each year, National Indigenous Peoples Day is recognized on June 21. It is a time to reflect and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada. Across Stó:lō Téméxw, there is much to honour. Since time immemorial, the Stó:lō people have been the stewards of the…

Lisa Doell has learned a lot by taking the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at the University of the Fraser Valley, but she’s also done more than a little teaching. For her efforts to help her professors and fellow students understand Indigenous culture and the issues faced by Indigenous people, Doell is this year’s…

For too many decades, forces of colonization actively worked to deny young Indigenous people access to their own language. And language is critical to culture.  Reconciliation with Stó:lō people is a significant priority for UFV, and a diverse group of donors have played a role in funding the preservation of Halq’eméylem language, and supporting Indigenization…

Receiving and using an employee card is generally a standard, non-glamorous formality for new hires in any company or organization. The card’s functions are transactional, typically used to access buildings, take out library books, and perform other routine tasks. But for many, an employee card can also represent a sense of identity, belonging, and a…

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…

Local Indigenous youth transformed cedar trees into repurposed materials while learning about their culture recently at UFV’s Gathering Place. The participants used coffee grinders to process cedar leaves into powder for medicine, and their families will receive wood from the trees for firewood. The tree gives up its life so that we can sustain ours…