“Allies start with enough literacy to do no harm” – Rose LeMay, 2025
On September 29th, faculty and staff set the table at the Gathering Place in gratitude for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students at UFV. Hosted by Claire Hay, Learning Specialist in Teaching and Learning, the Reconcili-Action Indigenous Literacy Luncheon was an opportunity for settler allies to show support and gratitude to Indigenous colleagues in the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025.
Sharing her decolonization journey as a settler immigrant and uninvited guest on Stó:lō Temexw, Claire opened lunch with a land acknowledgement followed by prayer, drum and song from Senóqw’iye – Leanne Joe. Together, Knowledge Holders, elders, Indigenous staff and faculty, and settlers gathered to enjoy food prepared by settler allies. We shared stories and heard teachings from Elder Denise Douglas. We learned, laughed, and ate well. We also shared our favourite books by Indigenous authors.
We made individual commitments to continue to walk towards decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation.
Join us on Tuesday 29 September 2026 for our 2nd Annual Reconcili-Action Indigenous Luncheon.